Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours And Safaris In Cody Wyoming

If you’re dreaming of seeing wild mustangs roaming free in their natural habitat, the Red Canyon Wild Mustang Eco Tour offers a compelling way to do just that. Located near Cody, Wyoming, this 3-hour adventure is led by knowledgeable guides who take you into the vast McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Herd Management Area, a sprawling landscape where these iconic animals graze freely. What makes this tour particularly appealing is its combination of wildlife viewing, storytelling, and scenic Wyoming landscapes—all at a reasonable price point of $89 per person.

From the outset, we love the fact that this tour isn’t just about spotting horses; it’s also about learning the stories behind the land and its history. The guides are praised for their expertise and engaging storytelling, making each ride both fun and informative. However, a key consideration is that, due to regulations, you’ll likely see the horses from a distance—no getting up close and personal with these wild creatures. Still, for wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this tour tends to hit the mark.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy nature, photography, and authentic experiences. If you’re after a peaceful excursion with a good chance of viewing wild horses while soaking in Wyoming’s breathtaking scenery, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience: Guides are knowledgeable and share engaging stories about the horses and the area’s history.
• Wildlife viewing: Binoculars and a spotting scope help you see the mustangs clearly from a safe distance.
• Scenic landscapes: The tour offers stunning views of Wyoming’s Badlands and vast prairies.
• Value for money: At $89, the tour provides an authentic wildlife experience with educational insights and good equipment.
• Limited proximity to horses: Due to BLM regulations, horses won’t be up close, but sightings are still impressive.
• Small group size: With a maximum of 15 travelers, you get a personalized, less crowded experience.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Start at Cody

The adventure begins at 1119 12th St, Cody, where you’ll meet your guide from Cody Wyoming Adventures, a company renowned for its expertise in local wildlife and historical tours. The meeting point is straightforward, and you’ll be greeted by a small group (up to 15 people), making it easy to ask questions and stay engaged.

The Scenic Drive into McCullough Peaks

Your guide, often described as very knowledgeable and personable, will take you on a roughly 45-minute drive through Wyoming’s open prairies and Badlands terrain. This part of the journey is not just transportation—it’s an opportunity to get a feel for Wyoming’s expansive and wild landscape. As one reviewer noted, “the scenery was incredible”, with the landscape providing a perfect backdrop for the upcoming wildlife sighting.

Viewing the Wild Mustangs

Once inside the Herd Management Area, the real excitement begins. The guide will use binoculars and a spotting scope to help you see the mustangs from a distance—an important safety and conservation measure mandated by BLM rules. According to one enthusiastic reviewer, “Sherri was a great guide, very knowledgeable,” who took her group close enough to see the herd and even managed to spot a pronghorn walking up to them.

While some guests may wish for closer encounters, the experience of seeing the horses in their natural environment, grazing or resting, is often described as “incredible” and “worthwhile.” The terrain varies from open plains to rugged Badlands, giving ample opportunities for stunning photos and wildlife observations.

Storytelling and Land History

Throughout the tour, guides share stories about Wyoming’s history, indigenous peoples, and legendary figures like Buffalo Bill Cody. These tales add depth to the experience, making it more than just a wildlife drive. The stories create a narrative thread that enriches the landscape and wildlife sightings.

Duration and End of Tour

The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with plenty of time to ask questions, enjoy the scenery, and absorb the educational content. The tour ends back at the starting point, leaving you with lasting memories and plenty of photo opportunities.

The Experience from a Reviewer’s Perspective

Based on reviews, the tour is generally quite well-received, with a 4.5/5 rating from 10 reviews. Many travelers highlight Sherri and Phoebe as excellent guides, praising their knowledge and ability to make the trip engaging. For example, Tammy_M remarked, “Sherri was great, took us very close to the herd, and shared fun stories”, while Freddy_B appreciated that Phoebe was “very knowledgeable about the horses” and never rushed the group.

However, a review from a less satisfied guest pointed out that, “BLM doesn’t allow you to get close to the horses,” which was disappointing for those expecting more intimate encounters. It’s worth understanding that safety and wildlife conservation rules limit how close you can get, but even from afar, sightings are plentiful, especially with the included binoculars and scope.

The group size, capped at 15, ensures a more intimate and less rushed experience, which many travelers value. The price of $89 is seen as reasonable, considering the access to private land and expert guidance.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

First Stop: Wyoming’s Wilderness

Arriving at the start point, you’ll immediately feel the sense of adventure. The guides do more than just drive—they educate, with stories about John Colter, Jim Bridger, and Buffalo Bill. This historical context enriches the landscape, making your wildlife viewing feel more meaningful.

The Drive through the Praries and Badlands

The journey to the herd area is scenic and informative. One reviewer appreciated that the guide “brought us out to a beautiful 123,000-acre wildlife preserve”, emphasizing the vastness of the area. The drive itself is a chance to appreciate Wyoming’s rugged beauty and learn about its ecosystems.

Viewing the Mustangs

Once at the Herd Management Area, the real highlight is spotting the wild mustangs. The landscape is open, with plenty of space for the horses to roam freely. The use of binoculars and a spotting scope is especially helpful here, as the horses tend to keep their distance—this is a good thing for their conservation, but it does mean you won’t get close-up photos of them up close.

Landmarks and Wildlife

Expect to see not only mustangs but also other wildlife, like pronghorn (as one reviewer observed), and to enjoy the dramatic landscape of Wyoming’s Badlands. The guide’s storytelling provides insights into the land’s past and the horses’ behaviors, enriching your viewing experience.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At $89, this tour offers good value, especially given the included equipment and expert guides.
• Duration: About 3 hours, making it a manageable outing without feeling rushed.
• Group Size: Max 15 travelers, for a more personal experience.
• Booking in Advance: On average, it’s booked 59 days ahead, so plan early if you want to secure a spot.
• Weather: The tour is weather-dependent. In case of poor weather, you might be offered a different date or a full refund.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, sunscreen, hat, and camera. Binoculars and a scope are provided.
• Accessibility: Service animals are allowed; most travelers can participate.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who wants to see Wyoming’s majestic wild mustangs in a natural setting. The combination of scenic driving, informative guides, and the chance to watch the horses from a respectful distance creates a balanced experience that’s both educational and visually rewarding. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value authenticity and are comfortable with a bit of distance from the animals—no petting zoo here, just genuine wild horses in their home turf.

For those craving close encounters or expecting to photograph mustangs up close, this may fall short. But for those who appreciate stories, scenic landscapes, and expert guidance, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments. The small group size and knowledgeable guides elevate the experience, ensuring you leave with more than just a photo but a story to tell.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour’s flexibility makes it accessible for families and solo travelers alike.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, including transportation, wildlife viewing, and storytelling.

Can I see the horses up close?
Due to BLM regulations, you will generally observe the horses from a distance using binoculars and a spotting scope. This is for their safety and conservation.

What kind of scenery will I see?
Expect sweeping prairies, rugged Badlands, and expansive Wyoming landscapes, perfect for photography and sightseeing.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

What should I bring?
Dress comfortably for outdoor weather, bring sun protection, and camera gear. Equipment like binoculars and scopes are provided.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation, expert guides, binoculars, a spotting scope, and the entrance fee to the area.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 59 days ahead, so planning early is recommended to secure your spot.

This Red Canyon Wild Mustang Eco Tour in Cody is a wonderful way to experience Wyoming’s wild beauty and learn about its iconic horses from knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, adventure seeker, or history enthusiast, it offers a memorable slice of the American West that’s both engaging and authentic.