Getting Dirty is Trendy, and Here are all the Ways We Have you Covered (in Dirt) 

Boomers, Gen Z, and everyone in between is looking for dirt when they travel. Yes, you read that right. Let us explain.

Many travelers are seeking ways to get off the road and into backcountry adventures like camping and off-road driving.

This interest is not surprising to Cody Yellowstone outfitters who specialize in outdoor recreational adventures. With close to 7,000 square miles and only about 30,000 residents, Cody Yellowstone is an outdoor recreation lover’s dream. Mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and trails combine to offer plentiful opportunities to get dirty.

Here are some of them:

Go Off-Roading in a UTV in the Backcountry

Rent a utility vehicle for an off-road adventure on more than 60 miles of trails in some of Cody Yellowstone’s remote locations. Not sure where to go? Try McCullough Peaks, Spirit Mountain, Oregon Basin, Red Lakes, Clarks Fork Canyon, Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, and Kirwin Ghost Town.

Rafting, Paddling, and Boating

There are several places in the region where travelers can raft and paddle the day away. Located just a few miles from downtown Cody, the Buffalo Bill Reservoir in Buffalo Bill State Park features boating and is also a hot spot for windsurfing.

Go Fishing

Cody Yellowstone is home to an abundance of top-flight fishing spots, including the North and South Forks of the Shoshone River and rivers and streams in Yellowstone National Park. Local fishing outfitters offer guides, maps, and advice. Blue-ribbon trout fishing is especially popular in the fall, where Yellowstone cutthroat, one of the four subspecies of cutthroat found in Wyoming, can be found throughout the region.

Hit the trails

There are more than 1,100 miles of mapped trails in Yellowstone, as well as numerous trails in and around the town of Cody. Explore on horseback or on foot. A free downloadable trail map offers suggestions for routes based on the desired challenge level and type of trail. Popular regions include downtown Cody, Beck Lake, Slick Rock, and the Shoshone National Forest.

Click here for tips about hiking and camping in bear country.

Pedal

Mountain biking in Cody Yellowstone allows visitors to take in the scenery at their own pace while getting some exercise in the fresh Wyoming air. Riders won’t want to miss the new Beck Lake Mountain Bike Park and Trail System southeast of Cody.

Camp

Many people know that Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, but not so many realize the Shoshone National Forest is the first as well. The United States Forest Service operates several campgrounds and campsites throughout the region. Add in close to 300 backcountry sites in Yellowstone operated by the National Park Service, and there are myriad options for those who want to enjoy a night in the woods. These campsites are never far from great hiking trails.

Clean Fun in Cody Yellowstone

When it is time to dust off and clean up, check out the Cody Yellowstone Sippin’ Trail and spend a leisurely afternoon or evening checking out the many beer, distillery and eatery options in downtown Cody. The more stops you make, the more points you earn. You can cash in those points for prizes like T-shirts, pint glasses, and more. Or enjoy a leisurely downtown stroll while listening to a GPS-triggered TravelStorys audio walking tour highlighting some of Cody’s most interesting historic sites and buildings.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Cody Yellowstone today! Be sure to pack an extra set of clean clothes, because you’re sure to get a little dirty while you’re here!