The Historic Owl Bar at Sundance Mountain Resort: Where Butch Cassidy's Legacy Lives On

The first thing that hits you when you walk into The Owl Bar isn't the scent of wood smoke from the stone fireplace or the sound of live music drifting from the corner stage—it's the weight of history. "That bar is made of Irish oak and it was in the Rosewood Bar in Wyoming, where Butch Cassidy and his Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, the Wild Bunch, hung out," Robert Redford once explained, gesturing toward the massive cherry wood bar that anchors this historic bar at Sundance Mountain Resort.

Standing beneath Mount Timpanogos in the heart of Utah's Wasatch Mountains, The Owl Bar represents something extraordinary: "We found it in a biker bar up in Thermopolis, Wyoming, covered in Formica and shag carpeting. So we bought it, had it restored, which took about 18 months, and then brought it down here." What Redford rescued wasn't just furniture—it was a piece of the American West, complete with bullet holes and the ghosts of outlaws who once planned their next heist over whiskey and cards.

From Wyoming Outlaw Haven to Utah Mountain Sanctuary

The story of Butch Cassidy bar Sundance Utah begins not in the pristine alpine setting where it sits today, but in the dusty streets of Thermopolis, Wyoming, circa 1890. The original Rosewood Bar served as a watering hole for some of the West's most notorious figures, including Butch Cassidy's Hole in the Wall Gang. This wasn't your typical frontier saloon—the cherry wood bar was an expensive import, one of only three or four of its kind to make it back to America from Europe.

Redford rescued the Owl Bar for $8,000 and hauled the pieces to Sundance in 1994 to be renovated. But this wasn't an impulse purchase by a Hollywood star with too much money. This was a deliberate act of preservation by someone who understood the value of authentic American stories. "As technology thrusts us relentlessly into the future, I find myself, perversely, more interested in the past," Redford wrote in National Geographic after following the Outlaw Trail himself. "We seem to have lost something—something vital, something of individuality and passion."

The 18-month restoration process was meticulous, stripping away decades of Formica and shag carpeting to reveal the original Irish oak beneath. The restored 1890's bar is the original Rosewood Bar (complete with original bullet holes!) once frequented by Butch Cassidy's Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. Redford remembers dismantling it and taking it across to Sundance "piece by piece".

The Owl Bar Experience: Where History Meets Mountain Hospitality

Step inside The Owl Bar at Sundance Resort today and you're immediately transported. "In the hearth room the fireplace was roaring as there was still snow outside in May. The drinks were tasty and the atmosphere just about perfect in what is basically a rustic cabin (made to feel that way at least) with wood everywhere, windows overlooking a firepit outside where there is also outdoor seating if you prefer. If you think of a snowy mountain tavern this is what will come to mind."

The menu reflects the bar's dual identity as both historic saloon and modern mountain retreat. Customer favorites include the legendary dirty fries—"Some of the best food I have had (the dirty fries are the best!) A really solid burger and a great selection of beers and full bar with some nice cocktail options." The fried pickles have earned their own following: "We had the fried pickles which were battered amazingly... the chipotle aioli dipping sauce was incredible. It had a nice spice to it and wasn't so heavy that it would take away from the bright flavor of the pickle."

But it's the Wagyu burger that really stops conversation. "I had only taken a few bites before telling my husband I would be fantasizing about the burger later. It was one of the best I've ever had, and the fries were amazing." The portions are generous—"The table next to ours ordered the nachos. It was huge. It came out on a small baking sheet. It could have fed 6 people."

The drink program matches the setting's sophistication. "They have the best cocktails in Utah county. They have a very wide variety of spirits including mezcal. The food is definitely much nicer than average bar food." The Wildflower cocktail has become a signature: "One of my favorite cocktails I've ever tried - Wildflower!"

What really sets The Owl Bar apart is its authentic atmosphere. "Who knew we'd be eating at a place that Butch Cassidy frequented back in the day! We had a great experience here." There's something magical about sitting at the same bar where outlaws once planned train robberies, now serving craft cocktails to skiers and film festival attendees.

Live Music and Mountain Community at Sundance

Live music at Sundance Resort transforms The Owl Bar from historic curiosity into living, breathing community gathering place. The Owl Bar is proud to present local and national musical talent. Join us for live music on select Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 8:00 pm The intimate setting—with its low ceilings and authentic Western atmosphere—creates an acoustic experience that larger venues can't match.

"They have a fire pit and live music." The outdoor patio, with "the running river is relaxing and enjoyable," provides a stunning backdrop for performances. There's always a great choice of live music during the weekends. Don't miss the Bluebird Cafe collaborations where you can experience a little bit of Nashville when visiting musicians come and play at Sundance.

The connection to music runs deep at Sundance—this is, after all, where Robert Redford founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978. The artistic community that grew around the resort continues to influence everything from the programming to the atmosphere. "Great place! Food and drinks were great and the entertainment was fantastic, had the crowd dancing and enjoying the night."

Sundance Resort: A Utah Mountain Legacy

The Owl Bar doesn't exist in isolation—it's part of Robert Redford's larger vision for Sundance Mountain Resort as a place where art, nature, and community intersect. Founded in 1969, His goal was simple: to preserve the region's spectacular beauty and create a place where artists could work and flourish.

The Tree Room received a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and The Owl Bar was ranked as a top bar by Men's Journal. Sundance Resort is proud to have two of our flagship food and beverage destinations recognized by USA Today – and we are the only dining and cocktail venues in Utah to make the list! This recognition reflects the resort's commitment to excellence in everything from food service to historic preservation.

The location beneath Mount Timpanogos provides a dramatic backdrop that changes with the seasons. Winter visitors can ski right up to the door, while summer guests enjoy the rushing stream that runs behind the outdoor patio. "In a town where being outside, especially by day, is a calling, The Owl Bar has a lure all its own."

Planning Your Visit to The Owl Bar

The Owl Bar is located at 8841 N Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, Utah, in the heart of Sundance Mountain Resort. Monday – Thursday | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Kitchen Closes at 10:00 PM Friday & Saturday | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Kitchen Closes at Midnight Sunday | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Kitchen Closes at 10:00 PM

The Owl Bar does not take reservations. Seating is first-come first-serve. Patrons must be at least 21 years of age. During peak ski season and film festival times, expect a wait—but it's worth it. "It was a nice walk from the parking lot through the Sundance Mountain Resort grounds to get to the bar, and the gals checked out the gift shop while the guys got us a table."

For the best experience, try to snag a spot on the outdoor patio during warmer months. "Sitting outside with the running river is relaxing and enjoyable." In winter, the indoor fireplace creates the perfect après-ski atmosphere. "Great spot to relax—walk in with ski boots and enjoy a cold drink. Love the vibe here!"

Don't miss the dirty fries and fried pickles—they're practically mandatory. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Brussels sprouts: "In fact, my friend is not a fan of Brussels sprouts but really enjoys them here."

The Owl Bar at Sundance Mountain Resort represents something increasingly rare in our modern world: authentic connection to American history wrapped in genuine mountain hospitality. "If you loved butch cassidy and the Sundance kid this bar will take you back to the first scene." Whether you come for the historic atmosphere, the craft cocktails, the live music, or simply the chance to drink where outlaws once planned their next adventure, The Owl Bar delivers an experience that feels both timeless and utterly unique to Utah's mountain culture.

In a state known for spectacular natural beauty and outdoor adventure, The Owl Bar proves that sometimes the most memorable experiences happen not on the mountain, but in the stories we share at its base—stories that connect us to the wild, untamed spirit of the American West, one perfectly crafted cocktail at a time.