Jo Witchey was drawn to the splendor of the Rocky Mountains and moved from Mansfield, Ohio, to Denver, Colorado. In 1925, Jo moved to Chalk Creek Canyon, where 14,000-foot peaks framed the valley. On an ascent of the Mount Princeton (14,197') she met a wrangler and hunting guide named Mark Love, whom she later married. They bought a small ranch in Chalk Creek Canyon, started a cabin camp for summer vacationers, and named it 'Love Ranch'. Jo stayed for over 40 years to run the ranch and entertain guests. Frequent guests were author of Roots, Alex Haley and President Dwight D. Eisenhower who visited Love Ranch.