5 Thrilling Fall Adventures for Grown-Ups in Cody Yellowstone (Plus a Legendary Way to Wind Down)

Fall season in Cody Yellowstone is a time for adventure and surprises. Anglers fish for trout in secluded rivers and streams. UTVers and road-trippers gas up. Equestrians saddle up. Hikers lace up. Campers set up. RVers hook up. Bears bulk up. And amorous male elk build up their harems. 

Since most families have returned home to start the school year, there are far fewer visitors to this classic vacation destination in the fall than there are in the summer, there are plenty of ways to discover its many wonders.

Here are five unforgettable ways to experience the Wild West this fall — plus one iconic local trail that’s more about sippin’ than saddlin’ up.

1. Cast a Line in Wyoming’s Best Fall Fly-Fishing Waters

Fall is prime time for trout fishing in Cody Yellowstone. The region’s rivers — especially the North and South Forks of the Shoshone River — are teeming with Yellowstone cutthroat and other native species. Local outfitters provide maps, gear, and expert guides to help you hook the big one. This is the season when solitude reigns, and the fish are biting.

2. Blaze a Trail to the Ghost Town of Kirwin by UTV

Fuel up your sense of adventure and hit the dirt roads in a UTV. Cody-based Tread ‘N Trails rents street-legal UTVs for adventurous visitors to explore backcountry areas such as the ghost town of Kirwin. Located high in the Absaroka Mountains above the town of Meeteetse, the discovery of gold in the late 1800s prompted the creation of this once-thriving boomtown. When a disastrous blizzard struck in 1907, most people left the town, leaving behind numerous structures and mines. UTV enthusiasts can explore miles of trails surrounding the town. They can also take a short hike to the foundation of a cabin that was being built by aviatrix Amelia Earhart, a frequent visitor to the region before her disappearance. 

3. Drive One of America’s Most Scenic Byways

With five stunning routes leading into Cody, this is road-tripping country at its finest. Cruise through golden valleys, alpine passes, and wildlife corridors on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway or Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway. Download the TravelStorys app for GPS-triggered audio tours — including for the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway — that add color to every mile. Fans of audio tours can also listen to a guided walking tour highlighting downtown Cody’s historic structures.

4. Watch Wildlife Roam, Bugle, and Battle

Fall is one of the best times of the year to watch wildlife in action. The forests, river valleys, mountains and canyons of Cody Yellowstone are filled with wildlife such as bears, elk, wolves, moose, bison, eagles and river otters, and many of these species are especially active in the fall. Bears spend the fall months filling up on pine nuts to fatten up before heading to their dens in the winter. It’s mating season for elk, and the males of the species court prospective mates by shrilly bugling and challenging other males to battles. Fall is also a great time to watch wolves. Wolf packs are often larger in the fall than other times of the year because pups are finally big enough to hunt with the adults. Top places to see wildlife in Cody Yellowstone include Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park, and along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway from Cody to the northeast gate of the park and the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway from Cody to the east gate of the park.

5. Hike, Ride, or Bike Through Wide-Open Spaces

Whether you’re on two wheels, four hooves, or just a good pair of boots, there’s a trail calling your name. Grab a free trail map and hit routes through Slick Rock, Beck Lake, or the Shoshone National Forest. Want to stay close to town? Downtown Cody’s bike trails offer scenic rides with easy access to food, shops, and post-adventure drinks.

Après-Adventure: Sip Like a Local on the Cody Yellowstone Sippin’ Trail

After a day of epic exploration, you’ve earned a reward. Follow the Cody Yellowstone Sippin’ Trail, a self-guided experience through local breweries, historic saloons, cigar lounges, and even a hotel built by Buffalo Bill himself. Download the free app, check in at participating venues, and collect points toward rewards like custom pint glasses and T-shirts.

Plan Your Wild Fall Getaway Today

Fewer crowds, crisp air, golden views — and five ways to make the most of it. Request your free 2025 Cody Yellowstone Adventure Guide and start planning the kind of escape you’ll talk about for years to come.

Request Your Free Guide.