Bill Cody Ranch is a guest ranch on North Fork Highway between Cody and Yellowstone National Park’s east entrance. You can plan a visit around guided horseback rides, other outdoor activities and seasonal dining, with a gravel-road turnoff on the route west from Cody.
- Location: 2604 North Fork Highway, Cody, Wyoming 82414
- Distance: The ranch describes itself as 26 miles from Cody and 26 miles from Yellowstone’s east entrance
- Activities: Guided horseback and pony rides, plus fishing, hiking and ranch recreation
- Season: Dining and saloon service operate seasonally; confirm details before traveling
Where Bill Cody Ranch Is
Bill Cody Ranch sits on North Fork Highway, the road connecting Cody with Yellowstone’s east entrance. The ranch gives its address as 2604 North Fork Highway, Cody, Wyoming 82414, and describes the distance from either Cody or the park entrance as 26 miles.
The ranch was established in 1925 as the Lazy Bar H Ranch, originally owned by Hollywood actor Leonard Morris. Its location puts it along the Cody-to-Yellowstone corridor, rather than in Cody’s city centre. For guests staying in Cody, including at A Wyoming Inn, it’s a westbound road trip to the ranch.
What Visitor Experiences Are Offered
Horseback rides are the main way to explore the ranch’s surrounding forest and wilderness areas. The ranch offers guided rides on horseback and pony rides, as well as fly fishing, hiking, horseshoes, outdoor barbecues, evening campfires, roping and a game room.
Trail rides are offered in two-hour and four-hour formats. Lunch is included on the four-hour ride. The ranch asks that horseback rides be reserved at least one day ahead; if you hope to ride on the day you arrive or that evening, contact the ranch so it can prepare horses.
Riders must be at least 6 years old. The stated weight limit is under 275 pounds for two-hour rides and under 250 pounds for four-hour rides. For riding, the ranch recommends jeans or other long pants and closed-toe shoes. Secure hats and cameras, and avoid flowing clothing.
Booking and Seasonal Availability
Dining and saloon service follow a seasonal schedule, so check the official site before you go. The ranch describes breakfast and dinner as available daily from mid-May through the end of September, with breakfast from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and dinner from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Bill Cody Saloon operates daily in season, May through September, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The lodge does not serve lunch, but you can request a simple picnic lunch in advance. Lunch is included with the four-hour trail ride. If you’re planning a meal around your visit, confirm service dates and arrangements directly with the ranch before setting out.
Two-hour ride departures are at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Departure times and availability can change, so confirm the schedule when you reserve.
How Do You Get from Cody to Bill Cody Ranch?
From Cody, follow Highway 14-16-20 west for 26 miles, then turn left onto the gravel road by the Bill Cody Ranch sign. The ranch’s directions from Yellowstone’s east entrance follow the same highway for 26 miles, with a right turn onto that gravel road.
Cellphone service is unavailable after you enter the ranch property, though the ranch says service is available just outside on the main road. Save the directions before leaving Cody, and contact the ranch ahead of time if you expect to arrive after 9 p.m., when its front desk closes.
Combining a Ranch Visit with the Westbound Route
The ranch is already on the route west from Cody toward Yellowstone’s east entrance, so you can make it part of a drive through Shoshone Canyon. The Shoshone Canyon drive from Cody follows this corridor, while the ranch’s east-entrance directions use Highway 14-16-20.
If your wider trip continues into the park, plan the ranch stop alongside your route through the Yellowstone east entrance. Confirm your ride reservation and dining arrangements before you leave town, particularly if you’re fitting the visit into a longer drive.
FAQs
Do you need to reserve a horseback ride?
Yes. The ranch asks guests to reserve rides at least one day in advance. Contact the ranch if you hope to ride on your arrival day or evening.
Is lunch available at the ranch?
The lodge does not serve lunch, but you can request a simple picnic lunch in advance. Lunch is included with the four-hour trail ride.
What should riders wear?
Wear jeans or other long pants and closed-toe shoes. Secure hats and cameras, and avoid flowing clothing.
Is cellphone service available at the ranch?
The ranch says cellphone service is unavailable once you enter the property. Service is available just outside the ranch on the main road.