Exploring Wyoming’s Wild Mustangs: A Guide to the Red Canyon Mustang Bus Tour
When you think of Wyoming, images of rugged landscapes, vast open plains, and wild mustangs often come to mind. If you’re eager to see these free-roaming horses in their natural environment, the Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour offers a manageable, engaging glimpse into their world. Starting from Cody at a reasonable $69 per person, this 3-hour adventure takes you into the McCullough Peaks area, famous for its wild horse herds.
What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines scenic landscapes with expert commentary on the horses, their ecosystem, and Wyoming’s history. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed, informative outing with good chances to see the mustangs up close. The inclusion of binoculars and a spotting scope makes a difference, especially when the horses are grazing or resting at a distance.
However, potential travelers should note that wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed — the horses roam freely, and their location depends on many factors like weather and time of day. The group size, capped at 15, ensures a comfortable experience, but it also means booking ahead is wise—most people book about 51 days in advance to secure a spot.
This tour suits nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about Wyoming’s wild horse herds. It’s less about adrenaline and more about enjoying the landscape while learning from guides who genuinely seem passionate about these animals and their environment.
Key Points
- Wild mustangs in their natural habitat: The primary focus of this tour, with opportunities to see the horses in the McCullough Peaks area.
- Knowledgeable guides: Guides teach about the ecosystem, the horses’ history, and current issues facing wild herds.
- Included equipment: Binoculars and a spotting scope help you get closer to the action without disturbing the horses.
- Convenient meeting point: Located next door to the Irma Hotel in Cody, making logistics easier for visitors.
- Duration and value: At around 3 hours and $69, this tour offers a solid balance of time and affordability.
- Limited group size: Max of 15 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.
Planning more time in Cody? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
Meeting at Cody Wyoming Adventures
Your journey begins at Cody Wyoming Adventures, right next to the historic Irma Hotel—a convenient and iconic starting point in Cody. Arriving here means you can easily find the meeting spot without any stress, and it’s a good chance to soak in some Old West atmosphere before heading out. Guides like Deanna and Mark are praised for their friendly manner and their knowledgeable insights, which add depth and personality to the experience.
The Drive to McCullough Peaks
Once aboard the comfortable bus, the adventure takes you out into Wyoming’s broad, open landscapes. The route is designed to maximize your chances of spotting the horses, but as one reviewer humorously noted, “Horses were miles away!” Wildlife sightings depend heavily on weather, time, and luck. That said, the binoculars and spotting scope provided help bridge the distance, ensuring you can appreciate the horses’ details without intruding on their natural behavior.
Learning About the Ecosystem and Mustangs
Throughout the trip, your guide shares fascinating stories about the history of the mustangs, how they’re related to ancient horses dating back over 10,000 years, and current debates over their management. One reviewer appreciated the “in-depth conversations and stories”, which provided context beyond just a pretty view. The guides also educate about the ecosystem—how the horses coexist with the land, other wildlife, and the challenges they face due to human intervention.
The Actual Horse Sightings
While sightings can be unpredictable, many visitors report seeing about 8 bands of mustangs during their tour. The horses are often grazing or resting, which offers excellent photo opportunities. As one guest enthusiastically said, “we saw beautiful wild horses and landscapes,” emphasizing how the scenery enhances the experience.
The Value of Equipment
The fact that binoculars and a spotting scope are included is a real plus. These tools enable better viewing without disturbing the animals, which is critical when observing wildlife. It also means you don’t need to lug your own gear or worry about missing details at a distance.
General Impressions from Reviews
- A 5-star review raved about seeing multiple bands of mustangs and appreciated the friendly, knowledgeable guides.
- Another reviewer mentioned the “great scenery” and “large herd”, praising the tour’s value.
- Conversely, a less satisfied customer criticized the off-road drive that was bumpy and felt that the horses were not close enough. This highlights the importance of patience and understanding that wild animals roam freely.
Practical Tips
- Book early—most travelers reserve their spot about 7 weeks in advance.
- Dress appropriately for outdoor weather, as Wyoming’s climate can vary.
- Bring your own camera but don’t expect to get right on top of the horses—they’re wild.
- The tour is family-friendly but keep in mind it’s a roughly 3-hour outdoor experience.
- Tipping is customary (~15-20%) for guides who enhance the experience with their knowledge and friendliness.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts who enjoy seeing animals in their natural habitat without the fuss of hiking or strenuous activity. It’s also great for families wanting an accessible, engaging wildlife experience. History buffs will appreciate the stories about the famous wild herds and their place in Wyoming’s story.
If you’re after high-adrenaline adventures or close-up wildlife encounters, you might find this tour a bit tame—remember, these are wild horses, not zoo residents. But if you’re looking for an authentic, educational outing that balances scenery with storytelling, this tour hits the mark.
Final Thoughts
The Red Canyon Mustang Bus Tour offers a relaxed, informative way to glimpse Wyoming’s iconic wild mustangs. With knowledgeable guides, scenic drives, and binoculars included, it provides good value for the $69 price point. While sightings depend on luck, many visitors leave with memorable photos and stories, thanks to the guides’ passion and expertise.
This experience works well for families, history lovers, and anyone eager to witness the sprawling landscapes of Wyoming while learning about its famous wild horses. If you’re patient and prepared, you’ll find this tour a rewarding part of your Wyoming adventure.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, from the meeting in Cody to return.
What is the cost?
It’s $69 per person, which includes a guide, binoculars, a spotting scope, and bottled water.
Where does it start?
The tour departs from 1119 12th St, Cody, WY, right next to the Irma Hotel.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but consider the outdoor nature and duration. It’s ideal for families with older children.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers and bring comfortable outdoor clothes, since weather can vary.
Will I see wild mustangs?
There’s a good chance, but sightings depend on weather, time of day, and the horses’ movements. Guides do their best to locate them.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping guides about 15-20% is customary if you enjoyed the experience.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a scenic drive with a dose of Wyoming history, the Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour provides an accessible, engaging way to connect with the land’s iconic animals. Just remember, patience and a sense of adventure are key to making the most of this wild ride.