Shoshone National Forest
Written By: Sarah Reish
One of the most stunning drives in the US is from Cody, Wyoming into Yellowstone National Park via the East Gate. Having driven it dozens of times we wanted to ensure we shared this winter drive with our readers who haven’t had the great pleasure of enjoying this stretch of American highway. What makes this highway so amazing is the drive through Shoshone National Forest. So we packed a lunch and took off on a day trip to enjoy Wyoming’s most historic National Forest.
Getting to Shoshone National Forest
When leaving Cody, Wyoming you will first pass the Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center, then through the three tunnels, including the longest tunnel in Wyoming and then into Buffalo Bill State Park. You will enter into Shoshone National Forest after passing Smith Mansion.
The History
Shoshone National Forest has a beautiful history connected closely to the founding of National Parks, more specifically Yellowstone National Park. Part of the 1891 timberland reserve of Yellowstone, the land was set aside to preserve the stunning landscape. There are 2.4 million acres in this National Forest. In this forest is the Wapiti Ranger station which was built in 1903 and is the oldest and very first ranger station. In 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt had the land transferred to the new US Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture.
The Uniqueness Shoshone National Forest
Early on, in our very first mini issue, we shared one of our favorite areas, Kirwin the abandoned mining ghost town - which is in Shoshone National Forest. Kirwin is two hours in the opposite direction of where we were, if that tells you anything about the vastness of the 2.4 million acres that make up this National Forest.
On this trip we went north toward the Yellowstone East Gate. During this trip we tried to focus on the rock formation noted by Bob Richard in his self guided tour, “Cody to Yellowstone”. It is similar to a search and find with the stunning rocky landscape. We plan to post our version of this search and find in a couple of months after the snow melts and you can really see the hidden images.
Winter Wildlife in Shoshone National Forest
During this drive we saw tons of deer and bighorn sheep. The sheep were fearless and often blocking traffic in the road, so keep your eyes open. We saw sheep running along the North Fork Shoshone River, climbing the rocky terrain, and in open landscape alongside the road. Only two or three of the big horn sheep were wandering solo, most of the sheep were in flocks. The deer were more visible at the beginning of the trip and not seen very often the further north we drove. Right after entering the forest we pulled off to photograph some landscapes, show above is the North Fork Shoshone River and in the trees is a deer watching us!
The Winter Landscapes of Shoshone National Forest
The roads were not bad, we had recent snow in the last week and it snowed ever-so-lightly during our day trip. But the mountains and trees were so beautiful. The river was visible and still flowing in places. The views left us gobsmacked, having seen it so many times during summer months, this winter drive needs to be on everyones winter bucket list.
Things to-do During Your Winter Trip to Shoshone National Forest
Along the way we saw a lot of winter outdoors sports enthusiast. From snowshoeing to cross country skiing. While we did not participate in those adventures, photographers and people looking for a relaxing drive should definitely make a trip up this way.
The Details
Bathrooms and most facilities are closed during the winter - be sure to stop prior to entering the national forest
The East Gate is closed to traffic, but snow shoeing and crossing country skiing is allowed
Pack a lunch! Be sure to bring your own food and pack out your trash.
Follow all of the Forest Services safety tips, rules, and regulations.
Hit The Road and Head to Shoshone National Forest
Hit the road and head out to explore this amazing national forest. Whether your are being adventurous and bringing winter sports gear or looking for a relaxing drive to sight see and watch for wildlife, this is a must visit location for all of our readers looking to Live WYld! Be sure to share your adventures on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld
