For the past 30 years, the Tread of Pioneers Museum’s annual exhibit series, “Foundations of Steamboat,” has celebrated the contributions of significant families in our valley. This year, the museum will honor the Heid family and the indelible mark they made on the community, Western hospitality and local ski history. The 2025 display opens Jan. 9 and features artifacts, photographs and stories from the family.

Their Routt County family legacy began with the arrival of Henry and Gladys Heid in 1911. Henry managed a meat market in downtown Steamboat Springs for several years, and by 1928 he co-owned the grocery store, later renamed Boys Market. Under the eventual leadership of Bob and “Timer” (sons of Henry), Boys Market became a beloved family-run business that served the community for 50 years.

Bob married Ruby Ralston and Timer married Dolores Osborn. Each family raised three boys. Corkey, Ray, Delbert, Greg, Ted and Mike lived a full life growing up in Steamboat Springs making grocery home deliveries for Boys Market, skiing at Howelsen Hill, working for local ranchers, fishing the downtown holes, renting horses to tourists and more. Corkey and Ray even became Olympic ski jumpers.

Olympian, outfitter and rancher, Ray is best known for his storytelling and iconic images of him wearing a cowboy hat with a one-of-a-kind elk hide duster and riding horseback and leading guests on his Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch in Clark, where his son Perk now runs the business.

“It’s not artificial, everything here is what we have been doing for 100 years,” explained Ray.  

For the Heid family, ranching heritage tourism is their roots and livelihood. In 1962, Delbert Heid established Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch, one of the oldest outfitters in Colorado. Well-known for its horseback rides, guided hunting expeditions, authentic Western charm and, of course, Ray’s stories of adventure and local history, the ranch and outfitter business unveils the Heid family’s enduring connection to the land and heritage.

The Heids’ story is not just one of the past — it is a living legacy that continues to this day. We invite you to visit our latest installment of this exhibit series and dive deeper into the exciting history of the West and Routt County. The exhibit will run through December 2025.