The Mystery of the Outlaw Hideouts in the Big Dry Creek Canyon

The Mystery of the Outlaw Hideouts in the Big Dry Creek Canyon

Big Dry Creek Canyon, a secluded and rugged expanse located in southeastern Wyoming, holds within its stunning landscapes a rich tapestry of tales from the American West. During the late 19th century, this region became a haven for notorious outlaws, fugitive families, and treasure seekers. The canyon, characterized by its steep cliffs, winding trails, and dense forests, may still harbor secrets from a time marked by lawlessness, adventure, and greed.

Historical Context of Big Dry Creek Canyon

Before the notorious outlaws made their mark, Big Dry Creek Canyon formed a part of indigenous land occupied by Native American tribes such as the Arapaho and Shoshone. Following the westward expansion during the 1840s and 1850s, the area began to see an influx of settlers and fortune seekers drawn by the promise of mining and land prospects. By the 1860s, the advent of the transcontinental railroad furthers the settlement of the region, leading to increased tensions between settlers and indigenous populations.

As law enforcement struggled to keep pace with expanding settlements, the isolated terrain of Big Dry Creek Canyon provided a natural refuge for outlaws. The years following the Civil War saw a rise in criminal activity, with bands of outlaws often utilizing the canyon for their pursuits.

Notorious Outlaws of the Era

Several infamous figures took to the shelter of Big Dry Creek Canyon throughout its tumultuous history. Noteworthy among them were leaders of gangs, such as the Wild Bunch, and various individual bandits seeking an elusive respite from the law.

• Butch Cassidy: Perhaps one of the most famed outlaws of the American West, Butch Cassidy, born Robert Leroy Parker in 1866, was a prominent member of the Wild Bunch gang. Story has it that Cassidy and his crew used the canyon as a hideout after robbing banks and trains across the region, including a notorious heist on a train carrying gold from the San Pedro to the Union Pacific in
• Elzy Lay: A close associate of Butch Cassidy, Lay was a significant figure in the Wild Bunch. He is said to have fled to Big Dry Creek Canyon after various robberies, evading capture due to the canyon’s convoluted geography.

These outlaws leveraged the rugged landscape, using natural features such as caves and thick brush to conceal themselves from pursuing lawmen. Reports from local settlers suggest that numerous hideouts were established in the canyon, where the outlaws would lay low until the heat subsided.

Geography and Topographical Features

Landscape and Formation

The geography of Big Dry Creek Canyon is characterized by its steep granite cliffs, narrow gorges, and dense vegetation, offering countless hideouts for those wishing to remain unseen. The canyon is carved by the flow of Big Dry Creek, which meanders through the valley, creating serene pools amidst rocky formations. The canyon spans approximately 12 miles, with varying elevations that range from about 5,200 to 6,000 feet above sea level. These natural features provided not only concealment but also potential resources for survival.

Natural Resources

Beyond simple shelter, the canyon’s rich array of flora and fauna contributed to its appeal. The remote location provided access to fresh water, edible plants, and game animals, creating an ideal environment for outlaws to survive for extended periods. The canyon’s rugged terrain also allowed outlaws to establish routes for quick escapes from law enforcement, employing knowledge of hidden trails and vantage points.

Major Hideouts within the Canyon

Hideout Caves

Among the most talked-about features of Big Dry Creek Canyon are its ‘hideout caves,’ which served as temporary shelters for desperate outlaws. Many of these caves remain unnamed but are a source of local folklore and tales of mystery.

• The Cassidy Cave: Named colloquially after Butch Cassidy, this cave is located near a high wall cliff. Legend asserts that Cassidy and his gang stashed stolen goods here, creating a cache that remains undiscovered.
• The Lost Gold Cave: Said to be the storied resting place of gold bars from robberies committed by Cassidy’s gang, this elusive cave has drawn numerous treasure seekers. The tale suggests that the cave’s entrance is hidden behind a waterfall, making it nearly impossible to find without precise knowledge of the terrain.

Bunkhouses and Camps

In addition to caves, some accounts indicate that outlaws fashioned makeshift bunkhouses from timber and brush in more sheltered areas of the canyon. These structures served as communal living spaces for small groups of outlaws who would take turns standing watch as their companions rested or divided loot. Reports from settlers in the late 1800s mention seeing smoke in the distance, suggestive of campfires and the presence of encampments deep within the canyon.

Legends of Hidden Treasures

Stories of Stolen Goods

The narrative around Big Dry Creek Canyon is steeped in tales of hidden treasures, remnants of the illicit activities of the outlaw gangs. The most captivating stories revolve around a series of heists executed by Butch Cassidy and his cohorts.

• Union Pacific Train Robbery: In 1899, Cassidy’s gang famously robbed a Union Pacific train carrying a shipment of gold ingots destined for a Denver bank. Failure to fully conceal their tracks allowed authorities to follow and capture several members. Legend states that a portion of this stolen gold was never recovered and could be hidden somewhere within the canyon’s depths.
• Bank heists in Wyoming: Numerous banks in Wyoming were targeted by the Wild Bunch. Much of the shallowed escaped funds were believed to be buried in undisclosed locations along the canyon, leading to treasure hunters combing the site for decades.

The Curse of the Outlaw’s Gold

As tales of hidden treasure spread, so did the folklore surrounding the potential curses associated with these riches. From whispered stories about misfortune befalling those who sought the outlaw’s gold to mysterious accidents that befell treasure hunters in the area, the mythos around the canyon deepens its allure. Some believe that the spirits of the outlaws guard their hidden treasures from unwanted hands.

The Ongoing Search for Treasure

Treasure Hunting Expeditions

The stories surrounding Big Dry Creek Canyon continue to inspire treasure hunters and amateur historians. Various organized treasure hunting expeditions have taken place over the years, with groups hoping to find traces of the lost loot of Butch Cassidy and his gang.

• The Great Treasure Hunt (1975): A notable expedition featured a large group of treasure seekers, equipped with metal detectors, who combed the canyon’s floor for signs of gold. Though unsuccessful, their efforts led to increased attention on the canyon, with local legends brought back to light.
• Local Expedition Groups: Community-led groups have entered the canyon’s rugged terrain to dig into old folk tales. A few intense searches have unearthed vintage coins and artifacts, further fueling interest in the region as a treasure trove of historical significance.

Modern Archaeological Research

In tandem with treasure hunters, academic archaeologists have increasingly taken an interest in the canyon as a site of historical significance, focusing on uncovering artifacts that tell the story of lawlessness in the American frontier. Excavations have revealed elements of life in the canyon, from old campfire sites to remnants of outlaw camps, presenting opportunities to learn more about the cultural and historical context of these infamous characters.

The Cultural Impact of Outlaw Lore

Literature and Film

The legacy of Butch Cassidy, his gang, and Big Dry Creek Canyon has influenced art, literature, and film, cementing its place in cultural memory. Works such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” released in 1969, glorified the outlaw life, intertwining fact and fiction, and further mythologizing their stories. Literature chronicling the experiences of the Wild Bunch continues to draw enthusiasts, presenting their tales in the context of American history and pioneering myths.

Tourism and Local Economy

The allure of Big Dry Creek Canyon and its legends has also led to a burgeoning tourist industry, where visitors flock to experience the beauty of the canyon while indulging their dreams of finding hidden treasure. Local guided tours, historical exhibitions, and treasure-hunting concessions work to educate tourists about the significance of the outlaws in the region’s history, providing insight into this extraordinary chapter of the American frontier.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy

Big Dry Creek Canyon stands as a symbol of an era marked by adventure, daring, and desperation. The hideouts, treasures left behind, and tales of infamous outlaws paint a compelling picture that has fascinated generations. As long as the stories of Butch Cassidy and his gang continue to circulate, adequately interwoven with the landscape, the canyon’s mysteries will remain. With every expedition and academic inquiry, the legend endures, captivating both treasure seekers and history enthusiasts alike, drawing them to the rugged terrain of Big Dry Creek Canyon to uncover the past hidden among its forbidding cliffs.