, but you’ve already hit all the usual spots in town, it might be time to hop in the car and explore a little farther. The good news? Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find hot springs, mountain passes, ghost towns, and some of the best scenery in the Rockies.
Below are
. Each one makes a great day trip or easy overnight from Cody—without repeating anything in Park County itself.
1. Soak in Thermopolis Hot Springs (Hot Springs County, WY)
If you’ve ever dreamed of soaking in a natural hot spring under big Western skies,
Thermopolis is your spot.
Located in
Hot Springs County, Thermopolis is about a 1.5–2 hour drive south of Cody, depending on your route. The drive itself is beautiful—winding along the
Bighorn River and rocky canyon walls.
Don’t miss:
I still remember the first time I stepped into one of the pools here in late fall. Cool air on my face, hot water up to my shoulders, steam drifting over the river—it felt like nature’s own spa.
This is a great road trip if you’re looking for something
relaxing to do near Cody that doesn’t involve hiking boots or bear spray.
2. Explore the Trails and Lakes of the Wind River Mountains (Fremont County, WY)
Head south into
Fremont County and you enter a totally different world: the rugged, glacier-carved
Wind River Range. It’s wild, dramatic, and surprisingly easy to access for a simple day trip.
Popular entry points from Cody are around
Lander,
Dubois, or
Pinedale (you’ll pass through Fremont County territory heading that way). While backpackers love this area for multi-day trips, you can still enjoy short, family-friendly hikes.
Ideas for things to do:
- Take a short hike to an alpine lake near trailheads like Worthen Meadow (check local trail conditions).
- Have a picnic by the Popo Agie River near Lander.
- Look for wildlife—moose, deer, and marmots are common in summer.
Think of the Winds as Wyoming’s quieter cousin to the Tetons—same kind of “wow” scenery, but far fewer people. If you crave big mountains and clear lakes without the crowds, this is your road trip.
3. Drive the Bighorn Scenic Byway to the Bighorn Mountains (Big Horn & Sheridan Area, WY)
Looking for a classic Western mountain drive? The
Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-14) in
Big Horn County is one of those roads where you keep pulling over just to stare.
From Cody, you’ll head east into Big Horn County and on toward the
Bighorn Mountains. Plan for a full day so you can stop often.
Highlights along the way:
- Crazy Woman Canyon turnoffs and viewpoints (depending on route).
- High mountain meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer.
- Plenty of picnic spots and short trailheads right off the highway.
The grades can be steep and there are switchbacks, so take your time. But the views of the cliffs and forests are worth every mile. If you’ve only seen the mountains around Yellowstone, this range will show you a different side of Wyoming.
4. Wander Downtown Livingston & The Yellowstone River (Park County, MT)
When you feel like a change of pace from small-town Wyoming, head north into
Park County, Montana and check out
Livingston, a historic railroad town with a creative streak.
The drive from Cody takes you through wide valleys and along the
Yellowstone River. Once you get to Livingston, park the car and explore on foot.
What to do:
- Stroll the old brick downtown with its galleries, coffee shops, and Western storefronts.
- Walk or fish along the Yellowstone River—famous for fly fishing.
- Grab a burger or local beer and watch the trains roll through.
Livingston has a laid-back, artsy feel, but it still feels very much like Montana ranch country. It’s a nice break if you’ve been doing a lot of hiking and you just want an easy-going day near Cody with food, shops, and river views.
5. Scenic Day in Gardiner & Paradise Valley (Park County, MT)
Still in
Park County, MT, the stretch of Highway 89 between
Gardiner and
Livingston is called
Paradise Valley—and it earns that name.
Even if you’re not entering Yellowstone National Park itself, you can enjoy the gateway town of Gardiner and the valley north of it.
Road trip ideas:
- Walk around Gardiner’s old stone arch and browse small shops.
- Follow the Yellowstone River through rolling ranch land and mountain backdrops.
- Stop at public fishing access sites to sit by the water or cast a line.
Picture this: snow-tipped peaks on both sides, a wide river sparkling in the sun, and a classic two-lane highway running right through the center. It’s one of those drives where you roll the windows down and just breathe.
6. Discover Gallatin Canyon & Big Sky Country (Gallatin County, MT)
If you’re up for a slightly longer day, head to
Gallatin County, MT, home to places like
Big Sky and the beautiful
Gallatin Canyon.
From Cody, you’ll loop north and west into Montana. The reward? Miles of river, steep canyon walls, and that wide-open “Big Sky Country” feel.
Try this when you arrive:
- Drive the Gallatin Canyon and stop at river pullouts to watch anglers and whitewater.
- Take a short hike on one of the well-marked trails off Highway 191.
- Explore the Big Sky area for restaurants, shops, and chairlift rides (seasonal).
If you’ve ever seen the movie “A River Runs Through It,” some scenes were shot in this area. It really does look like a postcard in real life.
7. Washakie County & Worland: Museum Stop and Country Driving (Washakie County, WY)
For a quieter, less-touristy day trip, point your car toward
Washakie County and the town of
Worland. The route from Cody takes you through classic Wyoming countryside—rolling hills, wide valleys, and distant mountains.
Worland makes a nice base for a mid-day break.
Things to do near Worland:
- Visit local museums that share the story of the region’s ranching and Native history.
- Take side roads to explore the Bighorn River corridor (check maps and road conditions).
- Enjoy small-town cafes and local diners for lunch.
This is a good option if you enjoy poking around less crowded places, learning local history, and just driving without a strict schedule.
8. Gateway to the Tetons: Jackson & Teton County Scenery (Teton County, WY)
You don’t have to stay in Jackson for a week to enjoy it. Even a
day or overnight trip to Teton County from Cody can be a highlight of your Wyoming travels.
From Cody, you’ll head south and west toward Jackson. While it’s a longer drive, you’re rewarded with some of the most famous mountain views in the United States.
Ideas for your visit:
- Walk around downtown Jackson’s wooden boardwalks and antler arches.
- Drive the scenic roads skirting the Teton Range and stop at overlooks.
- Enjoy a sunset picnic with views of the jagged peaks (check for designated areas).
If the Cody area feels like classic frontier West, Jackson and the Tetons feel like a movie set—with real mountains and real wildlife. Just remember, prices can be higher here, so plan your meals and gas stops accordingly.
9. Backroad Adventure Through Shell Canyon & Big Horn County (Big Horn County, WY)
Another gem in
Big Horn County is the dramatic
Shell Canyon area, reached by US-14 or 14A depending on your route. If you like winding roads, waterfalls, and layered rock walls, this trip is for you.
On this scenic drive:
- Stop at Shell Falls Interpretive Site (seasonal access) for a short walk and views of the waterfall.
- Check out roadside pullouts with interpretive signs explaining the geology.
- Watch the landscape shift from high plateau to deep canyon and back again.
Bring a camera and maybe binoculars—this is prime “pull over and gape at the view” territory. It’s one of the most dramatic ways to cross from the basin country into the mountains.
10. Fremont County’s Dubois Area: Cowboy Meets Mountain Town
On the edge of
Fremont County, the
Dubois area mixes rugged mountains, red rock badlands, and old-time cowboy culture. It’s an under-the-radar road trip from Cody that feels both remote and welcoming.
When you get there:
- Walk through the small downtown lined with Western-style buildings.
- Drive short side roads (where open to the public) for red rock and pine forest views.
- Look for bighorn sheep in the nearby hills, especially at the right seasons.
Dubois is the kind of place where you might still see horses tied up near a bar, or a pickup truck loaded with fishing gear and camping supplies. It’s a great taste of small-town Wyoming outside your usual Cody loop.
Tips for Planning Your Cody Road Trips
Before you set out to explore these counties around Cody, Wyoming, keep a few things in mind:
- Check road conditions: Mountain passes can close or get icy, especially in fall, winter, and early spring.
- Fuel up: Distances between gas stations can be long—top off in Cody before you go.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, mountain areas can be cool or windy.
- Carry water and snacks: Some routes are remote with limited services.
- Respect wildlife and private land: Stay on public roads and marked trails; give animals plenty of space.
With a bit of planning, each of these out-of-county trips turns into a stress-free adventure that shows you more of what surrounds Cody than you might see at first glance.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Cody?
Have you taken any of these drives from Cody into Gallatin, Park (MT), Big Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs, Teton, or Washakie Counties? Did you find a hidden diner, a quiet fishing spot, or a viewpoint you loved?
Share your experience in the comments below—your tips can help other travelers planning things to do near Cody, Wyoming.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s heading to Wyoming. The more we share our favorite routes and stops, the more people can enjoy these incredible backroads and small towns just beyond Cody.
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