How to Navigate Cody Yellowstone If It’s Your Very First Time

Planning your first visit to Cody Yellowstone can be daunting, especially when you only have a few vacation days to experience all that this heavenly chunk of northwestern Wyoming has to offer. 

This 4.4 million-acre playground has endless things to see and do. From early-morning wildlife-watching in the park to the summer season Cody Nite Rodeo, visitors can quickly fill every hour of every day with an adventure. But that could be exhausting. And by overplanning, you could set yourself up to miss some of the magic, such as bighorn sheep hanging out in red rock canyons or enjoying a cold brew at one of the watering holes on the Cody Yellowstone Sippin’ Trail. 

Where should you start? Check out the essential information and ten tips below to plan a trip with a balanced pace, and a mix of planned adventures and aimless meandering. 

What to know about Yellowstone:

• Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, established in 1872. 
• Yellowstone occupies 2.2 million acres in northwestern Wyoming and small slivers of Montana and Idaho. Only about 3% of that acreage is developed with roads or buildings. 
• The park has five entrance/exit gates. Cody is the only Yellowstone National Park gateway with access to two of the park’s five gates. It is 52 miles from downtown Cody to the East Gate and 80 miles to the Northeast Gate. 
• Most park roads are open to private vehicles throughout the spring, summer and fall and closed during the winter. The exception is the road from the North Gate to the Northeast Gate, which is open year-round. You can find open/close dates on the Yellowstone National Park website. 
• Yellowstone National Park roads form a figure 8 pattern with an Upper Loop and Lower Loop. 
• Yellowstone is home to dozens of free-roaming wildlife species, including bears, wolves, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and moose.

What to know about Cody: 

• Cody was founded in 1896 by famed performer and visionary Buffalo Bill Cody. 
• Cody and the neighboring towns of Powell and Meeteetse comprise a destination known for its authentic and classic Western attractions, including museums, music, rodeo and more. 
• Cody offers a huge array of restaurants, shops and galleries, and strolling the town’s highly walkable main street, Sheridan Avenue, is a great way to discover all of the town’s gems. 
• Many visitors stay in Cody for the duration of their trip and plan park days in addition to Cody days.  

Pro tips for your maiden voyage to Cody Yellowstone: 

1. Download or order free planning guides. Visitor guides are available from Cody Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park and some attractions such as Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
2. Know where you’re going. Download maps of Cody and Yellowstone National Park before setting out. Also, be sure to download free TravelStorys audio tours that tell the stories of Cody Yellowstone as you drive the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway to the East Gate or Chief Joseph Scenic Byway to the Northeast Gate. 
3. Take the Yellowstone Pledge. Vow to be a responsible and safe visitor by reviewing these easy tips from the National Park Service. 
4. Find the perfect place to lay your head. Cody Yellowstone has accommodations options like dude and guest ranches, RV parks, Bed & Breakfasts, hotels, and motels to suit any budget. 
5. On park days, set out early, stay late and avoid the midday rush. The National Park Service suggests arriving before the morning rush, which begins around 9 a.m. and staying until sunset, when wildlife watching is at its peak. Also, avoid peak visitor times by seeing popular attractions like Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. 
6. Stock up and pack smart. In the summer, in-park restaurants can be crowded and cut into your adventure time. There are plentiful places to lay out an old-fashioned picnic and enjoy the scenery. Also, be sure to have plenty of snacks and beverages no matter how long you plan to be out and about. Remember, you’re at altitude, and it is important to stay hydrated! You’ll want to stock your car with more than just food and drink. Bring physical maps, binoculars and plenty of clothing layers. 
7. Visit the Draper Natural History Museum before you head to the park. This acclaimed museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West introduces you to the sights, sounds and even smells of Yellowstone National Park, so you’ll have more insights about what you experience in the park. 
8. On Cody days, follow a trail and earn points for prizes. The Wild West Trail includes stops at some of Cody’s celebrated museums, dude and guest ranches and other attractions. If there are kids (or a fan of scavenger hunts), follow the Bears in the Basin trail to find the bear statues hidden throughout Cody, Powell and Meeteetse and learn about the significance of where they are and what they represent. Or follow the Cody Yellowstone Sippin’ Trail and discover why USA Today named Cody the best small town beer scene in the U.S.
9. Talk with the experts. Stop at the Cody Country Visitor Center for tips about attractions to visit. Or talk to a member of the Sunlight Sports Outdoor Concierge staff for recommendations on hiking trails and insider tips.  
10. Experience the classics. The Cody Nite Rodeo is the only summer-season nightly rodeo in the U.S., and it is a not-to-be-missed event. The prime rib dinner at the Irma Hotel has been described as the best prime rib in Wyoming. Or explore Old Trail Town and its authentic Old West frontier buildings. 

The best thing you can do for your first visit to Cody Yellowstone? Plan ahead with the helpful Cody Yellowstone vacation guide. It’s full of great tips and ideas to ensure your first time in Cody Yellowstone is one to remember. Get your free copy today.