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How to Navigate Cody Yellowstone in Spring

Posted by: Park Country Travel Council
Posted on: April 12, 2026

The Round-Up: What You’ll Learn in This Article 

  • When spring “really starts” in Cody Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park
  • What roads typically reopen first and what that means for trip planning
  • The best spring activities: wildlife watching, hiking, biking, off-roading, fishing, and more
  • What opens in Cody in late spring (rodeo, museums, attractions)
  • Simple planning tips (maps, audio tours, where to stay, what to pack)


While many people have their favorite season, here in Cody Yellowstone, we love them all. When the base layers go back in the bin and the hiking boots come out, spring is officially on the range — and it brings a whole new set of adventures.

Spring activities typically ramp up in April as the snow starts to retreat. By early May, roads into Yellowstone begin reopening, wildlife is on the move, and the region shakes off winter in the best possible way.

Watch Some Wildlife

Spring is when most of the newborns make their appearance and when bears emerge from hibernation.

You might spot:

  • Bison calves
  • Black bears
  • Moose
  • Bighorn sheep
  • Elk
  • Wolves
  • River otters
  • Eagles

Prime viewing areas:

  • The road from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Gate (great viewing even outside the park)
  • Hayden Valley (between Lake and Canyon Village)
  • Lamar Valley (west of Cooke City, toward Roosevelt)

Try Some Off-Road Adventures

Want to trade pavement for backcountry? Guided and self-guided UTV options like Out West Adventures can take you into Cody Yellowstone’s rugged reaches — including destinations like the Kirwin Ghost Town.

Take a Hike

Because spring is a season of changing conditions, it pays to ask locals before you lace up. Here are some options to consider:

Ride a Bike

In Cody:

Near Yellowstone (for strong legs):

  • A six-mile stretch from Yellowstone’s East Gate to the east side of Sylvan Pass is a great challenge in between plowing and the opening of the road to motorized vehicles. 

Insider Tip: Head over to the Joyvagen bicycle shop for expert advice, equipment, and recommendations for other trails in the region.

Go Fishing

A man fishing in a river in Cody Yellowstone

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

Spring is when Cody Yellowstone starts firing on all cylinders.

Key openings:

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

A family exploring a museum in Cody Yellowstone

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 more for planning your route. Get your free copy today.

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

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