Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 8am Daily

If you’re heading to Cody, Wyoming, and want to see some of America’s iconic wild mustangs in their natural environment, the Kicking Red Canyon Mustang Tour might catch your eye. This 3-hour adventure takes you into the McCullough Peaks area—famous for its herds of wild horses—and promises an up-close look, guided by knowledgeable locals. While it’s not a full-day expedition, it offers a solid glimpse into wild horse country with some interesting extras thrown in.

What we really like about this tour is the chance to see wild mustangs without the hassle of planning a complicated trek or off-road driving. The inclusion of binoculars and a spotting scope means you won’t miss those distant but majestic horses, and the easy meeting point in Cody makes organizing your day a breeze. On the flip side, the main consideration is that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed—sometimes the horses are farther away than hoped, which can lead to some frustration if expectations aren’t managed well.

This tour fits best for travelers who appreciate scenic drives combined with wildlife viewing and want a guided experience that balances education with adventure. If you’re a casual nature lover or someone who enjoys hearing stories about the area’s equine residents, this should suit you nicely. However, if you’re after a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience, this might feel a bit tame.

Key Points

• Convenient and well-organized meeting point in Cody makes for an easy start.
• Expert guides share stories and insights about the wild horses and ecosystem.
• Binoculars and spotting scope help enhance your view—especially in a wide-open landscape.
• Wildlife sightings can vary; sometimes the horses are miles away.
• The tour costs $69 per person, offering good value for the chance to see iconic wild horses.
• Maximum group size is 15 travelers, keeping things intimate yet lively.

This tour kicks off right in Cody, next to the famed Irma Hotel, at 8 a.m. The meeting point at Cody Wyoming Adventures is straightforward, so no stress here. From there, you’ll hop into a vehicle that takes you into the McCullough Peaks, a designated area where wild mustangs roam freely. It’s a scenic drive with plenty of storytelling along the way.

The itinerary is simple but effective: you start with a brief check-in at Cody Wyoming Adventures, where you get a quick overview of the area’s history and the significance of these wild horses. The guide will teach you about the horses’ history, ecosystem, and ongoing conservation efforts. You’ll also learn about the legends of the Wild West, with stories about buffalo, mountain men, and the evolving landscape.

Afterward, the focus shifts to spotting. The guides bring binoculars and a spotting scope—both invaluable tools when trying to see animals across large distances. You might find yourself craning your neck to pick out a distant band of horses against the horizon. Some reviews mention seeing about 8 bands of mustangs, which is pretty exciting.

Wildlife Viewing and Landscape

While many visitors hope for a close encounter, the nature of wildlife means that sightings depend on luck and timing. If you’re fortunate, you’ll see a large herd grazing or moving across the plains. As one reviewer noted, “We saw beautiful landscapes and with their familiarity with the area saw a large herd of beautiful wild horses.” The guides are attentive and will do their best to position the group for the best possible view.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the horses being miles away or the guide not knowing precisely where they were, which can be disappointing. As one person put it, “Horses were miles away! We could have used our own car to do this.” While that’s a rare complaint, it underscores the importance of managing expectations.

The Guides and Educational Content

Guides like Deanna and Mark are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, turning what could be just a sightseeing drive into an educational experience. They share stories about the horses’ behaviors, their history, and efforts to keep the herd wild. One reviewer appreciated the “in-depth conversations and stories about our old mountain men and wild mustangs,” making the experience richer.

Comfort and Convenience

The inclusion of bottled water is a nice touch, especially for early-morning outings. The tour lasts about 3 hours, which feels just right—not too rushed, but enough time to enjoy the scenery and spotting opportunities. The small group size (up to 15) helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere where questions are welcome.

At $69 per person, this tour offers a reasonable price point for the chance to see wild horses in Wyoming—not to mention the educational component and the use of binoculars and a spotting scope. While it’s not a guarantee of a close-up view, the equipment and guides significantly increase your odds of spotting something memorable. Considering that many wildlife tours include the guiding and equipment, this feels like good value, especially if you’re interested in learning about the horses and the landscape.

What About Longevity and Repeatability?

Most travelers book this tour about 51 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular but also manageable in terms of planning. The three-hour duration is manageable for most visitors and fits well into a sightseeing day. It’s not a full-day adventure, but it’s enough to get a meaningful glimpse of Wyoming’s famous wild mustangs.

Reviews highlight both the highs and the lows. Many rave about seeing about eight bands of mustangs and the friendly, knowledgeable guides. One reviewer shared, “Deanna was an awesome guide, friendly and knowledgeable,” which hints at how good guides can elevate the experience. Others appreciated the scenic landscapes and the opportunity to photograph the horses, making it a memorable outing.

On the other hand, some reviews mention disappointing wildlife sightings—horses miles away, or guides not knowing exactly where the herd was located. One pointed out that the drive might be less useful if you’re hoping for close-up views, suggesting that some might prefer a self-driven approach if they’re comfortable with wildlife photography.

This trip is ideal for nature lovers and those interested in wildlife and western landscapes. It’s perfect if you want a guided, educational experience with a chance to see wild mustangs without needing to hike or go off-road on your own. The moderate price point and short duration make it accessible for most travelers.

However, if you’re expecting up-close encounters or are sensitive to the possibility of seeing distant animals, you might find this tour a bit frustrating. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy storytelling and learning about the area’s history and ecology.

The Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour from Cody offers a solid way to see Wyoming’s iconic wild horses with the assistance of knowledgeable guides, binoculars, and a spotting scope. It’s a relaxed, scenic, and educational experience that’s well-suited for travelers looking for a taste of the wild west without extensive hiking or off-road driving.

While wildlife sightings can sometimes be distant, the overall value comes from the combination of expert narration, scenic landscapes, and the chance to observe horses in their natural habitat. If you’re patient and realistic about the wildlife viewing aspect, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

For those interested in learning about the horses’ history, ecosystem, and conservation efforts in an intimate group setting, this trip hits the right notes. It’s best for casual sightseers, wildlife fans, and history buffs who want a guided experience that adds context and color to Wyoming’s famed landscape.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 3 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery and some wildlife viewing without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Cody Wyoming Adventures, located next to the Irma Hotel at 1119 12th Street in Cody, Wyoming.

Is there a possibility of seeing wild horses?
Yes, the tour offers a good chance to see wild mustangs, but sightings depend on animal movement and timing. Sometimes the horses are farther away than expected.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera and patience. The tour provides binoculars and a spotting scope, but extra layers are helpful if it’s early or cool.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind it’s a vehicle-based tour with some bumpy roads and long-distance wildlife viewing.

How much does it cost?
The tour costs $69 per person, offering good value considering what’s included.

Are tips included?
No, gratuities are not included but are customary, generally around 15-20%.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour balances storytelling, scenic views, and wildlife viewing in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable. If you’re in Cody and want a taste of the wild west’s most famous horses, it’s likely worth considering.