If you’re planning to visit Cody Wyoming, you’re in for a treat. Tucked on the eastern edge of Yellowstone National Park, Cody makes the perfect basecamp to explore some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the American West.
When we visited Cody, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. For us, it was a mix of convenience and curiosity—we needed a spot to restock during our RV road trip through the West. What we didn’t realize was just how welcoming this little Wyoming town would feel. The locals were warm, the scenery was stunning, and there was more to do than we had time for.
If you’re building your own itinerary, here are the highlights from our trip—the things we did (and loved) plus a few we wish we had time for. Think of this as your shortcut list: a way to “steal” our experience and design your own unforgettable adventure when you visit Cody Wyoming.
Stay at Yellowstone Valley Inn
If you’re traveling in an RV, like we were, or even if you prefer cabins or motels, the Yellowstone Valley Inn
is a fantastic option. Located about 20 minutes outside Cody and 25 minutes from Yellowstone’s East Entrance, it gave us the best of both worlds.
No, it’s not as close as camping inside the park. But what you gain is serenity. The campground sits right along the Shoshone River, with mountains rising up all around. It’s quiet, scenic, and the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think after a long day of sightseeing.
The RV sites are full hookup, with both pull-through and back-in options. If you don’t have an RV, you can book a cabin or a motel room. There’s also a restaurant and bar on-site, which turned out to be a nice bonus after a day of driving and hiking.
For us, Yellowstone Valley Inn was more than just a campground—it was a reset button. We stocked up, got organized, and felt refreshed heading into Yellowstone.
Steal this idea: Base yourself outside the park for more space, peace, and access to both Cody and Yellowstone.
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Hike the Sweetwater River Trail
One of our favorite surprises was the Sweetwater River Trail, a peaceful hike that gave us a glimpse of Wyoming’s raw beauty.
This trail isn’t crowded, which made it all the more enjoyable. The path winds along the river, with views of rugged hills, sagebrush meadows, and distant peaks. It’s not a difficult hike, making it perfect for families or anyone looking to stretch their legs without committing to a long trek.
The air feels crisp, the river provides that soothing background soundtrack, and you get the sense you’re experiencing Wyoming the way locals might on a casual weekend outing.
Steal this idea: Balance the bucket-list sights with quieter, lesser-known trails to recharge.
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Visit Yellowstone National Park (North Rim Trail)
Of course, you can’t visit Cody Wyoming without stepping into Yellowstone National Park. From Cody, the East Entrance is only about 25 miles away—a scenic drive along the Shoshone River that’s worth the trip in itself.
Once inside Yellowstone, we tackled the North Rim Trail. This hike offers incredible views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, one of the park’s most jaw-dropping features.
Along the way, you’ll hit famous overlooks like Brink of the Lower Falls, Lookout Point, and Inspiration Point. Each angle gives you a new perspective of the rushing waterfalls and the canyon’s colorful walls, painted in golds, reds, and yellows.
The trail is moderately challenging but well worth the effort. It reminded us why Yellowstone is considered one of America’s crown jewels.
Steal this idea: Don’t just drive to the overlooks—take the time to hike and see the canyon from multiple viewpoints.
Experience the Cody Nite Rodeo
From June through August, Cody lives up to its nickname: the “Rodeo Capital of the World.” The Cody Nite Rodeo runs every evening during the summer, and it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.
This isn’t a polished, corporate-style event. It’s raw, real, and often features young cowboys and cowgirls—some not even old enough to drive—roping, riding, and showing fearless skill. It’s equal parts family outing and cultural deep dive.
We loved the energy of the crowd, the daring stunts, and the chance to see a slice of Western heritage up close. It felt authentically Wyoming, not just a show for tourists.
Steal this idea: Plan your visit during summer months and make the Cody Nite Rodeo a must-see. Arrive early to grab a good seat and soak in the atmosphere.
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Shop at Sunlight Sports
Every town has that one outfitter shop you end up spending way too much time in. For Cody, it’s Sunlight Sports.
This locally owned store is stocked with high-quality outdoor gear—everything from hiking boots and backpacks to jackets that can handle a surprise Wyoming storm. What really stood out, though, was the staff. They weren’t just there to sell; they were genuinely curious about our trip and eager to share their tips for trails, activities, and gear.
Whether you need a quick resupply or just want to browse, Sunlight Sports is worth the stop.
Steal this idea: Support local shops, not just for the gear but for the insider knowledge.
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Things We Wished We’d Done
Even with several days in the area, there was plenty we didn’t get to. If we could go back (and we absolutely plan to), here’s what’s still on our Cody bucket list:
Horseback riding in Shoshone National Forest
Nothing says “Wyoming” like exploring the mountains on horseback. There are several outfitters near Yellowstone that offer guided rides into the forest—an experience we’ll definitely prioritize next time.
Hiking in Buffalo Bill State Park
Just a short drive from Cody, this park offers trails with panoramic views of Buffalo Bill Reservoir. It’s also home to the Buffalo Bill Dam, where you can visit the museum and learn about the area’s fascinating history of irrigation and engineering.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West
This was the one stop we regretted missing most. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West isn’t just one museum—it’s five world-class museums under one roof, covering everything from Western art and natural history to Native American culture and the life of Buffalo Bill himself. We heard again and again from locals that you could easily spend an entire day here and still not see it all.
Next time we visit Cody Wyoming, we’ll dedicate at least half a day—if not more—to fully explore this massive, beautifully curated complex.
Steal these ideas: Give yourself extra days to experience Cody beyond Yellowstone. Horseback riding, state park hikes, and a deep dive into Western history at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West make for the perfect combo of adventure and culture.
Why You Should Visit Cody Wyoming
Looking back, Cody wasn’t just a pit stop—it was one of the most memorable highlights of our entire trip. The town strikes the perfect balance between small-town friendliness and big Western adventure. You can stock up on supplies, enjoy a cozy campground, and still be minutes away from some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
When you visit Cody Wyoming, you’re not just ticking a box on your itinerary. You’re immersing yourself in a community that embraces its history, its landscapes, and its visitors. Whether you’re hiking riverside trails, cheering at the rodeo, or sipping a drink at Yellowstone Valley Inn, Cody has a way of making you feel both relaxed and adventurous at the same time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re mapping out a road trip through the West, consider adding Cody to your route—not just as a resupply stop, but as a destination in its own right. From unforgettable hikes and rodeo nights to welcoming locals and stunning landscapes, this Wyoming town deserves a spot on your travel list.
Next time, we’ll definitely linger a week or longer. And we highly recommend you do too.
So go ahead—steal our highlights, make them your own, and start planning your own visit to Cody Wyoming.
