Colored Canyons, Hidden Valleys Mark Johnson County
Red Wall Country is adjacent to the Middle Powder River at the southeastern end of the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. It is an area rich in history of Native people, cattle barons, homesteaders and outlaws. The area lies within the BLM’s Middle Fork Powder River Recreation Area. The landscape was the setting of tales of Indian trails and warfare, Dull Knife Battlefield, Hole-in-the-Wall, Outlaw Cave and the Johnson County War. It is a land of colored canyons and hidden valleys of breathtaking scope. It is an iconic landmark of the American West.
The Hole-in-the-Wall was the site used in the late 19th century by the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, a group of cattle rustlers and other outlaws that included the Logan brothers, Black Jack Ketchum and Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch.
The area was remote and secluded, easily defended because of its narrow passes, and impossible for lawmen to approach without alerting the outlaws. From the late 1860s to around 1910, the pass was used frequently by numerous outlaw gangs. Eventually, it faded into history, with gangs using it less often. Today’s travelers can reach the area in the comfort of their car and enjoy the views and vistas.
Red Wall Country is an area rich in history of Native people, cattle barons, homesteaders and outlaws. Photo courtesy of Johnson County, WY
For more information on Johnson County, visit JohnsonCountyWY.com.
