Wyoming ATV Trails Near Cody
Finding ATV and UTV trails near Cody can be trickier than picking a line on a map: a forest road may be open to some vehicles while a nearby trail is closed, too narrow, or seasonally restricted. This guide explains where to start, how to check access before unloading, and what to prepare for a ride around Cody, Wyoming.
Where to start looking for ATV and UTV riding near Cody
Cody is a useful base for exploring northwestern Wyoming, but the riding opportunities are spread across a large area. Rather than assuming there is one trail system right outside town, think in terms of riding zones, access roads, and land managers. The route you choose matters as much as the destination.
Shoshone National Forest and the roads west of Cody
The Shoshone National Forest is a natural starting point for riders looking west and southwest from Cody. Forest roads and designated routes lead into varied terrain, from lower-elevation country to higher mountain landscapes. Cody is also a gateway toward the North Fork of the Shoshone River and the roads that continue toward the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
That gateway role can be confusing. A road heading toward Yellowstone is not automatically an ATV route, and Yellowstone National Park itself is not a place to ride an ATV or UTV. Forest access, road designations, seasonal closures, and vehicle restrictions can change as you move through the area. Treat the forest map and posted signs as essential parts of your trip planning—not optional details.
For a first outing, pick a route that matches your machine and experience rather than aiming for the most remote point on the map. A short, clearly designated ride gives you a chance to learn how quickly weather, elevation, and road conditions can change around Cody. For more on the area’s forest access, see [Riding Out of Cody Toward the Forest].
Bighorn National Forest and the eastern side of the region
The Bighorn National Forest lies east of Cody, across a broad stretch of country. Depending on your starting point and the route you choose, reaching its riding areas may mean a longer drive and a different day plan than heading toward the Shoshone. This can be worthwhile if you want a change of scenery, but check access and trail conditions for the specific area before setting out.
Don’t treat “Bighorn National Forest” as one continuous, unrestricted riding area. Routes can have different rules, seasonal openings, width limits, and connections to public roads. A trail that works for a narrow ATV may not suit a wider side-by-side. Look for vehicle-specific restrictions and confirm that every segment of your planned route is open to your machine.
If your trip is built around scenery as much as riding, allow time for the drive and for stops. A route that looks close on a statewide map may take longer than expected once you account for winding roads, slower trail speeds, and changing conditions. A broader overview of Wyoming riding destinations is available in [Best Places to Ride an ATV in Wyoming].
Choose a route by access, not just by a map pin
A map pin can show a trailhead or road junction without answering the questions that matter most: Is the route open today? Is it designated for motorized travel? Is it open to your vehicle’s width? Does it connect to another legal route, or does the public route end before the destination you had in mind?
Before leaving Cody, identify the route’s land manager and check the relevant travel map. Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps, often called MVUMs, show which routes are designated for motorized use and may identify seasonal or vehicle restrictions. A general recreation map or phone app can help with navigation, but it should not replace the official map and on-the-ground signs. [Wyoming Trail Maps and MVUMs] explains how to use these maps when planning a ride.
How to check that a route is legal and suitable
A route that appears on a digital map is not necessarily open for motorized use. In the Cody area, public land, private property, national forest routes, and areas with seasonal restrictions can sit close together. A little checking before the ride can prevent a frustrating turnaround—or a citation.
Confirm route status with the right map and signs
Start by identifying the land manager for the place you want to ride. Then use that manager’s current travel map to confirm the route is open to motorized vehicles and to your type of machine. If you’re following a route through more than one management area, check each segment. A legal route can end at a boundary, and the next road on your screen may have a different rule.
OnX Offroad can be useful for viewing routes and planning navigation, particularly when you want to save a route before leaving town. Still, use it as a planning aid rather than the final authority on access. Compare the route with the relevant official map, and pay attention to signs and closures you encounter in the field. If the map and a posted sign seem to conflict, don’t ride past a closure while trying to resolve it; stop and confirm the designation with the responsible land manager.
A practical pre-ride check can be as simple as asking: What land am I on? Is this segment open to motorized travel? Is my vehicle allowed? Is there a seasonal date or temporary closure? The answer should be clear for every part of the route—not just the trailhead. See [Wyoming's Enrolled Roads and Trails] for more about designated routes.
Match your machine to width, terrain, and route type
A route that is suitable for one ATV may not be suitable for a wide UTV. Some Wyoming trails have width restrictions, and a route’s appearance on a map does not tell you whether your machine will fit. Measure your vehicle in the way required by the applicable rules, including any accessories that affect its width, and check the route designation before you go. [Wyoming's 50-Inch Trail Limit] covers why width can determine where a machine may ride.
Terrain matters, too. Rocky climbs, loose surfaces, mud, steep grades, and exposed mountain roads can be challenging even when a route is legally open. Consider the least experienced rider in your group when choosing a route. A long, isolated ride with several difficult sections may not be a good first outing for a new driver or a machine you have not tested away from home.
| What to check | Why it matters near Cody | What to do before riding |
|---|---|---|
| Route designation | A road or track may not be open to motorized use | Check the land manager’s motor-vehicle map |
| Vehicle width | Some routes restrict wider machines | Measure your ATV or UTV and confirm the route limit |
| Seasonal access | Snow, wildlife, weather, or management closures can affect access | Look for dates, alerts, and closure signs |
| Route connections | A legal segment may end before the next road begins | Confirm each section of your planned route |
| Surface and elevation | Conditions can be harder than they look on a screen | Choose a route suited to your group and machine |
| Permit requirements | Some public riding routes require Wyoming registration | Confirm what applies to the specific route and vehicle |
Check permits and equipment before loading up
Wyoming’s off-road permit requirements are separate from a home-state sticker or registration. Don’t assume an out-of-state permit automatically covers a ride in Wyoming. Check whether your intended route requires a Wyoming ORV permit, and make sure the decal is properly displayed if one is required. Requirements can depend on the route and riding situation, so confirm the details before your trip. You can also read [Wyoming ORV Permit for a Side-by-Side] for a vehicle-focused overview.
Give your machine a quick mechanical check before leaving Cody. Look over tires, brakes, steering, lights, fuel, and any straps or cargo. Carry water, weather-appropriate layers, basic tools, and a way to navigate if your phone loses service. In remote country, a minor problem—like a puncture or a loose connection—can turn into a long delay if you are not prepared.
Planning a safe day ride from Cody
Mountain weather and distance can make a ride feel very different from what you expected at breakfast. Give yourself room to adjust the plan, and don’t let a fixed destination push you into riding through unsafe conditions or a closure.
Plan around weather, elevation, and seasonal closures
Conditions can change quickly as you gain elevation. A warm day in Cody does not guarantee warm weather on a higher forest road. Wind, rain, thunderstorms, cold temperatures, and lingering snow can affect traction and visibility. Check the forecast for the riding area itself, not only for town, and turn back if conditions make it difficult to see, steer, or communicate safely.
Seasonal access is another important consideration. A route that was open on a previous visit may be closed now because of snow, wildlife protections, road conditions, or land-management decisions. Closures can apply to a single route or a wider area, and an opening date should not be guessed from the calendar. [Wyoming Trails Closed by Snow] and [Wyoming Fire Season and Trail Access] offer more context on two common reasons plans may need to change.
Have a turnaround time as well as a destination. For example, if your group has not reached a certain junction by early afternoon, head back rather than pressing on and risking a return in darkness or deteriorating weather. That kind of simple rule helps keep a scenic day ride from becoming a stressful late-night recovery.
Share the route and ride with a margin for the unexpected
Before you leave, tell someone where you plan to ride and when you expect to return. Include the general route, your vehicle, and the people in your group. If you change plans, send an update when you have service. In remote areas around Cody, mobile coverage can be unreliable, so don’t make a phone signal the only part of your emergency plan.
Travel with enough fuel for the full route and a comfortable reserve. Distances on a map can be misleading when travel is slow or when detours are needed. Keep food and water accessible, and carry any medication your group may need. If you use a satellite messenger or other emergency communication device, make sure you know how to use it before you are far from help.
Ride at a pace that leaves room to react. Keep a safe gap between machines, especially in dust, and stop in a visible, secure place if the group gets separated. Be willing to shorten the route. Turning around because a road is rougher, wetter, or more exposed than expected is a good decision—not a failed ride.
Respect ranch access, other trail users, and public-land rules
Around Cody, a route may pass through working landscapes where gates, livestock, and private boundaries matter. Use only routes open to public motorized travel. Don’t assume that a two-track is public just because it appears on a map, and don’t cross private land without permission. If you encounter a gate on an authorized route, follow the posted instructions and leave it as you found it.
Slow down around horses, hikers, wildlife, and other riders. Dust can reduce visibility for everyone, so ease off the throttle and give others room. Stay on the designated route rather than widening it to avoid mud or an obstacle. A detour around a puddle can damage vegetation or create a new track that was never meant to be used.
When you meet ranchers or other land users, a calm, courteous approach goes a long way. Follow signs, close gates when required, and avoid blocking access roads while stopping for a break. For more practical reminders, see [Wyoming Trail Etiquette With Ranchers]. If you’re unsure whether a route is open, stop and check rather than treating uncertainty as permission.
A practical Cody-area ride checklist
Before you head out, take a few minutes to work through a checklist. It is much easier to catch a missing permit, an unsuitable route, or an empty fuel container while you are still in town than after you’ve unloaded at a remote access point.
- Choose a riding area and identify the agency or land manager responsible for it.
- Confirm that every segment is open to motorized travel and appropriate for your ATV or UTV.
- Check current official maps, seasonal notices, and posted closures.
- Verify permit requirements and display any required decal correctly.
- Check weather for the riding area, including higher elevations.
- Inspect the machine and estimate fuel needs with a reserve.
- Pack water, food, layers, navigation, basic repair supplies, and emergency communication.
- Share your route and expected return time with someone who is not riding.
- Set a turnaround time and be willing to shorten the ride.
A little flexibility makes a Cody-area ride far more enjoyable. You may arrive to find that a preferred route is closed, the weather has changed, or a road is a poor fit for your machine. Having a second option—one you have already checked—can save the day without tempting anyone to push past a sign or ride an unsuitable track.
For machine-specific permit details, [Wyoming ORV Permit for a Side-by-Side] is a useful next read. If your plan is to explore the wider region, [Wyoming's Enrolled Roads and Trails] and [Wyoming Trail Maps and MVUMs] can help you understand why checking each route segment matters. The best ride is not necessarily the longest one; it’s the one where the route, conditions, machine, and group all fit together.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
