4 Popular Hikes Near Cody, Wyoming
Written by Nick on March 11, 2023
Cody is a Haven for Those Who Enjoy the Outdoors
You don’t have to look very hard to find great places to hike near Cody. This list will give you details about some of the area’s most popular hikes and help you decide which one is right for you.
It’s no secret that many Cody residents choose to live here because of the many recreational opportunities. From hunting and fishing to rafting, kayaking, off-roading and much more, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
When you explore the Cody area, you can find adventure, tranquility, and everything in between.
Hiking is a simple, inexpensive way to enjoy some of the best Mother Nature has to offer. It’s a fantastic activity for residents and visitors alike, with something new to see in each season.
Here’s a breakdown of some of Cody’s most popular hikes. Use the information in this list to choose the best hike for you.
Outlaw Trails
This loop trail in a figure-eight configuration allows you to choose the length of your hike, but the maximum length is 8.7 miles. Most people rate it at the “moderate” difficulty level, so it’s a good fit for just about anyone.
The trail is great for hiking, running, and even mountain biking, with plenty of wildflowers and, if you’re lucky, some wildlife to see.
It’s an excellent choice for visitors because it’s one of the closest hikes to Cody, so access is easy. And, since you can see the city itself for virtually the entire hike, there’s a low risk of becoming disoriented and losing your way.
As you hike this trail northwest of Cody, expect great views of the iconic Red Butte as well as an intriguing rock arch that’s visible from the southwest loop.
To get the most out of this trail, wear your good hiking boots and bring your camera.
Shoshone River Trails
Right on the northwest edge of Cody, directly behind the West Park Hospital, this loop trail is quite easy. If you’re driving toward Yellowstone, this is a great opportunity to get out of the car and enjoy a little fresh air.
The elevation gain is only 104 feet, so this trail is kid friendly. Plus, you’ll get great views of the Shoshone River canyon as well as a variety of wildflowers when they’re in-season.
You can walk right down to the river itself, and there are several side trails to explore. This is a great place to take your time and relax.
To access this trail, take 16th Street north, then hang a left onto the Belfry Highway (Highway 120) and turn left again on River View Drive. Follow it until it meets Canyon View Avenue and you’ll find the starting point.
Markham and New Cody Reservoir Loop
Another fun and easy hike, this trail gains virtually no elevation as it takes you around the edge of Markham Reservoir and the adjacent New Cody Reservoir. On average, people complete this hike in under an hour.
It’s a great trail for kids and leashed dogs. Plus, it’s friendly to wheelchairs and strollers.
The entire figure-eight loop is paved, though there are some places to continue your hike off the main path. There are toilets in the parking area, too.
There’s not much shade, so consider using this path in the morning before it gets too hot.
There are benches and picnic tables in the area, so this is a wonderful place for a picnic when the weather is nice. Some locals even use this trail to take a quick walk on their lunch break.
Shoshone Riverway Trail
This is a one-way trail, so you’ll hike to the end and turn around. The total length is 2.6 miles, and the elevation gain is negligible at roughly 60 feet.
Like many trails in the Cody area, there’s always a chance you’ll see wildlife as you hike, including deer and plenty of birds. Though it’s unlikely you’ll come across them, you should also keep your eyes open for bears and snakes.
This trail also runs along the Shoshone River, and there are a number of places to sit and enjoy the view.
The simplest way to access this trail is to take Yellowstone Avenue to 12th Street. Turn north onto 12th Street and follow it until it dead-ends. That’s where you’ll begin your hike.
Cody is the Perfect Place to Stay for Yellowstone Visitors
Whether it’s hiking, history, or adventure you’re after, a stay in Cody could easily be the highlight of your trip to Yellowstone National Park.
With a variety of restaurants, comfortable lodging, and timeless western culture, this city named for Buffalo Bill Cody himself is simply a must-see for people exploring America’s first national park.
Check out our helpful guide to five reasons every traveler should stay in Cody while they visit Yellowstone.
