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Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, Wapiti Valley, Wyoming
Photo: Paul Hermans · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives Wyoming Cody, the Bighorns and Northern Wyoming

Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway

US 14, US 16, US 20 · Cody → Pahaska Tepee

Leisurely48 mi1 hr3,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 6,700 ftOne way
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The drive

The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway follows US 14, 16 and 20 west from Cody along the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the Wapiti Valley toward Yellowstone's East Entrance. About 6 miles west of Cody it passes Buffalo Bill Reservoir, known for trout fishing, and Buffalo Bill State Park.

The valley is known for wildlife and rock formations; elk, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, moose and deer all live here. The drive ends at Pahaska Tepee, Buffalo Bill Cody's hunting lodge, built in 1904 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It stops short of the park gate, and the highway carries on over Sylvan Pass. The drive is 47.5 miles and takes about 1 hr.

Along the way

  1. Cody (west edge)
  2. Buffalo Bill Dam
  3. Wapiti
  4. Pahaska Tepee (near the East Entrance)
Elevation
3,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 6,700 ft
CodyPahaska Tepee
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
CodyPahaska Tepee
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Grizzly bears live in the Wapiti Valley.
  • There is a Yellowstone entrance fee at the East Entrance, which is open seasonally, roughly May to October, for regular vehicles.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check National Park Service: Yellowstone park roads.

Questions about this drive

How long does the drive from Cody toward Yellowstone take?

The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway from Cody to Pahaska Tepee is 47.5 miles and takes about 1 hr.

Is the East Entrance to Yellowstone open?

For regular vehicles, Yellowstone's East Entrance (Sylvan Pass) is open seasonally, roughly May to October. Check the park road page for current conditions.

Are there grizzly bears on the Wapiti Valley road?

Yes. Grizzly bears are among the wildlife in the Wapiti Valley along US 14/16/20 west of Cody.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, from Cody to Pahaska Tepee