Backroads into Mustang Country: A Half‑Day Search for Wild Horses Outside Cody

CODY WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE

Backroads into Mustang Country: A Half‑Day Search for Wild Horses Outside Cody

A five‑hour, small‑group outing from Cody that follows desert badlands and scenic byways to find wild mustangs and wintering wildlife.

Backroads into Mustang Country: A Half‑Day Search for Wild Horses Outside Cody.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Cody
Operator
CoveredGround Tours
Category
Wildlife
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Take the backroads into mustang country on a half‑day tour just outside Cody, Wyoming. The route winds through desert badlands and open country along scenic corridors such as Buffalo Bill Highway or the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway as guides search for wild horses and other winter wildlife, and explain herd behavior, history, and the landscape those animals call home.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Wild horses, big mammals, and raptors
THE WILDLIFE

Wild horses, big mammals, and raptors

The tour concentrates on locating wild mustangs in open country while also offering regular sightings of elk, bison, wolves and other native species; guests may also see pronghorn, moose and golden eagles during winter wildlife runs.

Scenic byways and desert badlands
THE ROUTE

Scenic byways and desert badlands

Drivers take scenic corridors—options include Buffalo Bill Highway or the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway—threading through desert badlands and open country that frame mustang habitat and provide ample viewing angles.

Guided context on herd patterns and history
THE INTERPRETATION

Guided context on herd patterns and history

Guides share what they know about mustang behavior, herd patterns and the rugged landscape, making the outing valuable for wildlife lovers and photographers seeking both sightings and context.

What the day feels like

What the half‑day feels like

Over roughly five hours you slip away from Cody onto backroads and established scenic highways, scanning open ridgelines and badlands for bands of mustangs and the other big species that inhabit the area. Stops are deliberate and paced for observation and photography while guides narrate herd behavior, local history and natural‑history context.

Wild horses, big mammals, and raptors

THE WILDLIFE

Wild horses, big mammals, and raptors

The tour concentrates on locating wild mustangs in open country while also offering regular sightings of elk, bison, wolves and other native species; guests may also see pronghorn, moose and golden eagles during winter wildlife runs.

Scenic byways and desert badlands

THE ROUTE

Scenic byways and desert badlands

Drivers take scenic corridors—options include Buffalo Bill Highway or the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway—threading through desert badlands and open country that frame mustang habitat and provide ample viewing angles.

Guided context on herd patterns and history

THE INTERPRETATION

Guided context on herd patterns and history

Guides share what they know about mustang behavior, herd patterns and the rugged landscape, making the outing valuable for wildlife lovers and photographers seeking both sightings and context.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most from this outing

1
PhotographersThe tour’s pace and repeated observation stops make it well suited to photographers seeking natural light and candid wildlife behavior.
2
Wildlife loversIdeal for those eager to see mustangs and a range of wintering species—guides provide interpretation that deepens sightings into understanding.
3
FamiliesAdvertised as appropriate for all ages, the half‑day length and small group size suit family groups looking for an accessible wildlife experience.
4
Small groups or solo travelersWith a passenger cap of ten, the outing works well for small parties or individuals wanting an intimate, guided field experience.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The outing is a half‑day experience that runs approximately five hours.

Departure Point

The tour operates from Cody, Wyoming and ventures onto nearby backroads and scenic byways outside town.

Group Size & Suitability

Tours are limited to small groups—up to ten passengers—and are offered as suitable for all ages.

Best Use

The itinerary emphasizes wildlife searching and interpretation along roadside and open‑country stretches, making it a strong choice for wildlife observation and photography.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour is approximately five hours in duration.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Cody, Wyoming and travels onto nearby backroads and scenic byways.

What wildlife might we see?

Sightings may include wild mustangs as well as elk, bison, wolves, pronghorn, moose and golden eagles among other native species.

Is this suitable for children or mixed‑age groups?

Yes—the outing is advertised as suitable for all ages.

How large are the groups?

Groups are limited to up to ten passengers.

Will the guide provide natural‑history context?

Yes—guides share information about mustang behavior, herd patterns and the regional landscape during the drive and observation stops.