Riding Out of Cody Toward the Forest
Leaving Cody with an ATV or side-by-side can feel like an easy gateway to the mountains, but the first challenge is knowing where public roads end and legal riding routes begin. This guide explains how to plan a forest ride from Cody, check route access, prepare for changing conditions, and avoid the frustrating mistake of hauling out only to find your chosen route is closed.
Choosing a direction from Cody
Cody sits in the Bighorn Basin, with the Shoshone National Forest and higher country to the west. That makes a westbound trip toward the North Fork of the Shoshone River a natural starting point for riders looking for forest scenery. But reaching forest country by highway does not mean every road or trail along the way is open to ATVs and UTVs.
The ride you can actually make depends on the route’s designation, the machine’s dimensions, current seasonal restrictions, and whether you are trailering to a staging area or trying to ride from town. Think of Cody as a useful place to prepare and resupply, not as a guarantee of a continuous off-road route from downtown to the forest.
Toward the North Fork and Shoshone country
The US 14/16/20 corridor west from Cody leads toward the North Fork and the East Entrance area of Yellowstone. It is a scenic drive, but it is not a blanket authorization to ride an off-road machine along the highway or turn onto any forest road you see. Highway travel rules and forest-route rules are different, and the route you want must be specifically open to your kind of machine.
A practical plan is to drive your truck and trailer to a confirmed staging point, then unload where parking and access are allowed. Before you leave Cody, identify the exact road or trail you intend to use, confirm the starting point, and make sure the route is open to your vehicle class. For broader background, see [Wyoming Rules for Riding a National Forest] and [Wyoming Rules for Riding a Designated Route].
The approach into higher country can change quickly. A pleasant morning in the basin can give way to cooler temperatures, wind, rain, or lingering snow at elevation. Even when the access road is dry, shaded forest sections and high passes may be muddy or blocked. Build a backup option into the day rather than assuming the first route you picked will be passable.
Distinguish a scenic drive from a riding route
A road that appears on a general road map may be a highway, a county road, a private access road, or a forest road with restrictions. A line on a map is not enough to establish that an ATV or UTV may use it. Look for the land manager’s travel map and route designation, then check any posted signs at the trailhead or junction.
This distinction matters especially when you are connecting a town-side drive with a forest ride. A street-legal machine may have different road-use options from a non-street-legal ATV, but that does not automatically make every road connection lawful. If a route is not clearly designated for your vehicle, stop and verify rather than relying on what another rider did last season.
For a broader picture of riding opportunities across the state, [Wyoming's Enrolled Roads and Trails] explains why permitted routes and enrolled segments matter. If your plan involves a highway connection, review [Wyoming Rules for Riding a Highway Shoulder] and [Wyoming Rules for Riding a Road Instead of a Trail] before treating the pavement as part of the ride.
Plan the route before you leave Cody
Forest riding rewards a little homework. The route that looks short on a phone screen may take much longer once you account for rough surfaces, elevation, gates, junctions, and stops to check the map. A careful plan also helps you avoid running low on fuel or getting turned around after cell service fades.
Use the right maps and check restrictions
Start with the official travel-management information for the land you plan to ride. Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps, often called MVUMs, show which roads and trails are open to motor vehicles and may include seasonal dates or vehicle-width limits. A general recreation map can help with orientation, but it may not show the legal details you need.
A navigation app can be useful as a companion. For example, onX Offroad may help you view routes and plan a track, but do not treat an app display as a substitute for the land manager’s current map, posted closure, or on-the-ground sign. Save maps for offline use before leaving Cody, and carry a paper or downloaded backup. [Wyoming Trail Maps and MVUMs] covers the difference between maps and route designations in more detail.
Check restrictions close to your departure, not only when you first start planning. Seasonal closures, fire restrictions, construction, wildlife protections, or damage from weather can change what is accessible. If the map and a posted sign appear to conflict, take the more restrictive direction until you can confirm the correct status with the responsible land manager. [Wyoming Trail Closures to Check First] is a useful companion when you are sorting through possible route changes.
| What to check | Why it matters | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Route designation | A visible road may not be open to your ATV or UTV | Official forest travel map and signs |
| Seasonal dates | Snow, wildlife, or resource closures can limit access | Land manager notices and route map |
| Width restrictions | Some trails are limited to narrower machines | Route designation and posted signs |
| Staging and parking | A legal route may still have limited unloading space | Trailhead information and local land manager |
| Fuel and range | Remote riding can leave few convenient refill options | Your machine’s range and local service availability |
| Fire restrictions | Dry conditions can affect travel and camp activities | Current land-management notices |
Match the route to the machine
A narrow ATV, a wide side-by-side, and a street-legal multipurpose vehicle may not have the same route options. Before loading up, check your machine’s width and compare it with the restrictions on the route you want. A trail marked for narrower vehicles is not a suitable choice simply because a UTV can physically squeeze through.
Wyoming’s 50-inch trail limit is an important consideration on routes where that restriction applies. Measure the machine rather than estimating from the brochure or relying on memory. You can read more in [Wyoming's 50-Inch Trail Limit] and [Measuring Your Machine Tire to Tire].
Also make sure every machine has the required Wyoming ORV permit for riding on applicable public routes. A registration decal from another state does not necessarily replace Wyoming’s permit requirement. The practical details are covered in [Wyoming ORV Permits Explained]. Keep the decal visible and securely attached, and bring the machine’s paperwork along if it may be useful during your trip.
Prepare for a full day in mountain country
A day ride from Cody can involve a meaningful change in elevation and weather, even if you are not planning an especially long route. Good preparation is not about packing for every imaginable emergency; it is about anticipating the problems that are common when a group is far from town and the machines are working hard.
Fuel, timing, and basic equipment
Estimate fuel needs using your machine’s real-world consumption, not an optimistic figure from a perfect test ride. Slow travel, steep grades, soft ground, cold starts, and frequent stops can all affect range. If the route leaves little room for error, carry fuel only in an approved container and secure it properly. Identify where fuel is available before you leave Cody, and do not assume a small community or remote trailhead will have a pump.
Set a turnaround time. Riders often keep going because the route is beautiful or the group is making good progress, then discover that the return leg takes longer than expected. Agree on a latest time to turn back, especially if afternoon weather is building or the route includes unfamiliar junctions. Tell someone who is not riding where you plan to go and when you expect to return.
Carry water, food, warm layers, rain protection, a first-aid kit, a basic tool kit, tire-repair supplies, and a way to communicate if phone coverage disappears. A downloaded track can help with navigation, but a phone can lose power or get damaged. Keep devices charged and protected, and make sure everyone in the group knows the planned route and rendezvous point.
Weather, altitude, and changing trail conditions
A sunny forecast in Cody does not guarantee comfortable conditions higher up. Temperature can drop with elevation, and exposed sections can feel much colder when wind picks up. Pack layers you can put on while stopped; riding in damp clothes for hours is miserable and can become unsafe, especially when someone in the group is already tired.
Storms can also change the surface under your tires. A route that was firm earlier may become slick, rutted, or muddy after rain. If conditions are deteriorating, turn around before a manageable section becomes a recovery problem. Avoid pushing through flowing water or soft ground unless you can safely assess the crossing and know the route is open.
Keep an eye on everyone, not just the lead rider. The person who is quiet, cold, or falling behind may need a break before they are willing to say so. On a family ride or a mixed-experience group, make the pace comfortable for the least experienced rider, and choose a route that leaves room to stop without blocking traffic.
Ride responsibly and keep access open
The forest setting is part of the appeal, but it is also a working landscape with wildlife, private property, grazing, and other recreation. A courteous, low-impact ride helps protect access for the next group and reduces the chance that a small mistake becomes a costly or stressful problem.
Stay on designated routes and respect closures
Keep the machine on the designated road or trail. Riding around a muddy patch, creating a shortcut through vegetation, or following an old two-track that is not open can damage the landscape and violate route rules. If a section is blocked or closed, do not assume that a nearby parallel track is an acceptable detour.
At junctions, pause long enough to confirm your next turn. The lead rider should not disappear around a bend while the rest of the group is still checking the map. Use a simple group system: agree on the route, stop at major junctions, and wait where a rider could otherwise miss a turn. If someone wants to ride ahead, set a clear meeting point and time.
Yield carefully to other users, including hikers, horseback riders, and vehicles. Slow down well before passing, give people space, and avoid accelerating hard through dust. Around livestock, reduce speed and follow posted instructions. For practical advice on sharing the landscape, see [Wyoming Trail Etiquette With Ranchers].
Leave the trailhead and forest in good shape
Bring out everything you carry in, including food wrappers, broken tie-downs, and empty containers. Do not leave damaged parts at a trailhead or stash trash for a later pickup. If the staging area has limited space, park neatly and leave room for trailers to maneuver. A few minutes of consideration can prevent congestion when several groups arrive at once.
Before you unload, double-check that the vehicle and trailer are parked legally and do not block gates, roads, or emergency access. After the ride, take a moment to look over the machine for loose cargo, damaged straps, and mud that could create a mess on the drive back. If you encounter a closure sign, damaged trail, or other problem, note the location and contact the land manager rather than trying to fix or bypass it yourself.
A good Cody-area forest ride is not defined by how far you push into the mountains. It is the one where the route is legal for your machine, the group returns with enough daylight and fuel, and the forest looks as though you were never there.
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.
