Dog walking in Cody

Cody City Center

Cody’s City Center has a lot of cool places, but the one spot that guarantees the most tail wagging is the off-leash Beck Bark Park. On the southwest shore of Beck Lake, dogs can swim, play in huge areas designated for large and small dogs, or just relax in the shade. There’s benches and cleanup bags to make your life easier, but remember to bring drinking water and a leash. Beck Lake’s calm waters make it a great place to paddle board with Fido, too. Just a few minutes away, the Cody City Park is a great place to hang out with your leashed dog, especially in the summer as there are lots of free concerts there. A short walk down Sheridan Ave will take you to pet-friendly restaurants, like the family-favorite Millstone Pizza Company, and Juniper, a fun bistro that has water bowls for your pooch on the patio.

Bighorn Ave / 19th St

Want some quality time with your pup? Visit this neighborhood on the east side of Cody. The area has nine parks where you and your leashed dog can enjoy a picnic or a colorful sunset. Mentock Park and Hugh Smith Park and Recreation Area are the largest parks. With huge grassy areas, restrooms and picnic areas, you and your pup will love hanging out there. In this neighborhood, you can also access the east trailhead of the popular Shoshone Riverway Trail. This 1.3-mile path is great for biking, walking and jogging while taking in pawsitively stunning views of the Shoshone River. You and your pooch are likely to see wildlife along the way, too. Access the east trailhead on the north end of 19th St. Remember to bring water, cleanup bags and a leash.

Shoshone National Forest

Want some major off-leash time in the great outdoors? Load up Fido and head west on Highways 14/16 to the Shoshone National Forest. Just 24 miles west of Cody city limits, the Shoshone is home to thousands of miles of trails for you and your dog to hike. There’s also plenty of dog-friendly camping spots. Trails you and your pup may especially enjoy along the highway include Elk Fork, Eagle Creek and Kitty Creek. Dogs are required to be leashed in developed recreation areas such as trailheads and picnic areas, but once you get down any of the forest’s trails, dogs can experience off-leash freedom. Make sure your dog is within eyesight and under voice control when on these trails as not to alarm the abundant wildlife. Bear spray and bells are always a good idea to bring along with lots of drinking water, a leash and cleanup bags.

West Cody

Water-loving dogs and humans love the Buffalo Bill State Park just 10 miles west of Cody city limits along Highways 14/16. You and your leashed pooch can enjoy a picnic, camping or a shoreline walk along the Buffalo Bill Reservoir against the pawsitively stunning backdrop of the Absaroka Mountains. The expansive reservoir is also great for swimming, water sports, boating and fishing. A small fee is required at the camping and parking areas, and a few portions of the park close in the winter. Remember to bring a leash, water and cleanup bags.