Road Tripping from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance
By Taylor Owens
There’s something about watching the landscape unfurl on the drive to Yellowstone National Park that sets the tone for a perfect day of exploration. And the road from Cody, Wyoming, to the East Entrance is among the most scenic approaches to the park—a route filled with history, natural beauty, and quiet moments that remind you why the Greater Yellowstone region is one of the most magical places on earth.
Here’s how to turn the 52-mile drive into a relaxed, half-day adventure filled with great food, stunning vistas, and classic Western character.
Start in Cody: Breakfast& Coffee
Before you hit the road, fuel up in downtown Cody. For a cozy sit-down breakfast, Sitti’s Table is a standout. This charming eatery serves thoughtfully crafted dishes that blend comfort food with culinary creativity—try their sweet potato hash or shakshuka, paired with a locally roasted espresso drink.
If you’re after a grab-and-go option, Rawhide Coffee is a solid stop for lattes, drip coffee, and breakfast burritos, all served with small-town friendliness.
Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center
About six miles west of Cody, the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center is your first scenic and historical waypoint. Towering 325 feet above the Shoshone River, the dam was a marvel of early 20th-century engineering and offers panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding cliffs.
The visitor center is free to enter and provides insight into the dam’s construction, along with area wildlife and geology. Step out on the dam walkway and listen to the thundering water below—it’s a dramatic prelude to the wilderness ahead.
Wapiti Valley: Scenic Pullouts & Hidden Gems
As you continue west on U.S. Highway 14/16/20, the road threads through Wapiti Valley, framed by dramatic rock formations, pine-covered hills, and the Shoshone River. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and elk along the roadside.
If you want to stretch your legs, make a quick detour to Newton Lake, a peaceful spot perfect for a scenic photo or a quiet moment. Or stop at Colter’s Hell, a geothermal area located near the confluence of the Shoshone River and the North Fork, just west of Cody. Named after mountain man John Colter—one of the first Euro-Americans to explore the Yellowstone region—this area once bubbled with hot springs, steam vents, and fumaroles. In Colter’s time, the landscape was so active and otherworldly it earned the ominous nickname “hell.”
Pahaska Tepee: Buffalo Bill’s Hunting Lodge
Just before the park boundary, you’ll reach Pahaska Tepee, the original hunting lodge built by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. Nestled in the forest at the base of the mountains, the rustic lodge and cabins transport you back to the turn of the century.
Pop into the gift shop, grab a snack, or take a short walkaround the property. The on-site museum room displays artifacts and tells the story of Buffalo Bill’s deep connection to this landscape.
East Entrance & Sylvan Pass: A Dramatic Arrival
From Pahaska, it’s only a few more minutes to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The ranger station marks your official entry into one of America’s most iconic landscapes—but the drama is just beginning.
As you climb Sylvan Pass, the road ascends to over 8,500 feet, winding through alpine forests and snowfields that linger well into summer. The views here are breathtaking—jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and the distant haze of Yellowstone’s volcanic plateau.
Pull over at a turnout and take a breath. You’re at the threshold of something extraordinary.
Tips for the Road
- Start early: Morning light makes the valley glow, and wildlife are more active.
- Pack water and snacks: Services between Cody and Yellowstone are sparse.
- Watch for wildlife: Especially in the early morning hours, the road is a corridor for animals.
- Bring layers: Weather at Sylvan Pass can be chilly even in midsummer.
Whether you're heading into the park for a day hike, a weekend of camping, or just a scenic drive, the road from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance sets the tone beautifully. Take your time—this stretch is as much a part of the adventure as the park itself.
