Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 5 PM In Cody

Planning a trip to Cody, Wyoming, and interested in seeing wild mustangs in their natural habitat? This half-day wildlife and wild mustang tour offers a chance to observe these iconic horses up close while soaking in the stunning scenery of Wyoming’s Badlands. For travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and small-group adventure, this tour might just hit the right note.

What we like about this experience: expert guides who know where to find the horses and other wildlife, and the scenic beauty of the Badlands that provides a perfect backdrop for photographs and memories. On the downside, some reviews mention that the vehicle can sometimes be a bit rough around the edges and that the wildlife isn’t always guaranteed to appear.

Still, this tour is best suited for those who want an authentic, personal look at Wyoming’s wild horses and rugged landscapes without breaking the bank. It’ll appeal most to outdoor lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and history buffs interested in the local cowboy culture.

This experience made our article of Our 7 Favorite Cody Tours & Things To Do.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: With a max of 15 travelers, expect more personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Wildlife and scenery: You’ll see wild mustangs, pronghorn antelope, and possibly other animals among the Wyoming Badlands.
• Guided knowledge: Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share insights about local history, ecology, and cowboy tales.
• All gear provided: Binoculars, spotting scopes, and raincoats are included, making it easy to focus on discovering wildlife.
• Timing and convenience: The 5 PM departure fits well into an afternoon schedule, leaving your mornings free for other activities.
• Value for money: At $69 per person, the tour offers a good balance of expense and experience, especially considering the wildlife sightings and scenic views.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Meeting Point and Duration

This 3-hour tour starts promptly at Cody Wyoming Adventures located at 1119 12th St in Cody. It’s a convenient downtown spot, making it easy to combine with other Cody activities. The tour ends back at this same location, simplifying logistics.

Departing at 5 PM, the timing is perfect for catching the sunset or avoiding daytime heat. The late afternoon light adds a warm glow to the Badlands, enhancing photos and creating a more atmospheric experience. The tour is designed for most travelers, with a small group size that fosters a relaxed, engaging environment.

Transportation and Comfort

You’ll travel in a van with up to 12 other guests. While this offers more intimacy than a large bus, some reviewers have mentioned vehicle issues, such as a non-working air conditioner and bumpy rides on rough roads. The vans are equipped with binoculars and spotting scopes for wildlife viewing, and raincoats are available if the weather turns moist. Expect some bouncing on dirt roads—an authentic Wild West experience, but not for those sensitive to rough terrain or uncomfortable rides.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Your adventure begins at Cody Wyoming Adventures, where you’ll receive a briefing and safety instructions. Then, your guide will lead the way through the rolling hills of Wyoming’s Badlands, offering interesting stories about the area’s history—think Buffalo Bill, Jim Bridger, and the cowboy legends that shaped this land.

As you journey into McCullough Peaks, the guide will point out various desert flowers, mountainous backdrops, and tell fun tales about mountain men and local lore. The route is designed to optimize wildlife sightings, especially the famous wild mustangs. The guides are experienced in locating the herds, which can be elusive at times, but based on reviews, they do a pretty good job.

Expect to see Coyotes, Horned Toads, Pronghorn Antelope, Sage Grouse, and, of course, the Fighting Stallions of McCullough Peaks. Several reviews praise the guides’ ability to get close enough for great photographs, with one noting, “We viewed the beautiful horses, two separate herds,” and another raving, “We got to see over 40 mustangs… three up close while in the van.”

Wildlife Viewing: The Heart of the Experience

The main attraction is the chance to see wild mustangs, which are truly majestic and symbolize Wyoming’s untamed spirit. The guides do their best to locate the herds, and reviews suggest that seeing multiple groups is common. One guest even commented, “You might find the horses at a distance, but the guides work hard to get you close.”

Binoculars and a spotting scope are provided, giving a chance to observe details like the horses’ coats and behaviors. While some reviews mention not seeing many horses on certain days, most agree that the experience of spotting these animals in their habitat—often amid spectacular scenery—is worth the price.

Additional Wildlife and Scenery

Besides horses, expect to see pronghorn antelope, pronghorns being the fastest land mammals in North America. Other sightings include coyotes, mountain goats, and a variety of birds, making this a worthwhile outing for birders and wildlife fans.

The Wyoming Badlands scenery is often highlighted as breathtaking, with sunset casting golden hues over the rugged terrain. Several guests mention that their favorite moments were the stunning vistas and the chance to photograph Wyoming’s wild landscape.

Guide Expertise and Personal Touch

Guests repeatedly praise the guides for their friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer called their guide “very knowledgeable about the area and very affable,” while another appreciated the historical stories accompanying the wildlife sightings. The guides’ ability to answer questions and share stories about Buffalo Bill, Jim Bridger, and local cowboy culture adds depth to an already engaging experience.

Value and Cost

At $69 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the inclusion of binoculars, spotting scopes, water, rain gear, and a knowledgeable guide. Several guests mention that the experience exceeded expectations, especially for those interested in wildlife and scenic landscapes. That said, some found the vehicle and the ride’s comfort less ideal, but most agreed that the wildlife and views compensated for minor inconveniences.

Critical Considerations

A few reviews highlight issues like vehicle comfort, an underwhelming number of binoculars, and limited water supplies—an important reminder to bring your own extra water if you’re sensitive to hydration needs. Weather can also influence your experience; if rain or wind is strong, some aspects might be less enjoyable. Despite these factors, the tour’s overall positive reviews suggest it remains a good-value option for most.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This wildlife tour is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and history buffs interested in cowboy culture. It’s ideal for those who appreciate small-group experiences, allowing more interaction with guides and fellow travelers. If your main goal is to see many wild horses in a scenic setting, this trip offers a genuine chance, especially with the guides’ effort to locate the herds.

However, if you are sensitive to bumpy rides or have very limited mobility, note that the rough roads and outdoor walking might pose some challenges. Also, this isn’t a guaranteed wildlife sighting every time, but the chances are high enough to justify the expense and effort.

The Sum Up

This Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour combines professional guiding, spectacular scenery, and wildlife sightings into a compact, memorable experience in Wyoming. It’s particularly great for travelers who want a personal, informative adventure without the fuss of larger tours. The inclusion of binoculars and scopes adds tangible value, and the late afternoon timing allows for relaxed sightseeing and photography.

On the downside, vehicle comfort isn’t perfect, and wildlife sightings depend on the day’s conditions. Still, the overall positive feedback from past travelers suggests this is a worthwhile option for those eager to glimpse Wyoming’s iconic wild horses and rugged landscapes.

If your idea of a good trip involves authentic wildlife encounters, scenic views, and engaging storytelling, this tour will serve you well. It’s a solid choice for nature lovers, cowboy history fans, and anyone wanting to add a memorable chapter to their Cody visit.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 5 PM and returning to the starting point in Cody.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is Cody Wyoming Adventures at 1119 12th St, Cody. The tour ends back at this same location.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers a guide, binoculars, a spotting scope, rain slickers, and bottled water for the day.

Can I bring my own binoculars or camera?
Absolutely. Though binoculars and scopes are provided, bringing your own can enhance your experience, especially if you have specific preferences.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the bumpy ride and outdoor walking involved. Small children might find the terrain challenging.

Will I see wild horses every time?
While the guides do their best, sightings depend on the horses’ locations and behavior. Most reviews indicate high success, but wildlife can be unpredictable.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities are not included. A 15-20% tip is customary if you feel the guide provided excellent service.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. It can be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are poor, with options for a full refund or a different date.

In all, this Wild Mustang tour offers a genuine look at Wyoming’s famous horses, scenic landscapes, and cowboy stories—all in a small-group setting that keeps things intimate and engaging. It’s a worthwhile addition to your Cody itinerary, especially if you’re eager for wild encounters in the American West.