How to Navigate Cody Yellowstone in Spring

While many people have their favorite season, here in Cody Yellowstone, we love them all. Putting away the base layers, gloves, and winter coats and getting out the hiking boots and bicycle shorts means spring is here. And spring means a whole new set of adventures and destinations.

Spring activities typically get underway in April as the snow melts. Temperatures rise, mountain bikers inflate their tires, and hikers seek out dry trails. In early May, however, roads to Yellowstone National Park are plowed, and open visitors to the park’s geology, plant life, and prime wildlife watching with new babies and bears emerging from hibernation. 

There are definitely factors to consider with roads reopening, attractions gearing up for peak season, and trails being repurposed.

First, let’s look at accessibility for drivers. The road from the East Gate near Pahaska Tepee to Lake Village and beyond to Canyon Village is plowed when conditions permit in April. The East Gate’s scheduled opening is May 2 this year. Meanwhile, grooming of U.S. Route 212 from the end of the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway that leads to the Northeast Gate (referred to locally as “The Plug”) ends April 15, and the snow is allowed to melt away for a projected opening of early May. 

With those considerations out of the way, let’s focus on the fun stuff with some ideas for a springtime visit.

Watch Some Wildlife

Spring is when most of the newborns make their appearance and when bears emerge from hibernation. Visitors can expect to see bison calves, black bear cubs, moose, bighorn sheep, elk, wolves, river otters, and eagles. The road from Cody to the East Gate is a prime viewing spot outside the park, while the Hayden Valley between Lake and Canyon Village and Lamar Valley west of Cooke City on the road to Roosevelt Lodge inside the park are renowned for being home to several species.

Try Some Off-Road Adventures

Tour companies like Out West Adventures offer guided and self-guided UTVs for exploring some of the region’s backcountry sites, like the Kirwin Ghost Town. 

Take a Hike

Because spring is a time of transition, we recommend visitors check in with the people who know the best early-season trails. The Sunlight Sports Outdoor Concierge staff can provide recommendations about hiking trails, current conditions, and insider tips.  For example, they may steer hikers toward Three Spring Hikes in Cody Yellowstone to Help Shake Off Winter Lethargy. Guided hikes are available at Hiking Buddy LLC. 

Ride a Bike

The Beck Lake Bike Park & Trail System features 10 miles of purpose-built trails, jump lines, a pump track, a drop zone, and skill trails. Dates are fluid, but a six-mile stretch from Yellowstone’s East Gate to the east side of Sylvan Pass is a great challenge — at least the uphill portion is — in between plowing and the opening of the road to motorized vehicles. Head over to the Joyvagen bicycle shop for expert advice, equipment, and recommendations for other trails in the region.

Go Fishing

Cody Yellowstone is home to abundant blue-ribbon fishing spots, including the North and South Forks of the Shoshone River and rivers and streams in Yellowstone National Park. A better bet in spring is to try local lakes and some of the quieter spots on the rivers. Fishing outfitters offer guides, maps, and advice. 

Be There For Opening Night

Cody Yellowstone has several popular attractions that open in spring. The Cody Nite Rodeo opens June 1 and is the only nightly rodeo in the U.S. Old Trail Town opens in mid-May and features almost 30 authentic Old West frontier buildings as well as artifacts, graves, and more. The Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center opens May 1, and Cody Cattle Company opens the last week in May. 

Take a Tour

Cody Trolley Tour is an excellent introduction to the town with a light-hearted look at Cody’s creation in 1896 and its growth to the present day.

Book Your Hotel

There is plenty of availability at hotels in Cody in early spring, and visitors have choices at budget, full-service, boutique, and luxury properties. 

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. 

Visit the Draper

The acclaimed Draper Natural History Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West introduces visitors to the sights, sounds, and even smells of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which provides them with more insights about what they will experience in the park. 

Explore the Sippin’ Trail

Cody Yellowstone has one of the best small-town beer scenes in the U.S., according to USA Today. Download the Sippin’ Trail pass to earn points for prizes as you wander from watering hole to watering hole along Sheridan Ave. and in the nearby town of Powell. 

Spring Into Planning Mode With the Cody Yellowstone Adventure Guide

The best way to prepare for your spring fling in Cody Yellowstone? Request your all-new Cody Yellowstone Adventure Guide. This guide is full of planning tipa and tricks, regional info, itineraires, and a fantastic commemorative map for planning your route. Get your free copy today.

We’re looking forward to seeing you this spring in Cody Yellowstone.