Hole-in-the-Wall Road
Butch Cassidy's outlaw hideout trail
This backcountry route follows the same canyons and mesas where Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch operated from their Hole-in-the-Wall hideout in the 1890s. The road winds 25 miles through the Red Wall, a dramatic red sandstone escarpment in Johnson County, passing the actual cave complex where outlaws cached supplies and planned their next heist. You’ll navigate through narrow slot canyons with names like Outlaw Cave and Buffalo Creek, where the rock walls close in tight enough to scrape your mirrors if you’re not careful.
This is rough, technical 4WD country requiring high clearance and low-range gearing for the rocky creek crossings and steep canyon exits. Summer can be brutally hot in the exposed red rock, making spring and fall the prime seasons. There’s no cell service and the nearest fuel is 40 miles away in Kaycee. But you get authentic outlaw country with petroglyphs, wild horses, and the same sense of isolation that made this perfect bandit territory over a century ago.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5200 ft |
| Best season | April-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with high clearance |
| Nearest town | Kaycee, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of clearance do I need for Hole-in-the-Wall Road?
You need serious high clearance and approach angles — think modified Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner with skid plates. Stock vehicles will get hung up on the rocky sections.
Is this trail accessible in winter?
No, winter snow and ice make this already-difficult trail impassable. Stick to April-June or September-October when conditions are manageable.
Do I need permits to drive Hole-in-the-Wall Road?
No permits required since it's on BLM land. It's free to access but you're responsible for staying on designated routes.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The technical rock sections in the middle third will test your suspension and nerves — lots of wheel placement over sharp sandstone with steep drop-offs.
How many water crossings should I expect?
Several seasonal creek crossings that can range from ankle-deep to hub-deep depending on snowmelt and recent rain. Scout them on foot first.