Afternoon on the Shoshone: A 7‑Mile Whitewater Roll Through Cody’s Red Canyon
A two‑hour, family‑friendly paddle through volcanic canyons, local history and wildlife
By mid‑afternoon the Shoshone has warmed and the canyon loosens its morning hush. You step off the riverbank near downtown Cody, pull on a snug lifejacket and let the guide—part storyteller, part safety officer—count you into a raft that will ride seven miles of river in roughly two hours. The Shoshone doesn’t roar for long stretches; it teases. Ripples gather and then the current opens into a playful, churning sentence that dares you to keep up. Rapids like Little Big Drop and Colters Falls are short, concentrated, and family‑friendly: the kind that jump your stomach and make you laugh instead of panic.
Trail Wisdom
Wear quick‑dry layers
Temperatures shift in the canyon; moisture‑wicking layers keep you comfortable when the spray hits.
Secure small items
Bring a small dry bag or leave phones and keys in your vehicle—rafts can flip and pockets leak.
Listen to your guide
Guides give simple paddle commands and safety cues—following them keeps the run fun and safe.
Time for photos
Bring a wrist‑strapped camera or use a waterproof phone case; best light is late afternoon when the canyon warms to amber.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Scout’s Rest Ranch (Buffalo Bill’s homestead and museum) for a short cultural detour
- •Little pull‑outs along Highway 14/16/20 for vantage views of the Shoshone canyon walls
Wildlife
Bald eagle, Bighorn sheep
Conservation Note
The river corridor runs through public land with sensitive riparian habitat; stick to designated take‑out beaches, avoid trampling vegetation and pack out all trash.
Cody grew around the persona of Buffalo Bill—he opened the Irma Hotel in 1902 and promoted access to Yellowstone, shaping the town’s tourism legacy.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: High flows, Wildflower bloom, Birdwatching
Challenges: Colder water temperatures, Higher, swifter currents
Spring brings snowmelt and livelier rapids—expect faster flows and colder spray; guides adjust lines accordingly.
summer
Best for: Warm afternoons, Family outings, Post‑trip dining in Cody
Challenges: Lower water levels late season, Stronger sun exposure
Summer is peak season for easy scheduling and warm weather; sun protection is essential and flows can drop by late August.
fall
Best for: Crisp air, Fall colors, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Colder mornings and evenings, Shorter daylight
Fall gives clear light and colorful cottonwoods; plan warmer layers and earlier meeting times as days shorten.
winter
Best for: Scenic quiet on the frozen riverbanks, Off‑season research trips
Challenges: Trip typically not offered, Icy conditions and river lows
Rafting operations largely pause; winter is for planning and enjoying Cody’s museums rather than river runs.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Personal flotation device (provided)Essential
Provided by the operator and required for safety on every raft.
Water shoesEssential
Protect feet on rocky put‑in/out and give traction in wet conditions.
Quick‑dry clothingEssential
Dries fast after spray and keeps you comfortable during and after the trip.
Small dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps keys, wallet and camera safe on brief stops and rougher waves.
Common Questions
Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes—this is marketed as family friendly. Children should be comfortable in a lifejacket and able to follow guide directions; operators often set a minimum age—check at booking.
What is the meeting location and time?
The tour meets at the operator’s downtown Cody shop next to the historic Irma Hotel at 2:45 p.m. and returns around 5:00 p.m.
Do I need prior rafting experience?
No—this guided trip is designed for first‑timers; guides handle navigation and safety, and basic paddle commands are taught at the put‑in.
What if the weather changes?
Guides monitor conditions and operators have flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies; storms may delay or modify the run for safety.
Can I bring my phone or camera?
Yes but secure it—use a dry bag or waterproof case; loose items can be lost in rapids or on wet rocks.
Are there restroom facilities?
Basic facilities are available at the downtown meet location; once on the river there are no formal restrooms—guides plan short shore stops if needed.
What to Pack
Water shoes for rocky banks; quick‑dry layers for temperature swings; sun protection (hat/sunscreen) for long canyon exposures; small dry bag to protect valuables.
Did You Know
The Irma Hotel in downtown Cody was opened by Buffalo Bill in 1902 and named for his daughter Irma; it remains a local landmark.
Quick Travel Tips
Book afternoon runs in advance in July–August; bring cash/cards for downtown purchases; expect spotty cell service in the canyon; tip your guide for local knowledge and safety.
Local Flavor
After the trip grab dinner at the Irma’s dining room for history and hearty fare or head to RoughStock Brewing Company for a local beer; extend the evening with a visit to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West or the Cody Nite Rodeo (summer).
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody; Meet: downtown Cody next to Irma Hotel (0–5 min from most Cody hotels); Driving distance: meets in town—no additional shuttle required; Cell service: reliable in town, intermittent in canyon; Permits: none required for guided commercial trips—book with operator.
Sustainability Note
This river corridor is ecologically sensitive—pack out everything, stay off fragile riverbanks, and use reef‑safe sunscreen to protect aquatic life.