The Hole-in-the-Wall country was made famous by a conglomeration of bandits in the mid 1800’s. This is not an actual hole in the wall or cave, but rather, a splendid red, sandstone escarpment at the southern side of the Big Horn Mountains.
It was so remote, that it made the perfect hiding spot for bank and train robbers, cattle rustlers and the like. The view from up top, enabled them to see for miles, but the narrowness of the entrance made it easy to hold off intruders.
The most famous group being, Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch Gang and included Harry “Sundance Kid” Longabaugh and William “News” Carver. You have got to see the old movie with Robert Redford and Paul Newman if you are a western fan like myself. Not too sure how much truth there is to the story in the movie, but it is sure entertaining.
Other famous outlaws that spent time up there were Jesse James, Jack Ketchum, the Roberts brothers, George “Flatnose” Curry, Laura Bullion and Ben “Tall Texan” Kilpatrick, among others. Together, these bandits became know as the Hole-in-the-Wall gang. They did not necessarily work together, they just hid out in the same area. Even had and agreement, not to bother each other.
They all used the spot to hide out after their forays and to brave the wild, difficult Wyoming winters. There was a creek that ran through the canyon bottom, that enabled them to stay relatively comfortable and even feed their stolen goods…cattle. They even built cabins and a stable for general creature comforts.
Today, the area is part of the Willow Creek Ranch. This is an active cattle/horse/guest ranch about 40 miles west of Kaycee. Ranch guests can make the trip via horseback or 4 wheel drive. Then, you hike the 1/2 mile trail that leads to the top of the Red Wall. I have yet to wander up the trail. The plan is to make that a camping trip next summer.
I did make the drive from US Highway 20-26 headed from Casper toward Shoshoni. You drive past Hell’s Half Acre, then head north on Bucknum Road which loops around to Kaycee.
Make sure you have a good 4 wheel drive vehicle with high clearance. This was not a great, remote hideout for no reason. The roads are extremely rough. Bring water and supplies. Please do not go out if there is a chance of bad weather. If you are interested in making the trip and spending time out there, check out Willow Creek Ranch at https://willowcreekranch.com/.
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Thanks a bunch for checking it out. Happy Trails and have a blessed day.
Wendy Dean