Cody, Wyoming: Cowboys, Wild Horses & One Very Inappropriate Stallion

When we rolled into Cody, Wyoming, it felt like we had officially entered the heart of the Wild West. The town has a rhythm all its own—half cowboy grit, half gateway to adventure—and we were here for every bit of it.

The Drive In: Wind River Canyon Magic

Our trip began with a beautiful drive through Wind River Canyon. Sheer cliffs of red rock rose around us, the river cut through them like a silver ribbon, and every turn had a view that demanded silence. It's the kind of place where you drive twenty miles an hour, not because you have to—but because your jaw is too busy dropping to press the gas.

Thermopolis Hot Springs & Butch Cassidy's Vault

A day trip to Thermopolis was next, home to one of the world's largest mineral hot springs. The name originates from the Greek words for "hot city," and for centuries, these waters have been revered for their healing properties. Native tribes once called it "the place of warm water," and it's easy to see why. Steam rose off turquoise pools framed by mineral terraces—it felt like we'd stepped into a prehistoric spa.

While in town, we stopped at the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center, which holds some incredible pieces of Old West history—including the original Hole-in-the-Wall Bar from the long-gone Hole-in-the-Wall Saloon. The saloon was a known hangout for Butch Cassidy and his gang when they passed through the area, and the museum even has the vault where Cassidy allegedly stored some of his personal belongings. Standing in front of it, you could almost picture him leaning against the bar, spinning tales of outlaws and open ranges over a shot of whiskey.

This was the bar that was in the Hole-in-the-Wall Saloon

Yellowstone: The Circle of Life (Literally)

We took a day trip back into Yellowstone—because who can resist it when you're this close? That's where we witnessed our second "kill”—a grizzly bear taking down a bison. It was equal parts jaw-dropping and terrifying. Patrick was frustrated that he couldn't get closer for a good photo, but honestly, thank God for scopes and zoom lenses. Watching it from a safe distance was plenty close for me.

Old Trail Town in Cody, Wyoming

Back in Cody, we explored Old Trail Town, a collection of authentic 1800s frontier buildings relocated from across Wyoming and Montana. It's built on the actual site where Cody was founded. You can walk through cabins once used by outlaws and pioneers, including the hideout of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch. It's part museum, part time capsule, and the smell of old wood and dust made it feel like stepping straight into a Western movie set.

One of the most fascinating artifacts was a saloon door still riddled with bullet holes—the aftermath of an actual gunfight that once broke out in a frontier bar. Seeing those holes up close gave me chills. It’s one thing to read about shootouts in history books, but another to stand there and imagine the chaos and tension that must've filled that room when tempers—and pistols—flared. It's the kind of detail that makes Old Trail Town feel hauntingly real, as if the ghosts of the Old West are still lingering, whispering their stories in the wind.

Chief Joseph & Beartooth Scenic Drives

We also explored the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, where rolling meadows were painted with wildflowers, and the history of Chief Joseph's retreat added a layer of reflection to the beauty.

This was one of the views from the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

From there, we took on the legendary Beartooth Highway, climbing toward snow-packed peaks. The views were unreal—but so was the snow. The alpine lakes were still buried under thick ice, and the wind cut right through you. Just as we started heading back, snowflakes began to fall, and a moose appeared out of nowhere, lumbering through the white landscape.

Right after that magical moment, a red fox darted along the roadside—its fur a bright flash against the snow. Patrick got some incredible photos as it trotted along, entirely at peace in its element. It was one of those quiet, perfect wildlife moments that make all the long drives worth it.

Big Horn Canyon: Wild Horses & "Thunder Thighs"

A trip to the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area turned out to be equal parts breathtaking and hilarious. We spotted our first wild horses in Wyoming—and one of them was… well, very excited about life. Let's say he was putting on a full display, slapping his stomach like a drum. I Googled it later—apparently, this is normal stallion behavior—but I'm not sure I'll ever recover from the mental image.

We also saw bighorn sheep perched on the cliffs and watched storms roll over the canyon walls—it was like living inside a painting.

But the real adrenaline rush came when we decided (and by "we," I mean I did) to drive up a gravel road along McCullough Peaks in search of more wild horses. My knuckles were white as we crept along with our mirrors folded in, inches from the edge of a mountain. On one side—rock. On the other—an instant ticket to the afterlife.

Once we finally got off that nerve-wracking road, we found ourselves in beautiful badlands—and a biker, whom we dubbed "Thunder Thighs," was pedaling up that same road like it was nothing. I was equal parts impressed and concerned for his sanity.

That evening, we finally found the wild horses—over 50 of them grazing and sparring in a golden field. Watching stallions charge and compete for their mares was raw, wild, and utterly mesmerizing. We met a wonderful family from Vancouver and made a new friend, Aleisha, who joined us for horse spotting. It was one of those serendipitous moments in RV life that stick with you forever.

These were just some of the wild horses that we saw!

Legacy Beef & Local Flavor in Cody, Wyoming

While in Cody, we stumbled upon Legacy Beef, a local meat processor that's as "farm-to-table" as it gets. They process the meat within a day or two, and by the third day, it's already on the shelf. We stocked up on just about everything they had: ribeyes, filets, sausages, jerky—you name it. Patrick was in absolute heaven.

Me? I tried the filet and couldn't even eat it—it was too tender. The texture threw me off completely, but Patrick swears it was the best steak he's ever had. Either way, the quality was undeniable. It was one of those small-town gems that remind you why local food hits different.

Bailey's Scare

Not everything in Cody was lighthearted, though. One night, Bailey had her first seizure, and it completely panicked us. Watching your pet go through that is gut-wrenching. Thankfully, it was brief, and she bounced back quickly—but that night we both stayed up, hovering, making sure she was okay. It was one of those reminders of how fragile life on the road can feel when your family—fur and all—is with you.

Cody Rodeo Nights

You can't go to Cody and skip the rodeo, so we didn't. In fact, Cody calls itself the Rodeo Capital of the World, with nightly shows all summer long since 1938. It's the longest-running professional rodeo in the U.S.

Let me tell you—it's not for the faint of heart. Within our first night, two guys were taken away by ambulance, and I suddenly understood that "cowboy tough" isn't just a saying. I'll admit, I was there for the barrel racing and the adorable mutton bustin' (kids hanging onto sheep for dear life), but the most powerful moment came when a rider galloped full speed with the American flag during the national anthem. It was goosebumps-inducing.

Before the events began, they recited a poem titled "Why I Stand for the Flag," and it hit deep—a reminder of the roots and pride that define this town.

History & Humility

We also visited Heart Mountain, a sobering site where over 14,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during WWII. Walking through the exhibits was humbling—it's one of those places that makes you reflect deeply on freedom and resilience.

This was the hospital at Heart Mountain

And finally, the Buffalo Bill Dam, an engineering marvel from 1910, where early pioneers used sheer grit and innovation to tame the Shoshone River. This dam was actually the model for the Hoover Dam, proving that sometimes the best ideas start small. The scale of it was stunning—and made you appreciate the kind of determination that built the West.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Our last stop was the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a massive complex of museums and exhibits. The gun collection was jaw-dropping—even for someone who doesn't know the difference between a rifle and a revolver. Thousands of meticulously preserved pieces spanning centuries. The rest of the museum… well, let's say it could've used a little more "wow" factor. But hey, we gave it a solid effort.

Cody, Wyoming, was everything the Wild West should be—thrilling, humbling, unpredictable, and wildly entertaining (thanks to one very confident stallion). Between the history, the beauty, and the chaos, it's a place that grabbed hold of us—and, honestly, hasn't let go since.