Buffalo Bill's Blog

As a true biking enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like taking the ol’ two wheeler out for a run on a blissfully warm summer day. Whether it’s road-cycling or mountain biking, nothing replaces the feeling of being one-on-one with Mother Nature’s unspoiled beauty.

To successfully plan for a full day of trailblazing, make sure to leave in the morning; even when the sun is just peeking past the horizon. This will ensure that you have all the time in the world to stop and stretch, stay in one spot longer or keep a leisurely pace. The last thing you want to do is bike a great distance, realize you’ve gone too far and you’ll be back only in the wee hours of the night. Allow yourself the time to fully appreciate the full country landscape of forests, valleys, canyons and mountains.

If you’re looking to enjoy an afternoon of bicycling, explore the trailheads that are located inside the city: Beck Lake Park, Red Lakes and the Paul Stock Nature Trail. Adrenaline junkies will find their fix in the mountain trails of the Shoshone National Forest. For more details on biking options, get your hands on a copy for The Cody Mountain Biking Guide, available at the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce or Absaroka Bicycles.

Get ready for the rumble and sudden rush and tumble of rapid action! White water rafting is the opportunity to experience Wyoming’s calm rivers as they become the ultimate source of adrenaline. Whether you’re looking for an “in-your-face, up-your-nose” whitewater adventure or gentle rapids the whole family can enjoy, river rafting in Cody truly does deliver.

Many experienced guides offer a variety of white water trips. There’s the traditional 12-person big boat, perfect for those being formally introduced to the full river experience. For outdoor enthusiasts looking for the full Monty, a 6-passenger sport rafting is the way to go, maximizing each and every rapid on the Shoshone River. A family-style rafting trip is also available for those looking for the gentler side of the river while taking in the unspoiled scenery, variety of wildlife and fauna.

Make white water rafting part of your summer vacation. What can be better than floating through canyons and past mountains, the hot sun shining down with the cool river flowing underneath and, of course, the thrill of running rapids? No summer is complete without at least one wild, wacky and wet ride!

Horseback riding. Quite simply the quickest way to relive the days of the Old West. The Old West is often characterized with mentions of western outlaws, cowboys, the ol’ gun drawn and such. But perhaps no other era depicts the strong bond between man and horse as the Old West did. From the silhouetted figure disappearing into the sunset to the long rides across the wide open plains, man and horse stuck together like cheese and wine.

Now it’s time to saddle up and discover the countryside the way it was meant to be. There are many outfitters in and around Cody that are equipped with experienced riders who can give you a memorable horseback riding experience. Devote a day, and head out in the country, where the grails lead you to open meadows, spectacular scenic views, meandering rivers and more.

If the whole cowboy experience is what you’re after, check out some of Cody’s guest ranches. Spend a weekend or even just a day on a guest ranch, learn the ropes of western lifestyle and get a taste of life with real cowboys!

Outside the Buffalo Bill Historical Center – home to five internationally acclaimed museums and a research library – proudly stands a bronze statue of a mounted rider. Being in a town built on western traditions and cowpoke history, a statue of a mounted rider seems like a typical thing to have.  However, this statue was placed in 1924 to commemorate one of the most famous men in the world; Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody.

The statue, Buffalo Bill – The Scout was initiated by Buffalo Bill Cody’s niece, Mary Jester who then persuaded artist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney to sculpt the piece. Following a first failed attempt at immortalizing the historical significance of Buffalo Bill Cody, Gertrude thought to use a horse and cowboy from Cody for artistic inspiration. Proven successful, the statue was dedicated on July 4, 1924. The Scout stands on a large stone base at the end of Sheridan Avenue, Cody’s main thoroughway.

When someone hands you an incredible opportunity, you do what comes natural to most – grasp the occasion and make the most it. In this case, Mother Nature is delivering an unbelievable hiking experience, served on a silver platter. Let’s trade the fully paved, straight highways for backcountry dirt paths that will lead you through Yellowstone National Park and Cody’s abundant wildlife, hidden waterfalls and exceptional views of rivers and canyons. You’ll be glad you did.

Best hiking hotspots

• Shoshone National Forest Imagine the hiking possibilities with 940 miles of trails winding through 2.5 million acres of sagebrush flats, rugged mountain peaks, diverse wildlife and more.

• Grand Teton National Park Step up to the challenge and join a hiking tour with a certified guide. Scale the mountains of Grand Teton National Park, offering some of the most diverse climbing in the country. (more…)