The best national parks near Cody, Wyoming are Yellowstone and Grand Teton, two of the most iconic parks in the country and both within easy reach of this frontier town. Cody sits just 50 miles from Yellowstone's East Entrance along one of the most scenic approaches to the park, which makes it a natural and far less crowded base than the gateway towns to the west. This guide covers exactly how far each park is, what to see once you arrive, when to go for the best conditions, and how to string both parks into one unforgettable Wyoming loop without backtracking.
How far is Yellowstone from Cody?
Yellowstone's East Entrance is about a 50-mile, 75-minute drive from Cody along the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, a route Theodore Roosevelt reportedly called the most scenic 50 miles in America. From the entrance you can reach the Lake area, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the wildlife-rich Hayden Valley within another hour of driving. Because roads and services follow a strict seasonal schedule, check the current-year rules for opening dates before planning a shoulder-season trip. Plan your route and priorities with our Yellowstone National Park guide.
Can you visit Grand Teton from Cody too?
Yes. Grand Teton National Park lies just south of Yellowstone, so many travelers drive straight through Yellowstone and continue to the Tetons on the same trip. From Cody, budget roughly four hours of driving to reach Jackson and the Teton Range, or break the journey with a night inside Yellowstone to shorten each day. The jagged peaks rising straight from the valley floor, mirrored in glacial lakes, are the payoff for the extra miles. Read our Grand Teton National Park overview to decide where to spend your time.
What else is worth seeing around Cody?
Cody itself is worth a half-day before or after the parks. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West houses five museums under one roof, covering Western art, firearms, natural history, and Plains Indian culture. Anglers cast for trout on the Shoshone River, and the Cody Nite Rodeo runs nightly through the warm months, leaning hard into the town's Old West roots. Using Cody as a base lets you enjoy town restaurants and lodging in the evening and still be inside a national park by mid-morning. For more Wyoming itineraries, browse our Wyoming national parks hub.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer offers the fullest access, with all Yellowstone roads typically open from late spring through early fall and long daylight hours for wildlife watching. September brings elk bugling, thinner crowds, and crisp air, making it a favorite window for many repeat visitors. Winter transforms the region into a snowbound wonderland, though the East Entrance road often closes to regular vehicles and access shifts to over-snow travel, so verify the current-year rules before you go. Neighboring Montana also offers northern access points worth folding into a longer loop through Montana.
FAQ
Is Cody a good base for Yellowstone?
Yes. Cody is closer to the East Entrance than many western gateway towns are to their entrances, and it usually has more lodging availability and a livelier downtown, which often makes it both more convenient and more affordable.
How many days do you need for both parks?
Plan at least four to five days to do Yellowstone and Grand Teton justice from Cody, allowing time for driving, wildlife watching, geyser basins, and a few marquee hikes without feeling rushed.
Do the park roads close in winter?
Many do. Yellowstone's interior roads shift to over-snow travel in winter and the East Entrance access changes, so always check the current-year rules and current road status before planning a cold-season trip.