Robbers’ Roost on the Outlaw Trail
Nestled within the stark and beautiful canyonlands of southeastern Utah, lies a place shrouded in myth and whispered tales of the Wild West: Robbers’ Roost. This remote and unforgiving terrain served as a sanctuary for cattle rustlers, bandits, and other outlaws seeking refuge from the long arm of the law. The very landscape of Robbers’ Roost, with its labyrinthine network of canyons, steep cliffs, and hidden ravines, provided a natural fortress, making it exceptionally difficult to penetrate and ideal for those wishing to remain unseen.
The strategic location of Robbers’ Roost, situated between the confluence of the Colorado, Green, and Dirty Devil Rivers, further enhanced its appeal as a hideout. This isolated stretch of land offered countless hiding spots and escape routes, solidifying its reputation as a haven for those operating outside the boundaries of the law. Long before the notorious Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch rode into the sunset, the area was already known as a refuge for those who preferred to live by their own rules.
The name "Robbers’ Roost" first gained notoriety in the 1870s, largely thanks to the activities of Cap Brown, a highly skilled horse thief who operated extensively throughout the region. Brown’s proficiency in rustling horses earned him a reputation as one of the most successful outlaws in the American West, further cementing the area’s image as a lawless territory. This early association with outlaw activity laid the groundwork for the legends that would later surround Robbers’ Roost.
Butch Cassidy, perhaps the most famous outlaw associated with Robbers’ Roost, arrived on the scene in the late 1800s, along with other members of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. They utilized the area as a strategic base, a place to conceal stolen livestock, rest and recuperate after daring robberies, and evade pursuing law enforcement. The isolation and defensibility of Robbers’ Roost made it an invaluable asset to their criminal enterprises.
It was within the rugged confines of Robbers’ Roost that Butch Cassidy forged a pivotal relationship with Elzy Lay, who would become his closest confidant and partner in crime. Together, Cassidy and Lay would form the infamous Wild Bunch, a gang known for their audacious heists and their ability to evade capture. They understood the importance of establishing a network of reliable contacts to ensure a steady supply of provisions and fresh horses, vital for their survival and continued success.
Among these crucial contacts were Ann and Josie Bassett, two sisters who owned a ranch and were known for their association with outlaws. These women, along with other female figures such as Etta Place (the Sundance Kid’s girlfriend), Maude Davis (one of Elzy Lay’s girlfriends), and Laura Bullion (a gang member), were among the few women known to have entered Robbers’ Roost during its three decades as an outlaw sanctuary. Their presence, though limited, adds a layer of intrigue to the already fascinating history of the hideout.
Within the secluded confines of Robbers’ Roost, the Wild Bunch and other outlaws constructed rudimentary cabins and outbuildings to provide shelter from the harsh elements and to store essential supplies. These structures served as a testament to their resourcefulness and their determination to survive in the unforgiving landscape. Weapons, horses, and even livestock were kept within the confines of the hideout, ensuring that the outlaws were prepared for any eventuality.
Another notable figure who frequented Robbers Roost was Matt Warner, born Willard E. Christiansen. Warner’s journey into the world of outlawry began with an apprenticeship in cattle rustling before he joined the McCarty Gang, alongside Butch Cassidy. The future Wild Bunch utilized Robbers Roost after a daring bank robbery in Telluride, Colorado, in 1889. They would return again in April 1897, following the audacious payroll heist at the Pleasant Valley Coal Company in Castlegate, Utah. These bold actions solidified the Wild Bunch’s reputation, transforming them into notorious figures in the eyes of some and folk heroes in the eyes of others.
Despite numerous attempts and boastful claims, lawmen of the era were never able to successfully locate the hideout. This failure was attributed to the outlaws’ strict code of secrecy and their unwavering loyalty to one another. C.L. "Gunplay" Maxwell, a minor bandit who aspired to join the Wild Bunch, penned a letter to Utah Governor Heber M. Wells from prison, claiming that Robbers Roost was defended by a heavily armed gang of 200 men, complete with elaborate fortifications, tunnels, land mines, and a vast stockpile of supplies and ammunition. While the accuracy of Maxwell’s claims remains questionable, the letter contributed to the growing mystique and reputation of Robbers Roost, deterring many lawmen from venturing into the supposedly dangerous territory.
Robbers Roost was not the sole hideout used by the Wild Bunch. They also frequented Brown’s Hole, a rugged canyon region near the junction of Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming on the Green River, and the Hole-in-the-Wall in central Wyoming. These three hideouts were strategically positioned approximately 200 miles apart, forming a network of safe havens that allowed the outlaws to move freely across the vast landscape. Their ability to travel between these hideouts, utilizing fresh horses and supplies stashed at intervals of roughly 20 miles, was a testament to their horsemanship and their meticulous planning. This sophisticated system of getaways became known as the Outlaw Trail, stretching from Montana to Mexico.
The Roost’s prominence as an outlaw hideout began to wane after 1902, coinciding with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’s departure for South America. However, the area experienced a resurgence of illegal activity during Prohibition, with several illicit whiskey stills erected near springs within the hidden canyons. Even today, remnants of these illegal operations can still be found in certain canyons within Robbers Roost, serving as a reminder of its storied past.
Today, visitors to Robbers Roost can still see remnants of its outlaw history, including the original Wild Bunch corral, a stone chimney, caves, and various carvings. The area has become a popular destination for hikers, campers, horseback riders, off-road enthusiasts, and canyoners, all drawn to the rugged beauty and the allure of its legendary past. In 2003, hiker Aaron Ralston famously rescued himself after being trapped beneath an 800-pound boulder for five days while exploring the canyons alone, further adding to the lore and mystique of this remote and captivating place.