Hiking the Bluebird Trails
Summary
Just outside of town, this short hike leads to big views of Oregon Basin and the mountains surrounding Cody. The trail is a smooth, walkable dirt road and the area is most beautiful in the early morning and evening, when the sunrise and sunset create gorgeous shades of purple and orange on the sandstone ledges.
Intro
Bluebird Lane and Sunset Rim roads both approach a prominent five-mile-long ridge that separates Cody from Oregon Basin. The ridge forms a natural division between the green irrigated fields of Cody and the rugged badlands that stretch for miles to the southeast. The Sunset Rim ridge area has at least 16 miles of trail options, so hikers can opt to hike up the ridge or stay down in the sage flats. There are no signs or trail markers, but the whole ridge is BLM and open to the public. This trail is accessible year-round, except after a snowfall or when the trail is wet and muddy.
What Makes It Great
From the parking area near the cattle guard on Bluebird Lane, walk south on the dirt road toward the ridge top. After a 500-foot climb, hikers can look back to see how Cedar, Rattlesnake, Heart Mountain, and McCullough Peaks form a beautiful ring around the Cody area. From the top of the ridge, continue down the other side to overlook the wide flatlands of Oregon Basin. You lose a little elevation, but the south-facing side of Sunset Rim is strikingly different than the north side and worth seeing. Slick rock and sandstone outcroppings resemble the American Southwest. Fun bike single-track trails wind through the boulders and gulches on the south side, and geology lovers can spend hours exploring the various rock layers. When the wind blows from the north and west, the south side of Sunset Rim feels like a warm and protected oasis. On the way back to the car, hikers can return on the dirt road or extend the hike to either east or west along the ridge top.
Who is Going to Love It
Hikers wanting a short evening hike on summer nights will love this trail. It is close to town but provides plenty of solitude. The dirt roads and double-track have good footing and are suitable for families of all ages. Wildlife viewing opportunities include pronghorn, mule deer, and hawks, and wildflowers bloom alongside the trail in May and June. This is a popular area with local trail runners because the climb up the ridge provides a great workout with 360-degree views from the top.
Directions, Parking & Regulations
From Cody, take WY-14 east toward Greybull. After five miles, turn right on Bluebird Lane and continue on the dirt road for ¾ mile. Park in one of the turn-outs near the cattle guard. Although the dirt road continues and it’s tempting to keep driving, there are few parking spots after that point. There are no fees and dogs are permitted on leash. Be aware that rattlesnakes enjoy the rock shelves of the ridge, especially on warm afternoons. Cell service is good here.
Difficulty: 2
Time to Complete: 2.0 hours
Distance: 3.0 miles
Seasonality: Year-round
Fees/Permit: No
Dog Friendly: On Leash Only
Looking for more trails in the Greater Yellowstone? Click above on “Eastside Stories” for recent posts. Want an entire book of awesome hikes around Cody and Yellowstone? Check out our trail guide, The Hidden Side of Yellowstone.