Six Things to do in Cody Yellowstone This Winter

If your winter adventures lead you to Cody Yellowstone, you’re in luck — Wyoming is a real winter wonderland! From the mountains to the streams and everywhere in between, you’ll find plenty of fun for everyone. So bundle up, embrace the chill, and discover a snowier side of the Wild West with these seasonal outdoor experiences.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

If a cross-country ski trip is calling your name, you’ll love Cody Yellowstone. With more than 30 miles of groomed trails near Yellowstone’s East Gate, you’ll find plenty of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Over in Meeteetse, the Wood River Valley Ski Touring Park offers another 15 miles of pristine, snow-covered paths waiting to be explored.

There’s a trail for everyone here, whether you’re easing into the sport on the gentle South Fork Trail — perfect for beginners and those who like to take it slow — or chasing expert-level thrills on the challenging Brown Creek Trail. Would you prefer to stay close to town? Strap on some snowshoes (or just regular old hiking boots!) and head to Cody Pathways — our multi-use trail system that offers scenic loops around town without straying too far from the cozy comforts of Cody.

Keep an eye out as you wander — Cody Yellowstone is home to incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, even in the winter. From moose to bison, elk to eagles, and even bighorn sheep, you never know what creature might cross your path.

Lace Up Your Skates

Whether you’re all about gliding under the stars or prefer the steady conditions of an indoor rink, Cody Yellowstone has the perfect skating spot for you. For fresh air enthusiasts, head to Homesteader Park in Powell, where you can skate all day and well into the evening, thanks to the bright evening lights. And if the cold starts to creep in, warm up in the park’s convenient warming house.

If indoor skating is more your style, lace up at the Victor J. Riley Arena and Community Events Center in Cody. The arena offers something for all types of skaters, including general public skates, stick and puck skates for hockey fans, freestyle figure skating, and drop-in rec league hockey. Check the full schedule to find the session that’s right for you.

No skates? No problem. Both locations offer skate rentals, so you’ll be on the ice in no time.

Rev Your Winter Engines: Snowmobile Tours

Trails, snow, sunshine, and thermal features — Cody Yellowstone has everything you need for a memorable snowmobile adventure. Spanning nearly 7,000 square miles of land with a population of just 30,000, this winter paradise offers oh-so-scenic trails and vast wilderness, all with the bonus of minimal crowds. Whether you’re after pristine trails or rugged backcountry, the region boasts around 1,000 miles of trails outside Yellowstone National Park, plus well-groomed roads within the park.

Beyond Yellowstone’s boundaries is the vast Shoshone National Forest, where off-road snowmobiling is allowed across vast stretches of federally owned land, Whether you’re bringing your own sled or renting one locally, you’ll find plenty of thrills here. For those seeking a little extra guidance, Gary Fales Outfitting offers expert-led tours to help you chart your course.

The New Rules of the Road

Snowmobiling in Yellowstone has changed, with quieter, eco-friendlier sleds now required to protect the park’s natural beauty. In 2023, the rules were relaxed a bit — now both guided and non-guided snowmobilers can enter the park through the East Gate to explore the famous geysers, hot springs, and thermal features. Just be sure to follow the posted speed limits, stick to park roads, and use a four-stroke machine (known as Best Available Technology or BAT).

Each day, up to five non-guided riders can enter through the East Gate and other “over-the-snow” entrances. Riders must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license and complete the Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification online. Permits are $40/day, plus a $6 application fee, and can be snagged through a lottery system at recreation.gov. Did you miss the lottery? You might still get lucky with last-minute cancellations.

For those wanting a guided experience, Gary Fales Outfitting offers one to three-day tours, with options for overnight stays in the park or nearby. They also rent snowmobiles if you want to explore on your own.

Break the Ice

Who says fishing is just a summer sport? In Cody Yellowstone, the icy lakes offer a winter-angling experience for the true adventurer. Break through the frozen surfaces of Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Sunshine Reservoir, and Markham Reservoir to discover a scenic ice fishing experience in peaceful solitude. You’ll have the chance to reel in kokanee salmon, Arctic grayling, Montana whitefish, and tons different of trout species.

Gear up for your fishing adventure with an ice hut to block the wind, plus essentials like a hand auger for cutting through the ice, shoe chains to keep you steady, and a sled for transporting your equipment. For bait, worms and shrimp will do the trick for luring in your catch. Remember, safety is key. Always make sure the ice is thick enough to support your weight before you start fishing.

Before you cast your line, don’t forget to secure a Wyoming fishing license. For a sneak peek and expert tips, be sure to watch the Ice Fishing episode of Outside Yellowstone.

Climb Into Something New

Cody Yellowstone is a renowned climbing destination year-round. In the winter, ice climbing takes the spotlight in Northwest Wyoming—for good reason. The nearby South Fork of the Shoshone River Valley is home to one of the largest concentrations of waterfalls for climbing in the contiguous United States.

Now, before you decide to head out on your first climb here, it’s important to note that the South Fork is not for beginners. These climbs are serious business, with challenges that push even seasoned climbers. But the payoff? Unique, thrilling pitches and spectacular views that make it worth the effort for those experienced enough to take it on. If you’re just starting out, visit our friends at Wyoming Mountain Guides. With professional climbing guides and everything you need to get out for your first climb, they’ll make the experience feel approachable for first-timers.

Winter Camping

For the most adventurous spirits, camping near Cody is a year-round experience. Several Cody campgrounds stay open through winter, keeping you close to all the action. Buffalo Bill State Park‘s Lakeshore Campground puts you near prime fishing spots, snowmobiling trails, Nordic skiing routes, and top-notch winter wildlife viewing. Plus, with electric hookups for RVs, you can warm up after a full day of outdoor fun.

Elk Fork Campground in Shoshone National Forest offers a gateway to winter’s wildest adventures, including day hikes, backpacking, fishing, and even horseback riding. With spacious campsites, corrals, and RV parking, this spot is your launchpad to the untamed Washakie Wilderness.

Come Walk (and Hike, Bike, and Climb) in Our Winter Wonderland!

With so much to do, plenty of space to explore, and friendly, welcoming folks waiting for you, Cody Yellowstone is the perfect place for a memorable winter getaway! Start planning your winter vacation today, and we look forward to seeing you here soon!