Buffalo Bill's Blog

When you hear the term wildlife safari, you automatically think of leaping gazelles and lions in the wide open plains of South Africa. But what if we told that you that you don’t need to book your tickets to Africa to experience a wildlife safari? According to various sources, the term safari is defined as a “journey or a trip”. How about you take a journey to Yellowstone National Park and explore the largest concentration of wildlife in the lower 48 states?

In Yellowstone, the National Park Service reports:
• 67 different mammals
• There are possibly 500 to 600 black bears in the greater Yellowstone area
• Gray wolves were restored in 1995; more than 370 live in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem
• There are 7 species of ungulates – elk, mule deer, bison, moose, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and long-tailed deer

Many guides and outfitters in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/ Yellowstone Country offer memorable Yellowstone wildlife tours, where you’ll discover the animals of Yellowstone National Park on a guided learning adventure. For some ideas, check out the Yellowstone Safari Co. and the Flying Pig Adventure Company.

In the distance, a coyote howls. A fire crackles in the pit. Up above, the midnight sky is dotted with amazingly bright stars. The silent yet powerful presence of peaceful serenity is felt all around… Contrary to how this may sound, this isn’t an excerpt borrowed from a renowned romance novelist. Actually, believe it or not, this may be an accurate description of what your next country escapade may entail. That is, of course, if you make your way to our own little piece of paradise for campers.

Whether you’re looking for a remote campsite or a campground with full hook-ups for your family vacation, there are many spots to choose from including commercial campgrounds, a state park, national forest and Yellowstone National Park. For camping opportunities in Yellowstone National Park, contact Xanterra Parks & Resorts. They handle all reservations for in-park lodging, four campgrounds and the only RV Park inside Yellowstone. Take a look out of list of featured campgrounds and RV Parks in Cody/Yellowstone Country.

Cody campgrounds and RV parks are usually open for business from early May until mid-September. Though this may seem like plenty of time to plan a summer camping getaway, keep in mind many campgrounds have limited spots and some may restrict RV lengths. Always call ahead and confirm availability.

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!