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The R Lazy S Ranch is locally significant under Criterion A for its association with the patterns of settlement and recreation in Jackson Hole. The first homestead patent was a Desert Land entry filed in 1908, which was later proved up and granted to Bennie Linn in 1912. The proof papers only recorded the irrigation activities but listed that they were for both agricultural and domestic purposes. The homesteading era continued until 1936 when the property transferred to Paul Colbron, who immediately built additional cabins with the intent of starting a dude ranch, and the property was named Aspen Ranch. It continued to be utilized as a dude and private family ranch until 1972 when the R Lazy S Ranch’s dude operations were relocated here. These patterns of settlement and homesteading shifting to recreation and the tourism boom in the early 20th century are seen throughout Jackson Hole. As the Desert Land entry suggests, the land is unfit for dry farming and the soil needs to be worked to be productive. Paired with a short growing season and hard high-elevation winters, a diversified approach to income was necessary. The R Lazy S is the only dude ranch to originate within the future Grand Teton National Park borders, relocate after the life lease was ended, and continue to host dudes today. The historic definition of a true dude ranch was a week-long minimum stay, with all meals and a horse included in the rates. The R Lazy S continues to honor this model today.

The R Lazy S Ranch is also locally significant under Criterion C for its Western vernacular craftsman architecture, also known as “dude ranch vernacular.” The evolution of the property from a homestead to a dude ranch, to a private family ranch, and back to a dude ranch is evident in the different craftsmanship of each era. The property stands as a timeline of log structures in Jackson Hole, with the different characteristics of each era visible. The property retains a high degree of integrity of location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. Though some buildings were relocated from the old ranch in 1972, more than 50 years has since passed which has allowed the integrity and significance to increase.