Outdoor Activities in Kaycee
Just outside of Kaycee Wyoming are multiple recreation areas that offer unforgettable opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring. With the Hole in the Wall and Outlaw Canyon (also known as Middle Fork Powder River Recreation Area), not only can visitors enjoy the outdoors, but they will be following in the footsteps of Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid, Nate Champion, and other famous names of the Old West.
The Campgrounds Near Kaycee
Visitors can camp where the Outlaws stayed, either through dispersed camping on BLM lands near Hole in the Wall or at the Outlaw Canyon Campground on the rim overlooking the Middle Fork of the Powder River. In addition, there are campgrounds in the town of Kaycee – KC RV Park and Powder River Campground.
Outlaw Canyon Campground
Outlaw Canyon Campground is a no-fee site and is first-come, first-served with 12 rustic camping spaces and one vault toilet. There is no water and no trash collection; please pack out all garbage. Outlaw Cave Road is closed during the winter from January 1 through April 14, and travel is not advised to the area during inclement weather.
If you plan to venture to the west beyond the campground into the Ed O. Taylor Wildlife Habitat Management Area, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, as some of these roads are very primitive. Do not
Hole in the Wall
Backcountry camping is allowed in the recreation area. Visitors should be skilled in cross-country travel and take adequate water, food, and fuel. Please pack trash from the area, and respect private property owners who are working with the BLM to make this an enjoyable recreation opportunity.
Ed O. Taylor Wildlife Habitat Management Area
This habitat area combines the flavor of the Old West with magnificent geological features and significant wildlife populations. Located near the south end of the Big Horn Mountains, the Ed O. Taylor area straddles the Middle Fork of the Powder River. The 10,215-acre area was purchased in 1971 to ensure the protection of winter range for elk, which summer in the Bighorn National Forest.
It is closed to humans from January 1 to May 14 each year and opens to human presence at 8 a.m. on May 15.
There is a 14-day camping limit at primitive areas within the area.
The Ed O. Taylor has history, nooks, crannies, canyons, caves and is a unique area to experience. For those who make the effort during the summer months, you will be rewarded by the spectacular scenery and recreational opportunities this area has to offer.
Powder River Campground
Powder River Campground is conveniently located off Interstate 25 in the heart of Kaycee. It can accommodate larger vehicles and offers satellite-friendly sites with full hook-ups. Three rustic cabins with bathrooms are also available. Pitch your tent alongside the Powder River and enjoy a hot shower while you do your laundry. The campground is within walking distance of restaurants, pubs, Hoofprints of the Past Museum, Harold Jarrard Park, and the grocery store.
KC RV Park & Deluxe Cabins
With full hook-up RV sites (up to 50 amp) and deluxe cabins with two bedrooms and full kitchens, the KC RV Park offers nightly, weekly and monthly camping spots. The cabins are all inclusive with their own bathroom and kitchen. Each cabin sleeps four, and a few of them sleep five. KC RV Park is family-owned and operated.
The Hiking Trails Near Kaycee
The recreation areas outside of Kaycee offer various hiking experiences, from gradual elevation changes to challenging canyon hikes. Most notable is the Hole in the Wall trail, which features a challenging 300-foot elevation gain to scenic views of the valley below. Outlaw Canyon is another steep hike down to the Middle Fork of the Powder River. But there are also areas along the canyon rim for easy hikes to great views.
Hole-in-the-Wall Foot Trail
The Hole-in-the-Wall is a colorful and scenic red sandstone escarpment that is rich in legend of outlaw activity from the late 1800s, most notably Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch Gang. The “hole” is a gap in the Red Wall that, legend has it, was used secretly by outlaws to move horses and cattle from the area. The area is primitive in nature, with no services. A 3-mile trail starts on state land and ends on BLM property at the Hole in the Wall.
Directions
From I-25 take Exit 249 (TTT Road). Head southwest on TTT Road off the interstate. Go about 11 miles and veer right (TTT Ranch is to the left). TTT Road becomes Natrona County Road 112/Lone Bear Road. Less than a mile past the county line, veer right Natrona County Road 111/Willow Creek Road and go about 5.9 miles. Veer right toward on Natrona County Road 111A to the Hole in the Wall and go about 4 miles. Veer right at the elevated white grain bins and go another 6 miles. Turn right onto Natrona County Road 105 toward Hole in the Wall. Natrona County Road 105 is a 4WD unmaintained road suitable only for high clearance vehicles during dry conditions. Stay straight on the two-track and go through six gates, about 9.5 miles to the trailhead. Please remember to leave the gates as you find them.
Outlaw Cave Trail
This short trail beginning near the Outlaw Canyon Campground provides access to the Middle Fork of the Powder River. The ½-mile trail descends steeply into Middle Fork Canyon, dropping nearly 500 feet in elevation before intersecting the river just opposite the infamous Outlaw Cave. It offers beautiful views all the way down the canyon. There is no bridge across the river; please use caution if attempting to cross.
Fishing near Kaycee, WY
Multiple streams run through the Hole in the Wall valley, offering great fishing opportunities in scenic settings. In addition to the Middle Fork of the Powder River, which is accessible from multiple locations, the Blue Creek is another great location for fishing.
Middle Fork Powder River
There are multiple parking locations and trailheads to access to Middle Fork of the Powder River from BLM lands. Look for signage along the road or park at the Outlaw Canyon Campground.
This 12-mile stretch of the river is known for blue-ribbon trout.
This stream gives you a place to get off the beaten path and fish somewhere wild, away from civilization. The Middle Fork of the Powder River sustains wild brook, brown and rainbow trout populations. It is not stocked with fish in this stretch of the river. Instead, fish managers aim to keep natural reproduction, rapid growth of trout and fishing pressure balanced.
Ed O. Taylor Wildlife Habitat Management Area
Two creeks (the Bachus and the Blue) and the Middle Fork of the Powder River provide water all year for wildlife and good fishing for the angler in this habit management area. You may find rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout in these streams.
Trout density in the Middle Fork of Powder River is on par with large, well-known rivers like the Bighorn and North Platte. The average trout is about 12 inches, and fish in the 14-to-16-inch range are common. The occasional bruiser near 18-to-20 inches is out there.
When you are not catching fish, watch for the many game species that live here. Blue grouse, sage grouse, Hungarian partridge, wild turkeys, doves and cottontail rabbits are plentiful.
Blue Creek Public Access Area
Located less than 20 miles from Kaycee in Red Wall Country, Blue Creek offers year-round fishing access (limited to 50 feet above the high water line). Amenities include a graveled parking lot and a primitive outhouse. Anglers can catch brook and brown trout.
To reach the location take Exit 254 at Kaycee, travel west on Highway 191 (Mayoworth Road) for approximately .80 of a mile, turn south on Highway 190 (Barnum Road) and travel for 16 miles to the end of the pavement. Turn south on to the Bar-C County Road and travel .80 miles to the parking lot on the right.
Plan Your Visit Today
Without being too far from Kaycee and Interstate 25, it’s possible to be in another world of recreation in the Hole in the Wall and Outlaw Canyon. This part of Johnson County offers outstanding fishing, memorable hiking trails, and remote camping experiences.
For more information from the BLM Office in Buffalo, call 307-684-1100 or email buffalo_wymail@blm.gov
