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.

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.

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!

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.

This promises to be another intimate, memorable evening in the Cody Theatre.

Tickets will be $20.00 and are available at the Cody Chamber office or by calling 1-800-393-2639.