OUTLAW HIDEOUTS
Utah Territory in the 1880s was changing from frontier to a settled region. Because of its vast rugged mountains, canyons, and deserts it was becoming a haven for cowboy outlaws. Many of these bandits and rustlers were cowboys by trade, who decided stealing other peoples property was more profitable. Many actully belived they were righting unfairness delt to them by established banks and wealthy cattle operations. They sometimes acted out Robin Hood style behavior, stealing from the rich and helping out the poor. The territory was no longer lawless, enforcement technology though still a bit primitive, was becoming effective. The outlaws had to develope a network of trails, willing helpers, fresh horses, and secret hideouts. Using good planning and plain smarts would help survival. Acting tough and fancy gunplay would not be the answer in the coming 20th century.

By 1910 these cowboy outlaws were out of business. The most famous like Butch Cassidy, Kid Curry, Sundance kid were reported dead by violent means. Others were repenting in prison cells. Others like Matt Warner had gone strait, and only bragged about the exploits of the outlaw trail, admitting that crime did not pay.

Today the outlaws are all "gone away". However the stories, likely embelished some, are still being told. The trails and the secret hideout can still be found. The hideout cabins and camps have mostly fallen down, but the places are still hidden from the main road. You can still find names writin on the sandstone, old corrals which once held stolen cattle, secret springs unknown to the sheriff and his posse. Come join us in exploreing these western hideouts, enjoying the history, the scenery, and the adventure.