Baggs

Settled by cattle and sheep ranchers, the Little Snake River valley -- and its largest community, Baggs -- is still ranch country. Two emigrant trails passed nearby: the south branch of the Cherokee Trail (circa 1849-50) crosses near the community, and the Overland Trail (1862-65) lies farther to the north. Notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy frequented the area, often hiding out here after pulling off a train or bank robbery. To the west of Baggs, large herds of wild horses range freely on public lands. The town is on the southern edge of what is now a major oil, gas, and coalbed methane field, so large numbers of equipment trucks, big water trucks, and field workers ply the roads. Motels and restaurants stay busy.