Experience the invigorating pulse of Red Canyon’s rapids and the wild spirit of Wyoming mustangs on tours just outside Cody. This guide provides everything you need to balance thrill with preparation for unforgettable, approachable outdoor adventures.
Adventure Tips
Hydrate Before and During Activities
Cody’s dry climate and active excursions can quickly deplete your energy; carry at least 2 liters of water per person and sip regularly to maintain stamina.
Wear Sturdy, Non-Slip Footwear
Rocky riverbanks and uneven trails require shoes with good traction and support to prevent slips and ankle strains.
Schedule Rafting Early in the Day
Launching in the morning avoids high afternoon temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms common in summer.
Respect Mustang Distance
Wild horses observe you with curiosity but keeping a respectful distance avoids stress to the animals and ensures your safety.
Adventure Awaits: Your Guide to Red Canyon Rafting and Wild Mustang Tours in Cody, Wyoming
Cody, Wyoming, offers a unique gateway to outdoor adventure where Red Canyon’s rushing waters dare you to take the plunge and the Wild Mustang Tours bring you face-to-face with untamed freedom. Whether you’re gripping a paddle or trekking beside spirited mustangs, this landscape demands respect and rewards effort with raw, vivid connection.
Red Canyon Rafting Trips challenge your balance and spirit downstream through Class II and III rapids, stretching approximately 7 miles with a moderate elevation drop that keeps the river lively without overwhelming beginners. The canyon’s walls rise sharply, funneling the current that pushes and pulls like a living force, while patches of forested shore offer shade and moments to catch your breath. Expect rocky channels, swift currents, and occasional calm pools spotted with sunbeams—a on-the-water tryst with nature’s mood swings.
Your readiness here hinges on hydration and footwear that grips wet surfaces. An early morning launch is ideal to avoid the heat and catch the river’s initial vigor. Lightweight, quick-dry clothing and a reliable life jacket are essential, especially if you’re new to rafting or taking on the tour in summer’s heat.
On land, the Wild Mustang Tours invite steady exploration of rolling Wyoming plains where wild horses roam fiercely, their manes tossing as they hold you at a quiet distance but reveal themselves to anyone patient enough to move slowly. Trails vary from gentle 3-mile loops to more robust 6-mile hikes with moderate elevation gains through sagebrush and juniper, demanding footwear that can handle gritty, uneven terrain.
Wildlife watches here include pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and hawks that circle overhead, bringing a dynamic rhythm to your walk. Spring rains paint the landscape with wildflowers, while fall’s cooling air sharpens the colors.
Planning your trip means balancing enthusiasm with preparation. Early spring and fall provide cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent wildlife activity, though sudden weather shifts require layered gear. Summer offers warm water and long daylight hours but demands sun protection and plenty of water.
Cody itself supports the adventure with local guides, gear rentals, and lodging options from rustic cabins to motels. Whether your aim is to navigate the river’s playful tantrums or trail the spirits of mustangs across open land, both experiences connect you with a Wyoming wilderness that is fiercely authentic and powerfully present.
Prepare to move at nature’s pace, respect its boundaries, and emerge carrying the stories of a landscape unwilling to be tamed but welcoming to those who come prepared.
Nearby Trips
Adventures near Cody
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the Red Canyon rafting trips, and what skill level is required?
Rafting trips typically last around 3 to 4 hours over 7 miles of river with Class II and III rapids. The trips are suitable for beginners with a basic safety briefing, though prior experience is helpful but not necessary.
Can I see wild mustangs year-round on the tours?
Wild mustangs can be spotted throughout the year, but spring and fall provide the best chances due to milder weather and increased animal activity patterns.
Are pets allowed on the rafting or mustang tours?
Pets are generally not permitted on rafting trips for safety reasons, and must be checked with Wild Mustang Tours beforehand as many trails are sensitive habitats.
What are some nearby lesser-known viewpoints in Red Canyon?
Along the river, quieter bends offer panoramic views of canyon walls and reflections in calm pools. The upper rim trails provide sweeping vantage points often missed by casual visitors.
What local wildlife might I see besides mustangs?
Keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope darting across open plains, red-tailed hawks soaring above, and if lucky, coyotes cautiously observing from a distance.
Are environmental conservation practices incorporated in the tours?
Yes, both rafting companies and mustang tours emphasize leave-no-trace ethics, minimizing habitat disturbance, and educating visitors on local conservation efforts to protect both river ecosystems and wild horse populations.
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your belongings safe and dry during raft trips against splashes and unexpected capsizes.
Hiking Boots
Provides necessary traction and ankle support on rocky or uneven trails during mustang tours.
Layered Clothing
Allows for temperature adjustments throughout the day when conditions can shift rapidly.
Sun Protection Kit
Includes sunscreen, hat, and UV-protective clothing to combat the strong Wyoming sun.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "The secluded hot springs near the riverbank, ideal for a serene soak post-rafting."
- "A quiet bend along the mustangs’ migratory path that offers close but non-intrusive observation spots."
Wildlife
- "Wild mustangs, pronghorns, coyotes, red-tailed hawks"
History
"The region holds cultural significance to native tribes who revered the mustangs, and early settlers who relied on the river as a lifeline through Wyoming’s rugged terrain."