Faraway Ranch represents a transition from the wild, unsettled frontier to a peaceful cattle and guest ranch of the 20th century. In 1887, shortly after the final surrender of Geronimo, Neil and Emma Erickson set up a homestead here. When Neil became the first ranger of the Chiricahua Forest Reserve, Faraway Ranch served as his headquarters for several years. Life at Faraway Ranch centered around cattle, but in the summer of 1917 Erickson's daughters introduced a second business—accommodating guests. Guests enjoyed walking, watching birds, and riding horses through the "Wonderland of Rocks" in the nearby canyons. They were also free to watch or help with the cattle ranching chores. Cattle and guest ranching operations sustained the life of the ranch until its owners became too advanced in years to keep up with the daily turmoil. Today the heritage of Faraway Ranch is being preserved as part of Chiricahua National Monument.