CODY WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Winter wildlife on Wyoming byways: Elk, bison and bighorn outside Yellowstone
A 4.5-hour, small-group driving tour from Cody run by CoveredGround Tours that explores the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in winter—outside Yellowstone’s closed winter roads—focused on close wildlife viewing.
Winter wildlife on Wyoming byways: Elk, bison and bighorn outside Yellowstone.
From Cody, Wyoming, these winter wildlife sightseeing drives visit the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem just outside Yellowstone National Park (Yellowstone’s roads are closed to winter vehicle travel). The operator runs two alternate routes on different days, each routing along high, scenic byways and stopping at viewpoints where guides use their experience to find wintering elk, bison, bighorn sheep and a long list of other species.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Reliable big-game sightings in winter
These winter drives routinely turn up elk, bison and bighorn sheep, and guides also look for smaller and rarer species—pygmy owls, eagles, wolves and river otters—making the byways a dependable place to see Greater Yellowstone wildlife in snow-country.
Two distinct scenic byways on alternating days
The operator runs two separate routes: the Buffalo Bill/Northfork corridor on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway—over Dead Indian Pass into Sunlight and Clark’s Fork Basin—on Tuesday and Thursday, each offering different terrain and wildlife concentrations.
Snowy vistas and expert winter driving
Roads can be slick and windy in winter; guides navigate these conditions in an AWD van and will modify access (for example, entering Sunlight Creek wildlife management area only when conditions permit).
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
You spend roughly four to five hours in a small, all‑age touring group as guides thread a comfortable AWD van up scenic highways and into wildlife-rich basins. Stops at pullouts and viewpoints let guides scan the valley edges and river corridors; winter light and snow make herds and raptors stand out against the landscape, and the alternation of two routes means each outing emphasizes different ecosystems within the Greater Yellowstone region.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs about 4.5 hours in winter and takes place outside Yellowstone’s closed winter road system, focusing on Greater Yellowstone byways near Cody.
Expect winter driving conditions—roads can be slick and windy; dress warmly for cold weather and be prepared for short stops at viewpoints. Guides operate from an AWD van.
Tours accommodate up to 10 passengers and are described as suitable for all ages.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Does this tour go into Yellowstone National Park in winter?
No. The tour visits the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem outside Yellowstone National Park; Yellowstone’s roads are closed to winter vehicle travel and are not part of these driving routes.
How long is the Winter Wildlife Tour from Cody?
The tour lasts about 4.5 hours.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Guides commonly find elk, bison and bighorn sheep and also look for species such as pygmy owls, eagles, wolves, otters and, in some locations, moose.
Which days run which route?
The Buffalo Bill/Northfork Highway route is typically run Monday, Wednesday and Friday; the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway route (over Dead Indian’s Pass into Sunlight and Clark’s Fork Basin) is typically run Tuesday and Thursday.
Is the tour suitable for children or travelers with limited mobility?
Yes—the tour is advertised as suitable for all ages and is a vehicle-based sightseeing experience with short stops rather than long hikes.
Are the roads safe in winter?
Roads can be slick and windy in winter; guides operate an AWD van and will modify route access (for example entering Sunlight Creek) based on conditions to maintain safety.