Slow Travel is a Fast Route to Fun in Cody Yellowstone

When it comes to exploring Cody Yellowstone, you have basically two choices every day of your visit: you can see a lot of a little or a little of a lot. 

If you go with the first choice, you’re going to be spending some time in your car. The good news is that Cody Yellowstone’s five Scenic Byways feature some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see in the Lower 48. As you travel the roads inside Yellowstone National Park and through the Bighorn Basin wilderness east of the park, you’ll pass forests, valleys, lakes, bison herds, steamy fumaroles, and much more. Simply put, a driving trip in Cody Yellowstone is a bucket list experience. 

Choosing option two means you’ll spend far less time in your car and far more time in the pristine wilderness throughout Cody Yellowstone. While you won’t see as many of the park’s famous highlights, you’ll experience much more of its backcountry, and you’ll be sharing that experience with far fewer fellow visitors. 

So what’s the right way to explore Cody Yellowstone? Well, the truth is, that’s up to you! We recommend a hybrid of the two travel styles. Spend a few days road-tripping and seeing the sites, and also dedicate a day or two for slow travel fun. 

With nearly 7,000 square miles of mountains, valleys and rivers — there’s plenty of room to roam in northwestern Wyoming’s Cody Yellowstone. It is a land of sparse human population — only four residents for every square mile. 

Combining the tenets of responsible travel, sustainability, and human-powered experiences, slow travel is a focus on the journey, not just the destination. 

Here are eight human-powered slow travel adventures to try in Cody Yellowstone.

Cast Your Line

The region features an abundance of top-flight fishing spots including the North and South Forks of the Shoshone River and rivers and streams in Yellowstone National Park. 

Go For A Hike

There are more than 1,100 miles of mapped trails for Hiking in Yellowstone as well as numerous trails in and around the town of Cody. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or a casual stroll, you find it here.  

It’s Climb Time

Cody Yellowstone is a climber’s paradise! The region is composed of porous volcanic soil that allows for easy water seepage, and the mountains receive large amounts of snow that melts into a high number of drainages. These factors result in spring-fed waterfalls that are constantly regenerating themselves and freezing into high-quality ice climbs. In warmer weather there are plenty of opportunities for rock climbing. 

Answer the Call of the Wild

Wildlife lovers, be sure to bring your binoculars to Cody Yellowstone. Here, you’ll have plenty of chances to see a bison, bear, eagle, bighorn sheep, river otter, fox, coyote, elk or wolf in the wild. Spotting wildlife is free, and visitors typically don’t have to go far to see an array of species. Tip: Practice safe viewing by leaving plenty of distance from any animal you encounter. Remember, they’re wild! 

Hit The Slopes

Did you know that Cody Yellowstone is home to one of the oldest alpine ski areas in North America — the Sleeping Giant Ski Area? It’s true! Situated just outside of Yellowstone National Park in the stunning Absaroka Mountain Range, Sleeping GIant’s 900 vertical feet and 184 acres of skier and rider-accessible terrain features trails for skiers of every ability. 

Paddle Out

With rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs, paddlers will find plenty of options for rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and float fishing.

Put the Pedal to the Metal

Are you the type that prefers a pedal over a paddle? Mountain-biking in Cody Yellowstone provides visitors with a chance to take in the scenery at their own pace while getting some exercise in the fresh Wyoming air. Riders won’t want to miss the new Beck Lake Mountain Bike Park and Trail System southeast of Cody.

Saddle Up

Equestrians have been drawn to rugged Cody Yellowstone since legendary horseback showman Buffalo Bill Cody founded the town. With numerous guest and dude ranches offering equestrian experiences for visitors of all levels, horseback riding remains one of the most popular authentic adventures in Cody Yellowstone. 

Whether you want to see a lot of a little or a little of a lot, Cody Yellowstone’s the perfect spot. Check out everything there is to see and do here, or, request a travel guide and start planning your next adventure.