Photo: Kerri Hodges
Photo: AT Ooi
Photo: Matthew Ngai
Buffalo Bill Reservoir Scenic View
★4.7(51 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours including stops at multiple viewpoints👶 Best for all ages. Infants and toddlers enjoy the car ride and short stretches at viewpoints, while school-age kids (5-12) love spotting wildlife and learning about the dam and canyon geology. Teens appreciate the dramatic landscape photography opportunities.🧡 Saved by 16 families
About
The Buffalo Bill Reservoir Scenic View offers families a breathtaking 27-mile journey through Shoshone Canyon, where dramatic rock formations and stunning reservoir vistas create an unforgettable Wyoming adventure. Multiple pull-offs and accessible viewpoints make it easy to hop out with kids for photos and fresh mountain air, turning a simple drive into an exciting exploration.
Highlights
- ✓Spectacular views of the 350-foot Buffalo Bill Dam, one of the tallest dams in the United States
- ✓Dramatic Shoshone Canyon rock formations with layers of colorful geological history
- ✓Multiple accessible pull-offs perfect for family photos and leg-stretching
- ✓Wildlife viewing opportunities including bighorn sheep and golden eagles
- ✓Educational signage about the area's history, geology, and ecosystem
Pro Tips
- 1.Download an offline map before you go as cell service can be spotty through the canyon
- 2.Stop at the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center first for restrooms, exhibits about the dam's history, and to pick up Junior Ranger materials
- 3.Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting - bighorn sheep, eagles, and deer are commonly seen along the route
- 4.Pack snacks and drinks as there are no services along the scenic drive itself
- 5.Visit the overlooks on the return trip too - the views look completely different from the opposite direction
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best weather and full road access. Visit in early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and cooler temperatures, plus better chances of wildlife sightings. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends during peak summer months.
What to Know
The scenic drive is free and accessible year-round, though winter conditions may require chains or 4WD. Viewpoints are paved and stroller-accessible, but always supervise children closely near cliff edges and guardrails.
Seasonal Notes
While the road is open year-round, winter (November-March) can bring snow, ice, and reduced visibility. Summer (June-August) offers the most reliable weather but attracts more visitors. Spring runoff (April-May) creates impressive waterfall displays along the canyon walls.
Nearby Eats
Head back to Cody for family-friendly options like Irma Grill (Buffalo Bill's historic hotel restaurant with kid-friendly Western fare) or Pat O'Hara Brewing Company (casual atmosphere with burgers, pizza, and a kids menu).
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