The Shoshone Canyon drive from Cody follows U.S. Highway 14/16/20 west toward Yellowstone’s East Entrance, passing through Wapiti Valley along the North Fork of the Shoshone River. The route is part of the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, a paved scenic road that links Cody with Yellowstone’s eastern gateway.
- Route: U.S. Highway 14/16/20 west from Cody.
- The byway’s 27 miles of paved scenic route begin about 25 miles west of Cody, at the Shoshone National Forest boundary.
- Normal driving time from that boundary to Yellowstone’s East Entrance is approximately 45 minutes.
- The byway is open to traffic year-round, while the East Entrance closes seasonally.
Where Shoshone Canyon Is
Shoshone Canyon is on the westbound route from Cody toward Yellowstone, along the North Fork of the Shoshone River. U.S. Highway 14/16/20 carries the drive through Wapiti Valley and into the Yellowstone–Cody corridor.
The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway is a useful name for this road journey: it follows the highway from Cody to Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance. A Wyoming Inn, a hotel in Cody, is in the town where the westbound drive begins.
The Road West from Cody
The westbound road from Cody follows U.S. Highway 14/16/20 through the Yellowstone–Cody corridor. The byway’s designated paved scenic stretch starts at the Shoshone National Forest boundary, about 25 miles west of town, and continues for 27 miles.
As you plan the drive, distinguish the full route from the byway’s measured scenic stretch: the highway runs west from Cody, while the 27-mile byway segment begins farther along the road. The normal drive from the forest boundary to the East Entrance takes approximately 45 minutes.
Scenery and Possible Stops
The route’s defining scenery follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through Wapiti Valley and Shoshone Canyon. Buffalo Bill Reservoir is another landmark along the highway corridor, west of Cody.
Use the drive to connect Cody with Yellowstone’s East Entrance, rather than treating the byway’s mileage as the total distance from town. If you’re planning the park leg, the route from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance is part of the same westbound journey.
Road Conditions and Seasonal Checks
Road conditions can change along the Yellowstone–Cody route, so check the official WYDOT site before you go. WYDOT identifies the corridor as U.S. 14, 16 and 20, mileposts 0–40, and points to annual runoff, freeze-thaw conditions and erosion by the Shoshone River as possible causes of closures.
WYDOT’s Wyoming 511 service provides current road conditions; you can also call 5-1-1 or use the Wyoming 511 app. The road-information service includes closures, restrictions, advisories, travel maps and highway cameras.
The byway remains open to traffic year-round, but Yellowstone’s East Entrance has a seasonal closure. It closes the first Monday of November and reopens, weather permitting, in early May. Confirm the entrance status as well as road conditions when planning a trip outside the open period.
Connecting the Drive with Yellowstone
The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway connects Cody with Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance, making the canyon drive the road approach to the park from the east. The seasonal entrance closure matters even though the byway itself stays open to traffic year-round.
For a park-bound itinerary, plan around the entrance’s operating season and check road conditions before leaving Cody. That keeps the distinction clear between access along the highway and access through Yellowstone’s East Entrance.
FAQs
Is the Shoshone Canyon route the road from Cody to Yellowstone?
Yes. The westbound U.S. Highway 14/16/20 route through Wapiti Valley and Shoshone Canyon continues to Yellowstone’s East Entrance.
Is the drive open all year?
The byway is open to traffic year-round, but the park entrance closes seasonally. Check the entrance status when planning your trip.
Where can you check road conditions?
WYDOT’s Wyoming 511 service provides current conditions, and the agency also offers a phone line and app.