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!

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!

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.

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.

• The Paul Stock Nature Trail Being a novice trailblazer doesn’t mean you need to settle for less. Though only 1.5 miles, this hiking trail still provides stunning views along the Shoshone River.

• Heart Mountain It’s hard to explain how the rock at the peak’s summit is 250 million years older than the rock at its base; it’s easy to explain how Heart Mountain delivers a memorable hiking experience – considering its 360-degree view of the Bighorn Basin.

Are you ready to grab those hiking boots, lace ‘em and hit the ol’ dirt road? Whether you’re looking to climb all of Grand Teton’s 13,770 feet or to simply enjoy a small family hike, there are plenty of opportunities that will feed anybody’s passion for the natural wonders of Cody/Yellowstone Country. Check out Bison Willy’s Outdoor Adventures or Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for a little guidance and great climbing/hiking programs.

The tour includes a wealth of information about Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, as well as the thrilling bank robbery by the Hole in the Wall gang in 1904. See where the Crow Indians lived, visit the DeMaris hot springs and view the wildlife (mostly deer, with the occasional bear) as you go past.

Other sights on the tour include:

• the historic downtown area
• the Irma Hotel
• Buffalo Bill Dam
• the rodeo grounds
• the west’s largest model railroad, Tecumseh Miniature Village
• pioneer homes, and more

You can even hear clips of Buffalo Bill himself. Don’t miss this tour.

One of the most famous – and stunning – sights you will see is the eruption of Old Faithful. This geyser sends between 3,700 and 8,400 gallons of hot water (204 degrees Farenheit) into the air every 63-75 minutes. There’s more hot water in action at the Mammoth Hot Springs, which are full of beneficial minerals, as well as lots of geysers at the Norris Geyser Basin. Yellowstone contains a significant part of the world’s geothermal resources and is home to the Yellowstone Caldera, an active supervolcano. Previous volcanic activity has created a large petrified forest, which is another of the areas attractions.

The Park’s largest waterfall, the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, drops 308 feet into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, an amazing canyon between 800 and 1,200 feet deep. There are nearly 300 waterfalls across the whole park. The park also includes several historic sites such as the Old Faithful Inn and Fort Yellowstone. This is a great place to enjoy nature and to camp under the stars. If you’re brave enough, get a permit and saddle up a horse to explore some of the backcountry areas.