• A man mountain biking in Cody Yellowstone

Where to Go Biking in Cody Yellowstone

Posted by: Park Country Travel Council
Posted on: June 18, 2025

Cody Yellowstone is more than just a stop on the way to the world’s first national park, it’s a destination for adventure. Built on the legacy of Buffalo Bill Cody, this little Western town invites visitors to trade four wheels for two and discover the thrill of the ride.

Whether you’re cruising scenic byways or tearing down dirt trails, Cody Yellowstone’s landscape was made for cyclists with a wild heart and a thirst for fresh air. Here’s where to ride, roam, and feel the freedom of the open range. 

Beck Lake Bike Park: For the Wild at Heart

Two men bike at Beck Lake Bike Park

Just a short distance away from downtown Cody lies Beck Lake Bike Park, the ultimate track for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Get your adrenaline pumping on more than 10 miles of biking tracks designed to challenge your skills and awaken your sense of adventure. This isn’t your average city park—it’s where jumps, berms, pump tracks, and panoramic views collide.

Start on the beginner loops if you’re new to the saddle, or take on advanced downhill sections if you’re ready to let loose. The trails are clearly marked, well-maintained, and surrounded by wide-open Wyoming sky—the kind that makes you feel small in the best way.

Local tip: Early morning rides here offer golden light over the lake and fewer crowds.

Cruise Cody’s Scenic Pathways

Prefer a smoother ride that still delivers spectacular views? Cody’s network of paved and gravel urban trails weaves more than nine miles through town, connecting parks, picnic areas, and riverside greenspace. Ideal for casual cruisers, families, and road cyclists, these trails blend convenience with Western charm—all with a front-row seat to the rugged beauty of the Shoshone River.

Ride highlight: The path along the Shoshone River is especially photogenic at sunset—bring your camera, but don’t forget to take a moment to soak it all in.

Ride the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway

If you’re craving big mileage, bigger views, and a taste of Western history, the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway is your trail to glory. Stretching 27.5 miles west from Cody into the wilds of Shoshone National Forest, this route is steeped in legend—and lined with staggering canyon walls, crystal-clear rivers, and whispering pine.

This ride isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s best for experienced cyclists comfortable with longer distances and elevation changes. But your reward? A ride through landscapes once explored by Buffalo Bill himself, ending just shy of Yellowstone’s East Gate.

Points of interest: Stop at the Buffalo Bill Dam, one of the tallest concrete dams in the U.S. when it was built, and check out the historic Pahaska Tepee Lodge, Buffalo Bill’s original hunting lodge, tucked beneath the pines.

Off the Beaten Track: Trails in Shoshone National Forest

Two people biking in the early evening

Beyond the byway lies a vast expanse of backcountry biking in Shoshone National Forest. These trails are wild, unfiltered, and meant for those who like their rides served with a side of solitude. Here, switchbacks wind through alpine meadows, creeks run cold and clear, and the scent of pine follows you with every climb.

You’ll find both technical mountain biking routes and wider logging roads perfect for fat tire exploration. And while signage can be limited, the feeling of carving your way through remote forest makes it all worthwhile.

Pro tip: Bring a GPS map, water, bear spray, and your sense of adventure. Cell service is spotty, and wildlife—elk, bighorn sheep, even the occasional bear—call this land home.

Easy Riders: Family Loops at Homesteader Park

Not every ride needs to be rugged. For young riders or those just starting out, Homesteader Park offers a laid-back loop with room to roam and space to grow. This peaceful park features flat terrain, shaded rest areas, and open fields for freewheeling fun.

It’s also a great spot to practice balance, let little ones gain confidence on two wheels, or enjoy a slow-paced roll before grabbing a bite in town.

Fun fact: Cody’s bike-friendly community vibe makes it easy to pedal from parks to patios without ever needing a car. So go ahead—make it a day of bikes, burgers, and big skies.

Planning Your Two-Wheeled Adventure

Before you kick up your kickstand, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Rentals & Repairs: Need a bike or a tune-up? Local outfitters like Gradient Mountain Sports and Joyvagen Cycles are ready to help you gear up.
  • Be Weather-Wise: Cody sits at over 5,000 feet — that means hot sun, cool evenings, and sudden summer storms. Layers are your friend.
  • Safety First: Helmets are essential, especially on the mountain trails. And always bring water, snacks, and a trail map (or offline GPS).
  • Ride with Respect: Yield to hikers and horses, pack out trash, and give wildlife space. Out here, you’re riding through their home.

From dusty backcountry climbs to riverside rambles, Cody Yellowstone isn’t just for cowboys and history buffs — it’s for anyone who feels most alive in motion, with wind in their hair and trail beneath their tires.

So, if your idea of the perfect getaway includes a bike, a view, and a little bit of Western grit, we’ve got your next ride mapped out. 

Saddle up and ride the wildest way into Yellowstone. Cody’s waiting.

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