Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 5 PM In Cody

Wild mustangs are the star here, but the setting may be just as memorable. From Cody, you ride into the McCullough Peaks, a dry sweep of rolling hills, badlands, desert flowers, and mountain backdrops. Guides search for moving herds while sharing stories about Buffalo Bill Cody, Jim Bridger, and John Colter.

I like the 5 PM departure, which leaves your morning and early afternoon free for Cody’s museums or other outings. I also like the supplied binoculars and spotting scope, since horses can be far off and a good view often depends on proper optics. The main consideration is comfort: rough dirt roads, older vehicles, heat, and changing horse locations can make this a bumpy, unpredictable outing.

Key points to know before you go

• Wild mustangs in the McCullough Peaks: The goal is to find free-roaming herds in their natural setting, not see trained horses at a stable.
• Three hours from Cody: The late start works well after a day in town and may bring sunset light over the badlands.
• Small-group format: The van carries up to 12 people according to the tour description, while the stated maximum is 15.
• Optics and rain gear included: Binoculars, a spotting scope, slickers, and bottled water are provided.
• Wildlife beyond horses: You may also search for pronghorn, coyotes, elk, sage grouse, and horned lizards.
• Rough-road reality: The dirt tracks can be jarring, and past outings have included complaints about vehicle condition and missing equipment.

Finding mustangs in the McCullough Peaks

The tour begins at Cody Wyoming Adventures, 1119 12th Street, at 5 PM. From there, your guide drives toward the McCullough Peaks, a stark area east of Cody known for open country and free-roaming horses.

This is not a standard sightseeing loop with a fixed sequence of stops. The guide searches for animals based on where the herds have been seen and where conditions allow the vehicle to go. That makes the outing feel more like a wildlife search than a scheduled attraction. It also means there is no guarantee of a large herd or a close view.

That uncertainty matters. On one outing, you might see 30 or 40 mustangs, perhaps in two separate herds. On another, you might see only three horses. The horses move where they want, and the guide cannot direct them into a better viewing position. Go in expecting a search, not a guaranteed photo opportunity.

When the horses are distant, binoculars and the spotting scope become important. Some groups have been far enough away that a camera zoom was needed for good photographs. Other groups have come close enough to be viewed from the van while still respecting a legal distance.

A sunset ride through Wyoming badlands

The scenery gives the tour value even when the horses keep their distance. The McCullough Peaks offer broad views, rolling desert hills, unusual rock formations, and mountain backdrops. In late afternoon, the light can soften the dry colors and bring out the shapes of the badlands.

I would keep your eyes open for more than mustangs. The stated wildlife list includes coyotes, horned lizards, pronghorn antelope, and sage grouse. Elk have also been seen on outings. None of these animals is guaranteed, but the variety keeps the ride interesting while the guide looks for horses.

The badlands are also part of the history lesson. Your guide may talk about mountain men and the early figures tied to the region, including Buffalo Bill Cody, Jim Bridger, and John Colter. These stories give the drive a stronger sense of place than a simple ride out to take pictures.

The exact sunset experience depends on the date. A 5 PM start gives you late-day light, but the tour lasts about three hours, so the return timing changes with the season. Bring a camera with a useful zoom if you have one. You may also want a phone or camera strap, since the dirt roads can shake the vehicle.

Guides who add context to the ride

The guide can make a big difference here. Guides associated with the operation include Burns, Sherry, Dave, Liz, Jared, and Sydnie, though the person leading your trip will depend on the date and schedule.

The strongest part of the guiding is the combination of animal spotting and local storytelling. Sherry has been described as sharing history and facts while driving. Dave has been noted for continuing the search until a herd was found. Burns is associated with finding two separate herds and explaining the horses and the area.

Those details point to what you should expect from a good outing: not just a driver, but someone who watches the terrain, scans for movement, and explains what you are seeing. A guide cannot control the wildlife, but a patient guide can improve your odds and help you appreciate the country even when the horses stay distant.

This is a small-group trip, with the vehicle described as carrying up to 12 people and the activity listing giving a maximum of 15. Smaller numbers generally make it easier to ask questions and share the spotting scope. If the vehicle is full, however, space for cameras and personal gear may feel limited.

What the three hours actually feel like

Expect a mix of driving, animal watching, scenic stops, and some walking through rolling desert hills. The itinerary specifically asks you to wear closed-toe shoes because you may walk through uneven ground and badland terrain.

The drive itself is part of the adventure, but it is not polished sightseeing transportation. Dirt roads can be rough, and one description compared the ride to a mechanical bull or mild roller coaster. That may sound funny, but it is useful advice. If you dislike jolting roads or have trouble climbing into a high van, think carefully before booking.

Vehicle condition has not always been consistent. Past outings have included complaints about an old van, uncomfortable seats, dirty windows, a noisy ride, and air conditioning problems. The operator has indicated that vehicles have been repaired and that additional vehicles have been added, including a Yellowstone van and an open-air safari truck. Still, vehicle assignment can change, so I would not book this expecting a smooth coach ride.

The upside is access. A van can cover more ground than you could on foot during a three-hour outing, while still allowing the group to stop and scan the country. You get a practical way to reach remote viewing areas without arranging your own route.

Optics, water, and what to bring

Binoculars, a spotting scope, bottled water, and slickers are included. The raincoats are useful in a region where weather can shift, though they do not replace warm layers or sun protection.

Equipment availability is worth confirming at the meeting point. The tour promises binoculars and a spotting scope, but one past outing reported that there were not enough binoculars and no spotting scope available. That may have been an equipment issue on that particular date, yet it shows why your own compact binoculars can be a smart backup if you already own a pair.

Bring your own bottle of water even though water is supplied. The experience lasts around three hours, and the dry country, sun, and vehicle heat can make you thirsty. Wear closed-toe shoes, practical outdoor clothing, and layers. The provided rain gear covers one problem, but it will not solve every weather change.

A camera with a telephoto lens or strong zoom is more useful than a wide-angle lens for the horses. You will use the wide setting for the badlands and mountain views, but the mustangs may be far enough away that magnification matters.

Is $69 a fair price?

At $69 per person, the tour sits in a reasonable range for a three-hour guided wildlife outing. The price covers the guide, transportation from Cody, binoculars, a spotting scope, water, and rain gear. You are also paying for local route knowledge and the time spent searching rather than simply driving to a guaranteed viewing pen.

The value depends heavily on your expectations. If you want a comfortable vehicle, a fixed schedule, and guaranteed close horse encounters, the price may feel high. You could spend three hours seeing only a few horses, and the ride may be rough.

If you value access to open country, local stories, and the chance to see free-roaming animals where they choose to be, the cost makes more sense. A large herd, a sunset over the badlands, and pronghorn in the same outing can make this a strong use of an evening in Cody.

There is also a practical time advantage. The 5 PM start leaves earlier hours free, so you can visit other Cody sights before meeting the van. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the evening simple.

A standard 15 to 20 percent service gratuity is not included. At $69, that adds roughly $10 to $14 per person if you choose to tip within that range. Price the outing with that extra amount in mind.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to you if seeing wild horses is a personal priority and you are comfortable with uncertainty. It is a good fit for photographers, wildlife fans, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a guided outing over trying to search the McCullough Peaks alone.

It also suits people who want more than a horse sighting. The badlands, desert flowers, mountain views, history stories, and possible pronghorn or elk give the evening several points of interest.

I would be more cautious if you need a smooth, quiet vehicle or guaranteed close views. The walk and rough roads may be difficult for anyone with mobility limits, and the provided information does not promise an accessible vehicle or route. Most people can participate, but you should contact the operator if you have specific mobility needs.

This is also not the best choice if your schedule is tight. Wildlife searches run on animal time, and the three-hour estimate does not leave much room for another fixed evening activity immediately afterward.

Booking and cancellation details

You meet at Cody Wyoming Adventures, 1119 12th Street, Cody, Wyoming, at 5 PM, and return to that same location. Confirmation is normally sent when you book, though bookings made within one hour of departure are confirmed as soon as possible and depend on availability.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The tour needs suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Because the trip is weather-dependent and mustangs shift locations, I would book only after checking your Cody schedule carefully. The late start is convenient, but the outing is still a real half-day commitment once driving and return time are included.

Should you book the 5 PM mustang tour?

Book it if your main goal is to search for wild mustangs in open Wyoming country, and you can accept a bumpy ride and an uncertain result. The best outings combine horses, pronghorn, sunset light, and striking badlands, with a guide who adds local history and keeps looking when the first search comes up empty.

Skip it if comfort and guaranteed close encounters matter more than the setting. The vehicle concerns, occasional equipment problems, and changing horse locations are genuine considerations.

For most people who see this as a wildlife adventure rather than a polished sightseeing transfer, I think the tour offers fair value. Bring water, closed-toe shoes, layers, and a good zoom lens. Keep your expectations realistic, and the McCullough Peaks can provide a memorable Cody evening even when the mustangs refuse to pose.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Cody Wyoming Adventures, 1119 12th Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled departure time is 5 PM.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the Cody Wyoming Adventures meeting point.

How many people can join the tour?

The vehicle is described as carrying up to 12 people, while the stated maximum for the activity is 15 participants.

Are binoculars provided?

Yes. Binoculars are provided for use during the tour.

Is a spotting scope included?

Yes. A spotting scope is listed as included for use during the outing.

What else is included?

The tour includes a guide, slickers or raincoats, and bottled water.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund.