How to Navigate Cody Yellowstone in Spring

The region features numerous bicycle trails and parks.

Spring activities in Cody Yellowstone typically get underway in April as the snow melts and temperatures rise and 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.

“Spring is a time to put on the hiking boots and bicycle shorts,” said Ryan Hauck, executive director of Cody Yellowstone, the marketing arm for the area that includes the towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse as well as the Shoshone National Forest and about half of Yellowstone National Park. “The warmer weather also signals a rebirth of multiple species as the strong survive and welcome new offspring.”

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.

Baby bison show up in spring.

Here are some thoughts for a springtime visit to Cody Yellowstone:

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 homes 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 | Cody Yellowstone. Guided hikes are available at Hiking Buddy LLC | Guided Hiking Tours | Cody Yellowstone.

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 an abundance of 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 a great introduction to the town with a light-hearted look at Cody’s creation in 1896 and 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 the best small town beer scene 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.

###

Home of the Great American Adventure, Cody Yellowstone is comprised of the northwestern Wyoming towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse as well as the valley east of Yellowstone National Park. The region is known for rodeos, authentic guest and dude ranches, world-class museums and recreational adventures that reflect the adventurous spirit of the visionaries and explorers who brought the remote region to the world’s attention.

Related hashtags:

#YellowstoneCountry

#CodyWyoming

#CenteroftheWest

#BuffaloBill

#Yellowstone

Media contact:

Mesereau Travel Public Relations

720-284-1512

[email protected]