Where to Take the Best Photos in Cody Yellowstone

Picture this: you, your trusty camera, and endless opportunities to capture a destination that’s been inspiring photographers for over a century. Whether you’re a seasoned pro with a bag full of lenses or someone who believes the best camera is the one in your pocket, this guide is for you. Join us as we explore some of Cody Yellowstone’s most photogenic spots for wow-worthy shots.

Artist Point

Talk about a view that lives up to its name! This popular spot provides a front-row seat to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It’s a favorite spot among photographers — and in a 24-mile-long canyon chock-full of breathtaking scenes, that’s really saying something.

From this vantage point, the canyon’s golden walls plunge dramatically to the Yellowstone River below, with the Lower Falls as a stunning focal point. For the best light, get here just after sunrise or before sunset when the canyon glows in warm hues. Look for rainbows dancing in the mist of the falls — nature’s own special effect. Its scenery is so naturally stunning that your photos will make you feel like an artist, too.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is Yellowstone’s geological wonderland. Its iconic terraces are often described as inverted caves, featuring cascades of steaming limestone formations streaked with vivid colors. You’ll feel like you’re staring at the colorful grand staircase into another planet.

This place never sits still. The ancient hot springs are constantly evolving through the years and changing with the seasons, offering fresh perspectives for you and your lens. Stroll along the elevated boardwalks that wind above the hydrothermal features for a bird’s-eye view of the landscapes. For a broader view, take a scenic drive around the vibrant travertine terraces.  In the winter, strap on skis or snowshoes to venture among the Upper Terraces, where rising steam creates ethereal scenes against the snowy backdrop.

Keep your camera ready for the local elk, especially during the fall rutting season. These creatures often graze near the terraces, offering a chance to capture unique shots of wildlife against the surreal geothermal landscape.

Beartooth Highway

Buckle up for a ride on the Beartooth Highway, often hailed as America’s most beautiful drive. This 68-mile stretch of road is a photographer’s dream route and an adventure through some of Wyoming’s most marvelous landscapes.

Drive alongside diverse natural wonders, from alpine forests and pristine lakes to wildflower meadows and snow-capped peaks. Perfectly placed overlooks invite you to pull over, pause, and capture the grandeur. As you journey through Wyoming’s wonder, you’ll climb to a whopping 10,947 feet over the Beartooth Pass, overlooking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Swing by in late July or early August to catch the wildflowers in full bloom. Or time your trip just right and plan for fall, when the aspens turn gold and light up the mountainsides.

Kirwin Ghost Town

Are you willing to venture off the beaten path? This abandoned mining town, tucked away in the Absaroka Mountains, sits like a time capsule in a pristine wilderness setting. The journey there is half the fun, winding through the Shoshone National Forest’s picture-perfect landscapes — think rolling hills, sprawling meadows, and rugged mountain passes.

Once you hit Kirwin Ghost Town, it’s like stepping into a time machine. The relics of this once-bustling town stand in stark contrast to the wilderness reclaiming its territory. The old buildings are draped in greenery, and wildlife has made itself at home among the remnants of human activity. Kirwin’s abandoned structures, though weathered, are still open for exploration. It’s a place where you can capture the passage of time in a single shot, from rusted mining equipment to wildflowers pushing through old floorboards. 

If you’re looking to get the full Kirwin experience, consider joining a guided tour. You’ll venture past mining structures, old cabins, and even a few abandoned mines before taking a short hike to Amelia Earhart’s unfinished summer cabin — a standout tour stop.

Lamar Valley

If your sights are set on sensational wildlife snaps, make your way to Lamar Valley. Sometimes referred to as “America’s Serengeti”, this vast expanse is home to Lamar Canyon wolf packs, massive bison herds, grizzlies, elk, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and osprey. The open landscape offers unobstructed views, perfect for capturing that National Geographic-worthy shot.

Lamar Valley is a year-round photo destination. Winter’s snowy landscapes create stunning contrasts, spring brings baby animals, summer offers lush backdrops, and fall paints everything in gold. Whatever the season, patience is your best tool — nature’s best moments often come to those who wait!

Remember, distance is key in wildlife photography and safety, so pack your longest lens. For the best shots, aim for the golden hours just after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft and animals are active.

The Buffalo Bill Dam

When the Buffalo Bill Dam was completed in 1910, it wasn’t just another construction project — it was a landmark achievement. Standing 325 feet tall, it claimed the title of the world’s highest dam, surpassing New York’s Croton Dam. 

Today, it’s a National Civil Engineering landmark that offers a unique blend of natural and man-made grandeur for your lens. From the top, you’ll feel like you’re overlooking two worlds. On one side, the untamed Wyoming wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see. On the other, a manufactured wonder that’s been holding back the Shoshone River for over a century.

Old Trail Town

Old Trail Town & Museum of the West is a photographer’s dream, offering a perfectly preserved slice of the Old West just outside downtown Cody. It looks like a ready-made photo set, but it’s not just for show — this is the very ground where Buffalo Bill laid the foundation for Cody, Wyoming.

This interactive experience brings the Frontier West to life through 28 relocated historic buildings and thousands of artifacts. For photographers, it’s a gold mine of authentic scenes and intricate details. As you stroll down the dusty main street, past old saloons and weather-beaten cabins — including Butch Cassidy’s Hole in the Wall Cabin — it’s easy to imagine the characters who once called this place home. 

Cody Nite Rodeo

As the sun dips low over Cody, the rodeo arena comes alive with the sights and sounds of the Old West. It’s more than just bucking broncos (though there’s plenty of that!), it’s a chance to photograph a living, breathing piece of Wyoming culture. 

Cody’s nightly summer rodeo is action photography at its finest, so get ready to test your quick-draw photography skills. With the picturesque Wyoming mountains framing every shot, your focus will be on capturing those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments of rodeo magic. The challenge of capturing split-second moments — like a horse mid-buck or a perfectly thrown lasso — makes for an exhilarating experience with nearly non-stop photo ops.

Capture the Wild West

From rugged landscapes to wild rodeos, Cody Yellowstone is always ready for its close-up. Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on the best photo spots, it’s time to start planning your visit. 

Request your free vacation guide and get ready for a picture-perfect Wild West getaway.