Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours And Safaris In Cody Wyoming

If you’re visiting Cody, Wyoming, and crave a taste of authentic wildlife and western history, the Red Canyon Wild Mustang Eco Tour offers an engaging way to connect with the land and its legendary horses. For $89 per person, you’ll spend roughly three hours exploring the expansive McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Herd Management Area, a landscape so vast that exploring on your own would be nearly impossible without a guide.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the combination of wild horse sightings, informative storytelling, and stunning Wyoming scenery. We especially appreciate the inclusion of binoculars and a spotting scope, which helps you see the horses clearly amid the rugged terrain. Plus, knowledgeable guides like Sherri and Olivia seem to enhance the experience, making it both fun and educational.

One thing to consider is that the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) rules prevent close-up encounters with the horses, so no matter how much you hope to pet or photograph them up close, you’ll be viewing from a respectful distance. However, this safety measure also ensures the welfare of the horses and a more relaxed, natural viewing experience.

This tour suits animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in western history who enjoy a small group atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife watcher or just looking for a memorable outdoor adventure, this trip offers a well-rounded insight into Wyoming’s iconic wild mustangs and the landscape they roam.

Key Points

• Vast landscape: The McCullough Peaks area covers 123,000 acres, making guided tours essential for finding the best spots.
• Wildlife viewing: Spotting scopes and binoculars are included, helping you see the horses and wildlife clearly.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Sherri and Olivia receive high praise for their expertise and friendly approach.
• Educational storytelling: The tour includes fascinating tales about Wyoming’s history, indigenous peoples, and cowboy legends.
• Respect for nature: The 100-yard rule keeps both horses and visitors safe, ensuring an authentic but safe experience.
• Value for money: At $89, the trip offers a good balance of scenic beauty, wildlife sightings, and storytelling in just three hours.

A Comprehensive Review of Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours

The Setting: Vastness and Variety of the McCullough Peaks

The heart of this experience is the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Herd Management Area, a sprawling region that stretches across 123,000 acres of rugged Wyoming landscape. This area is a designated space where wild mustangs roam freely, and it’s a place so large that exploring independently would feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s where the guided tour shines, bringing you directly to the best spots with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

From the start, you’re transported out of Cody’s town center and into a landscape that embodies the spirit of the West: rolling hills, open prairies, and distant mountain views. As you drive through this terrain, your guide—sometimes Sherri, sometimes Olivia—begins weaving stories of the land and its history, setting the tone for the experience to come.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting at the meeting point—1119 12th Street in Cody—the tour kicks off with a warm welcome and a brief orientation. The small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd, and it allows your guide to tailor the experience somewhat.

The main event is a roughly three-hour safari through the wild horse area. Along the way, your guide points out the terrain’s features, explaining how the landscape has shaped local history and ecosystems. The highlight, of course, is stopping at various vantage points to observe the wild mustangs.

While the BLM rules restrict getting closer than 100 yards to the horses, guides excel at positioning the vehicle or yourself in spots where you can see the herds clearly. Multiple reviews mention seeing herds of horses—sometimes including stallions, mares, and foals—grazing or moving across the plains.

The Sightings and Viewing Experience

Many travelers, including Tammy, praised their guides for bringing them close enough to see the horses well, often with the aid of binoculars and scopes. One reviewer noted, “Took us very close to see herd and very lucky that a pronghorn walked up to our group,” highlighting just how much luck and skill go into these sightings.

However, a few reviews, like Jo’s, remind us that the distance regulations mean you won’t get the cinematic up-close photos of horses running and playing you might hope for—and that’s a good thing for their protection. Still, guides do their best to make the viewing as immersive as possible, and the landscape itself provides plenty of scenic beauty.

Guides: The Heart of the Experience

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Tammy described Sherri as a “great guide, very knowledgeable,” emphasizing her knack for taking visitors close to the herds and sharing engaging stories. Olivia, another guide, was commended for going “above and beyond in finding different herds,” which makes a noticeable difference in the quality of the safari.

The guides are not only wildlife experts but storytellers, sharing tales about Wyoming’s indigenous peoples, the early explorers like John Colter and Jim Bridger, and Buffalo Bill Cody. These stories add context and depth to what might otherwise be simply a wildlife viewing trip, transforming it into an educational adventure.

The Cost and Value

At $89 per person, this tour feels like a well-balanced investment. It covers transportation, binoculars, a scope, and the expertise of your guide—all within a manageable three-hour window. Several reviews mention that the experience felt like good value, especially considering the opportunity to see wild horses in their natural habitat, something not easily accomplished on your own.

The tour is also booked well in advance—averaging around 59 days ahead—indicating strong interest and trust in the experience. For travelers seeking an authentic encounter with Wyoming’s signature wild mustangs, this tour offers a genuine, memorable experience without breaking the bank.

The Experience: What We Loved and What to Keep in Mind

What truly makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenery and storytelling. We loved how guides like Sherri and Olivia bring alive the landscape, making the vastness feel intimate. Seeing the horses grazing or moving across the plains, often with a scenic backdrop of Wyoming’s Badlands, makes for fantastic photos and lasting memories.

Another highlight is the respectful distance maintained for the animals’ well-being, which ensures that the wild horses are not disturbed in their natural routines. This approach reflects a responsible way of experiencing wildlife, balancing fascination with conservation.

On the flip side, some travelers, like Jo, mention disappointment that the BLM restrictions prevent getting closer—something that might matter if you’re hoping for intense close-up photos or “wild horse encounters.” But as one reviewer rightly pointed out, “The 100-yard rule is to keep the horses and people safe,” and guides do a commendable job working within that framework.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for animal enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the American West. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided eco-tours that combine wildlife sightings with stories of the land and its history. It’s perfect if you like small groups and the comfort of knowing a professional guide is helping you spot and understand the wildlife.

Final Thoughts

The Red Canyon Wild Mustang Eco Tour offers a genuine, well-organized look into Wyoming’s iconic wild horses and rugged landscapes. With knowledgeable guides, scenic vistas, and a respectful approach to wildlife viewing, this tour provides a meaningful glimpse into the wild spirit of the West. For about three hours and for $89, you’re not just paying for a sightseeing trip—you’re paying for a connection with the land and its legendary animals.

If you’re someone who loves seeing free-roaming horses in unspoiled scenery and appreciates stories that bring history alive, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially rewarding for those who value authentic, educational experiences and are okay with a respectful distance from the wildlife. While not offering up-close animal encounters, it compensates with stunning views, a small-group atmosphere, and expert guiding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including travel time to the wild horse area and viewing stops.

What is the cost?
The price is $89 per person, which covers transportation, binoculars, a spotting scope, and guided commentary.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 1119 12th Street in Cody, Wyoming, and ends back at the same location.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for many.

How many people are on each tour?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Will I get to see the horses up close?
You’ll see the horses at a respectful distance—usually around 100 yards—according to BLM regulations. Guides do their best to find good vantage points.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from the meeting point to the wild horse management area.

Is the weather a concern?
The tour depends on good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

What makes this tour different from other wildlife tours?
This tour focuses specifically on the famous wild mustangs and their Wyoming habitat, with guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and stories of the land.

This guided adventure in Cody offers not just a chance to see wild horses but also an opportunity to understand the land’s history, appreciate Wyoming’s spectacular landscapes, and enjoy a small-group experience that’s both fun and educational. It’s a trip that delivers genuine moments of connection to the American West—worth considering whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable outdoor activity.