Saddle up partner, and head to a hidden gem rife with history of the legendary old west. Hole in the Wall, Wyoming was once a favorite hideout for the likes of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the Logan Brothers, and even the notorious Jesse James. Its rugged terrain and remote location made it an ideal place for those on the run. Today, it is a haven for Old West history buffs and family vacationers.
Situated on what is now the Willow Creek Ranch, Hole in the Wall is well off the beaten path. It gets its name from a pass that runs through a rock wall mesa. From the top of this wall, outlaws on the lam could get a complete 360-degree view of the pass below. This allowed them plenty of time to prep if the law was closing in. Being high on the steep, slippery ridge also made their hideout easy to defend. Anyone trapped in the narrow pass would be an easy target.
Where cattle rustlers once stashed their stolen stock, a working cattle ranch now stands. The ranch offers cabins for lodgers, or you can camp out under the stars. You can even book your own full-fledged City Slickers brand vacation here. Other actives include hiking, fly fishing, and skeet shooting.
In the late 1800s, it was a full day’s journey on horseback from the nearest town, however, travel today comes via a rugged dirt road. Those who brave the steep climb upwards to the top of the mesa will be rewarded with sweeping views in addition to a scenic landscape for miles around. In addition to the scenic view, travelers can also see the remains of cabins the outlaws built and lived in. If you’re looking for a true “old west” adventure, head to Hole in the Wall and walk in the footsteps of some of America’s most famous gunslingers.
Wrapping up our post on Hole in the Wall, Wyoming, you should also check out Camper’s Guide: Midway Geyser Basin, Wyoming!
Featured Image from Karsten Koehn/Unsplash
