y ellowstone b lack h ills

Transcription

1 y ellowstone b lack h ills Johnson County Tourism Association P.O. Box 152, Buffalo, Wyoming

2 JOHNSON COUNTY is tucked away between the rolling plains of the Old West and the towering peaks of the Big Horn Mountains. It s a land rich in both history and scenery. A place of sheep herders and cattle barons. Renegades and rustlers. Where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid took refuge after their outlaw exploits. Where miners consumed with gold rush fever passed through on the Bozeman Trail. Where some of the most famous Indian battles in American history occurred. And where the Johnson County Cattle War, a rangeland dispute which historians often deem one of the most notorious events in our history, left its mark here in the late 1800 s. Whether it s beautiful scenery, wide open spaces, great outdoor recreation, or getting a sense of our history through two great museums, Johnson County is a place you ll love to visit. You ll enjoy the Western hospitality of restaurants from family fare to fine dining, in addition to shops and art galleries, plus a selection of hotels, motels, campgrounds, guest ranches and mountain lodges.

3 Restaurants & Lodging A friendly Western welcome awaits you in Johnson County 20 Motels 3 Mountain Resorts 7 Guest Ranches 2 Bed & Breakfasts 11 Private Campgrounds 7 Forest Service Campgrounds 25 Restaurants For information, contact the Visitor s Centers and Chambers of Commerce in: Buffalo at N. Main, Buffalo, WY or buffalochamber@wyoming.com Kaycee at Park Avenue, Kaycee, WY or kayceechamber@kaycee.smalltown.net what to do Wyoming has quite distinct seasons. Spring features delicate wildflowers. Summer brings bright sunshine and clear blue skies. Fall displays vibrant colors and bugling elk while winter turns the countryside into a snowy wonderland. During any of these times, Johnson County has all kinds of recreational activities to enjoy. For further information, call the Chamber of Commerce in Buffalo or Kaycee. Cloud Peak Scenic Byway Highway 16 links the Black Hills and Yellowstone National Park with Buffalo in the middle. The scenic highway takes its travelers into the foothills and then through 60 miles of breathtaking mountain scenery. You ll climb over 5,000 feet to 9,666 feet at Powder River Pass, finally descending into Ten Sleep Canyon.

4 Big Horn Mountains The majestic Big Horn Mountains have a magnetic effect, drawing people to them with their natural beauty and over 900,000 acres of recreational playground, including the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. They re truly a sportsman s paradise for hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, picnicking, snowmobiling, skiing and sledding. Fairgrounds Summer offers a multitude of activities centrally located at the fairgrounds in both Buffalo and Kaycee. Rodeos, roundups, ropings and horse shows are all featured. Horseback Riding Explore the mountains from a completely different perspective on horseback. If you bring your own, corrals and ramps are available in the Bighorn National Forest. If you d like to rent a horse, several area outfitters can provide a mount for hourly, day or overnight trips. Lake DeSmet Lake DeSmet is an oasis of water sports and incredible fishing opportunities. Boaters, skiers and swimmers flock to the lake which features ramps, docks, campgrounds and picnic shelters. Fishing Fishing opportunities abound, including the Powder River (near Kaycee), area reservoirs, and the alpine lakes and streams in the Bighorn National Forest. Or toss a line into Clear Creek, flowing through downtown Buffalo. In the winter, anglers enjoy ice fishing at Lake De Smet and Healy Reservoir. Guided trips are available as well to catch the wily grayling, plus rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat and lake trout.

5 Museums Buffalo s Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum houses one of the best collections of artifacts in the American West. The museum contains more than 15,000 artifacts from the region. Items from the Custer/Little Big Horn Battlefield, the Fetterman Fight, the Johnson County Cattle War and personal equipment from famous lawmen and outlaws all reside in the museum. Kaycee is home to the Hoofprints of the Past Museum, where visitors will find authentic replicas of an old-time school house and one-room jail as well as cowboy apparel and memorabilia. Historic Sites Being adjacent to the famous Bozeman Trail means Johnson County is the backdrop for legendary tales of cowboys, sheep herders, cattle rustlers and outlaws. See the last two pages of this brochure for directions to some of the most notorious locations. Hunting and Bird Watching Johnson County offers incredible hunting opportunities for deer, elk, antelope, moose and upland game birds. Area outfitters offer guided hunts or you can choose to go on your own. Landowner permission is always necessary to hunt on private land. Bird watching is also a popular pastime with thousands of species of songbirds and raptors. Scenery and Photography Johnson County has few equals for the spectacular beauty that summer wildflowers and fall colors bring to the country. A special place to watch the seasons at their best is the Clear Creek Trail System.

6 Cross Country Skiing The Bighorn Mountains abundance of powder snow makes it a paradise for cross country skiers. There are miles of groomed trails to explore - Willow Park and Pole Creek offer especially great routes. powder. A trail map is available at the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce for directions to specific trails and some lodges offer snowmobile rentals and repairs. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding Strapping on skis and snowboards is a favorite pastime in this area thanks to the blessing of incredible dry snow, perfect for powder hounds. Big Horn Mountain Resort Ski Area offers challenging runs, a hospitable lodge and snowmaking capabilities. Snowmobiling Ranked by SnoWest Magazine as one of the Top 10 places to snowmobile, the Bighorn Mountains are a paradise for snowmobilers from all over the country. The 132 miles of groomed trails mean endless acres of pure

7 Buffalo Golf Course Golf Digest rated the Buffalo Golf Course as a 4**** course. Treasured by regional golfers, the 18-hole, par 72 course offers spectacular mountain vistas and challenging play. Greens fees are still under $30, clubs are available for rental. Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum Bursting with more than 15,000 pieces from the Old West, this impressive museum celebrates the history-filled area and legendary characters that inhabited it. The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and the gift shop is open year round. Clear Creek Trail System An incredibly scenic way to take in many of the sights Buffalo offers, a stroll or bike on the Clear Creek Trail is a great way to stretch your legs, get in your daily run, ride your bike or just see the town from a different perspective. Starting at the carousel on the east side of town and traversing to the foothills via historic Main Street, the Clear Creek Trail totals 11 miles from start to finish. You can join it at several points throughout town. Historic Main Street There are over a dozen historic buildings downtown, all with a story to tell. A brochure at the Chamber of Commerce has all the tales, including the Occidental Hotel, where Owen Wister s Virginian finally got his man. In addition, there are nearly life-size bronzes commemorating the Johnson County Cattle War. Recreation The Buffalo City Park touts its status as the home of Wyoming s largest free outdoor swimming pool, making it a mecca for adults and children alike in the summer. The park also has tennis courts and great playgrounds for the kids.

8 Kaycee gives the visitor a true Old West experience and was home to many of Wyoming s famous outlaws. This is the actual Hole in the Wall Country, hideout of the legendary Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and the rest of the Hole in the Wall gang. Kaycee is the site of the Kaycee Cabin in the Johnson County Cattle War, one of the most significant events in Old West history. The Bozeman Trail s wagon ruts can still be viewed east of town. In addition, a military post called Fort Reno was established on the Trail to protect travelers from the Indians. Agriculture, mining and the oil industry have all helped to develop and support the livelihood of Kaycee. Cattle and sheep drives still occur twice a year on the same stock trails used decades ago, to the mountain in the spring and back down in the fall. Always remember that livestock have the right of way so be prepared to stop. Hoofprints of the Past Museum Kaycee s museum includes an old time school house setting, blacksmith shop, historic general store with post office and many other Old West artifacts. The museum is open from Memorial Day Weekend to October 31. Sheepherders Rodeo & Dog Trials These events held in July (sheepherders rodeo) and September (dog trials), provide unique insights into the sheep ranching industry and the art and skills of sheepherders and their dogs. With only a whistle or a gesture, the dogs herd the sheep by incredible instinct, making the trials thrilling to watch for all ages. Deke Latham Memorial PRCA rodeo Kaycee is proud to be the smallest town hosting a PRCA rodeo. Held in mid July, the Deke Latham includes traditional rodeo activities plus steer roping, a barbecue, cowboy poetry gathering and an evening country dance.

9 History books have tried to capture the past of Johnson County, but only when you visit the area personally can you experience the true American West as it was and still remains. Some areas are public, while others are privately owned. Call the Chamber of Commerce in Buffalo or Kaycee to find out how and when to get permission. Indian Art Rock Caves Seventeen prehistoric rock drawings including a large warrior figure dominate this inspiring cave, located in the heart of the Hole in the Wall country. Fort Phil Kearny Fort Phil Kearny, one of the three forts built as the U.S. Army moved north to protect immigrants on the Bozeman Trail, is located at the foot of the Bighorns which was Crow land. This, the largest stockaded post of its time, was under daily attack by Lakota and Cheyenne warriors during its brief two year existence. Crazy Woman Battlefield When a military supply wagon bound from Fort Reno to Fort Phil Kearny in July of 1866 neared Crazy Woman Crossing of the Bozeman Trail, Indians attacked the expedition and a day-long siege began. Late in the afternoon, soldiers from Fort Phil Kearny arrived and rescued the wagon train. This particular crossing of the Bozeman Trail was a favorite ambush site of the Indians. Fetterman Monument On December 21, 1866, Captain W.J. Fetterman and 80 men, including two civilians, were lured over Lodge Trail ridge, ambushed and killed by 2,000 Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors. Crazy Horse, who would become better known in later years, was instrumental in setting the successful trap for Fetterman and his command. This was the worst defeat suffered by the U.S. military at the hands of the Indians until ten years later at the Little Big Horn.

10 Wagon Box Fight On August 2, 1867, Captain Powell and 31 other soldiers were able to withstand a large Indian attack led by Red Cloud and his nephew. Ambushed while cutting wood, the soldiers had recently been supplied with the newly converted Springfield breech loading rifles. This new firearm technology and the protection of the circled wagon boxes were influencing factors in the famous battle. Dull Knife Battle In November of 1876, on the Red Fork of the Powder River, the beginning of the final chapter of the Indian wars took place. Colonel MacKenzie and the U.S. military attacked Chief Dull Knife and the Northern Cheyenne, driving them from the Powder River country. Soon after this battle, many hostile Indian groups began to surrender and transition to reservation life began. TA Ranch In April of 1892, a group of Wyoming cattlemen and their hired guns from Texas took refuge at the TA Ranch just south of Buffalo. Here the cattlemen were attacked by angry homesteaders, townspeople and rustlers. After three days, the cattlemen surrendered to federal troops from Fort McKinney and the final chapter of the famous Johnson County Cattle War was started. Hole in the Wall The Hole in the Wall was made famous by Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and the Wild Bunch, along with other lesser known outlaws who frequented this area of southern Johnson County while evading the law. The entire area west of Kaycee is referred to as the Hole in the Wall country. Outlaw Cave Outlaw Cave is associated with Hole in the Wall country as a refuge for notorious outlaws. The Middle Fork of the Powder River where the cave is located is also known for its Indian lore. The Rock Art cave is nearby.

11 Nothing compares to visiting scenic and historic sights in person. And in Johnson County, Wyoming, there are dozens of places to explore. Some are easily accessible while some require four-wheel drive. Many historic buildings are still standing. Wherever you travel, bring your camera and remember to do a little checking before you set out to make sure you re properly prepared. 1. Bud Love Winter Range (1-2 Hrs.) On this tour, you ll see some of the most scenic mountain views imaginable. Expect to see mule deer, white tail deer, wild turkey, antelope and in winter, elk. Start in Buffalo at Fort Street and Main Street (U.S. 16 west); head west on Fort and turn right (north) on DeSmet. Begin clocking your miles here. Follow this route out of town on County Road 91.5 French Creek Road. At 5.4 miles, stay left at the Y in the road. After 10.4 miles you ll be passing the Bud Love Winter Range. At 15 miles, stay right at the Y (Rock Creek Road). To return to Buffalo follow Rock Creek Road. 2. Fort Phil Kearny (Half to Full-Day) Relive some of the West s most legendary history on this tour, the highlight of which is a well-organized display, along with a visitor s center and museum. Travel north on I-90 to Exit 44 (the Piney Creek Road/Highway 87 to Story). Turn left at Wyoming 193 and follow the signs to Fort Phil Kearny; be sure to stop at the Portugee Phillips Monument. To continue your journey, retrace your route to Wyoming 193. Turn left on Wyoming 193 towards Story and follow the distinctive signs to the Wagon Box Fight. Turn back toward Story where you can make a stop at the State Fish Hatchery. Retrace your route to Wyoming 193, turn left on Highway 87.

12 Buffalo 4. Pole Creek/Sheep Mtn. (Half to Full-Day) High-clearance vehicles necessary for some sections. This fantastic tour offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Hazelton and Cloud Peaks, and the Powder River Basin, in addition to sightings of mule deer and other wildlife. Follow U.S. 16 west from Buffalo about 20 miles. Turn right onto Pole Creek Road (Forest Service 31); the road parallels the highway, rejoining it 10 miles west. When you rejoin U.S. 16, turn right toward Powder River Pass, follow for two miles. Enter Sheep Mountain Road to the lookout; last few hundred yards are rugged. To return, retrace Sheep Mountain Road to U.S Kaycee On a lonely ridge, Massacre Hill, stands the Fetterman Monument. To return, head south retracing your route to Buffalo. 3. Crazy Woman Canyon (Half-Day) Not recommended for trailers or large RVs. One of the favorite tours for Johnson County locals and visitors alike, this tour takes its travelers along a single lane dirt road past stunning canyon walls into the mountains. Begin at the intersection of (U.S. 16 West) Fort and Main in Buffalo, heading towards the mountains. About 25 miles from Buffalo, watch for the Crazy Woman Canyon Road Sign (Forest Service Road #33) which branches left off U.S. 16. To return to Buffalo, follow the gravel road which brought you through the canyon and will join Wyoming 196. Turn left onto Wyoming 196 drive ten miles to Buffalo. 5. Outlaw Cave (Half to Full-Day) High-clearance vehicles recommended. This tour takes you to the land of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Johnson County locals and visitors favor the area s wildlife and scenery as much as the tales of these outlaws. This is also the area of the Middle Fork of the Powder River. Begin at Kaycee at the I-25 interchange. Head west.9 miles to the Barnum Road sign (Wyoming 190). Follow the Barnum Road 17.1 miles to a sign designating the Middle Fork Management Area of the Powder River. After 8.5 miles, follow signs to Outlaw Cave, 2 miles. A prehistoric rock shelter and Indian pictographs will be found.3 miles past the Outlaw Cave Campground.