Wapiti Valley to Cody, Wyoming

Is it around 50 miles from the East Entrance of the Park to Cody and there is no settlement of any size between the park and Cody city limits. There is a very small settlement at Wapiti within 5 miles of the East Entrance and there are several resorts and ranches between the Park Entrance and Cody but no centre to speak of. This side of the Park gives great access to Yellowstone Lake and Hayden Valley but if you stay in Cody itself, you will have quite a lengthy drive each day.

Bison Hayden Valley

If you fancy staying on a dude ranch or in a western style resort this is a good place to pick and you will have a uniquely American experience. There are several options between Cody and Yellowstone so you could combine a couple of day trips into Yellowstone with some activities run on the ranch such as horse riding very easily. Shoshone Lodge is a good option along the Wapiti valley for combining ranch life with Yellowstone.

Cody is a small town that is well worth a visit whether you stay there or not. It was founded by “Buffalo Bill” Cody in 1896 and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center houses several interesting museums and a great art gallery. Also, check out the Cody Nite Rodeo for a fun night out. You can even get there by bus from the centre of town.

If you chose to stay in Cody the Holiday Inn CODY-AT BUFFALO BILL VILLAGE is a good bet – it has just been refurbished and rooms come with a fridge and microwave. The hotel is in a good location in the centre of town and there is a reasonable size outdoor pool. I have also heard good reports of the new Best Western, the Ivy Inn and Suites which is also well located and by all accounts quite swish (for Cody).