June 24, 1889 the San Miguel Bank in Telluride was robbed by Matt Warner, Tom McCarty and Bob Parker more commonly known as Butch Cassidy. This was the first documented bank robbery for the infamous Butch and one that would be full of successes and learning opportunities for the meticulously planned heist. One of the many reasons Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch were so successful was Butch’s expansive understanding of horse flesh and preparing for fresh mounts in several places while eluding whatever tired out posse was on the chase. One of those planned stops happened right here in the Rangely Colorado area as they traded with White River Utes for fresh steeds as the Utes would’ve been here on their migratory path east to the upper river country for the summer.

Come visit Rangely Colorado, a place that still feels very much like the wild west. A place that was home to cattle and wild horses long before the town was incorporated. A place full of rich history that begs for an audience again.

Towards the end of August we’ll honor the spirit of the west, the charisma of Butch Cassidy and the well-known Robin Hood like stories that have been passed down from generation to generation as so many of our families called these outlaws our friends.

Etta Place's Box Social

Rangely Outdoor Museum Fundraiser

Bring snack boxes to auction off with the proceeds going towards the Rangely Outdoor Museum. Traditionally winners of the box would get a picnic date or dance from the maker of the box but to update tradition we will be giving out the Best Cook in the County to the makers of the boxes and the purchasers of the boxes get the delight of a homemade meal to enjoy while watching Rash's Ranch Battles.

The Rangely Outdoor Museum is a collection of historical buildings that house a wide variety of artifacts. Their purpose is the preservation of the history, archeology, zoology, and ethnology of Rangely and the surrounding area, with emphasis on three periods of time: (1) Native Peoples and Prehistory, (2) Pioneers and Ranching and (3) Energy Resource Development.

Butch Cassidy's Campfire

Bill Betenson-Author & Nephew of Butch Cassidy

Campfire, Cowboys, Singing, Story Telling. Featuring Bill Betenson, nephew of Butch Cassidy and author of 'Butch Cassidy, My Uncle' will be presenting. Gather around the campfire and listen to stories of Butch and more! 

The Wild Bunch

OHV Poker Run

All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Cattle Queen Ann Bassett's

Cattle Drive

August 23rd, 2025 starting at High Noon

Cattle Drive will start near 402 W Main St Rangely, CO moving from the west end of town to the east end of town, ending at 1635 E Main St Rangely, CO.

Cattle Drive will then continue on trail parallel to HWY 64 to Columbine Park at 2101 E Main St Rangely, CO.

Calling all Cowgirls for the Colorado's Cattle Queen Ann Bassett's Cattle Drive that will take place at High Noon on August 23rd, 2025.

Come ride with us behind the gorgeous Sombrero Ranches Longhorns down Main Street to honor the Cowgirls and Stock Women of Northwestern Colorado that are past and present!!!

Rash's Ranch Battles

Ranch Rodeo

Mat Rash, fiancé of Queen Ann was killed in cold blood by Tom Horn, hired gun of the Two Bar cattle operation in a quest to get rid of the smaller cattle outfits of Brown's Park when intimidation didn't work.

Little did Cattle Baron Ora Haley know what a firestorm he would provoke in Ann Bassett, leading to her well known nickname of Queen Ann of the Cattle Rustlers after she successfully beat charges tried against her.

Sundance's Shoot-Out

Cowboy Mounted Shooting

Saddle up for some wild Western action at the Sundance Shoot-Out Bronc Busting during Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch Days! Watch tough-as-nails cowboys take on rank broncs in a showdown of grit, spurs, and sheer determination. It’s raw, high-kicking rodeo tradition—just the way Butch would’ve liked it!

While working for the Bassetts, Dart was a ranch hand who also cooked meals, washed laundry, cut wood, and performed other household duties.

Elizabeth Bassett was believed to be the mastermind of a group of cattle thieves, a group that included Dart. Dart was fond of children and babysat the children of Josie Bassett and her husband Jim McKnight. He played the harmonica and fiddle. Dart sang for the children, put on shows for them, and taught them how to ride and rope.

Dart was accomplished and considered a skilled bronco buster and a "top hand among cowboys". Joe Davenport, his friend, stated in 1929 that "I have seen all the great riders. But for all-around skill as a cowman, Isam Dart was unexcelled and I never saw his peer".

Isam was well-liked in Brown’s Park and known as a “top hand among cowboys” and an expert bronco buster. He was an accomplished and well-respected African-American thriving among a nearly 100% white population in an era that was frequently hostile to African Americans.

In 1900, a man by the name of “Tom Hicks” began working as a hand for Mat Rash. After a few months, Mr. Hicks simply vanished. Then, on July 8th, 1900, Mat was shot dead in his cabin. On October 3, 1900, Isam met the same fate while walking to his corral.

It was later declared that the mysterious “Tom Hicks” was none other than infamous gun-for-hire, Tom Horn. All evidence suggests that he was hired by large cattle barons to enter Brown’s Park to gather evidence of rustling… and then put an end to it.

Friday Night Barn Dance

Wordan Jilson & The Wild Bunch

Concert in the covered dirt arena following Rash's Ranch Battles.

Saturday Night Barn Dance

Rowdy Rosendahl, The Lost Junction Band

Concert in the covered dirt arena following Rockin' Bulls.