Red Canyon’s Best Of The Wild West Wild Mustang+Rafting Adventure

Hold on tight, then watch for mustangs. This Cody adventure pairs a three-hour off-road safari in the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Preserve with a guided seven-mile rafting run on the Shoshone River. I like that you get two very different sides of Wyoming in one day: quiet badlands and wild horses first, then splashy family-friendly rapids. I also like the small group limit of 15 people, which should make it easier to hear the guide and stay connected during the river portion.

The main drawback is the schedule. The tour lists a 1:00 pm start, a seven-hour duration, a three-hour safari, time for lunch and changing clothes, and then rafting. That makes the exact order worth confirming before you book. Lunch is not included, despite a reference to a deli-style picnic, so plan to buy your own meal.

Key Details At A Glance

• Three-hour wild horse safari: Explore the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Preserve by vehicle, with creek crossings, badland views, wildlife watching, and stories about the local mustang herds.
• Seven miles on the Shoshone River: The rafting section includes named rapids such as Colters Falls and Little Big Drop.
• Two raft styles: Smaller rafts are intended for faster speeds, while larger rafts suit families better.
• Wildlife and history: Keep watch for birds and other North American migratory species while learning about the area from your guide.
• Practical river gear: Safety instructions, a life vest, slickers, and bottled water are included.
• Strong customer rating: The experience has a 4.9 rating from 20 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it.

Two Wyoming Adventures In One Day

This is not simply a rafting trip with a short sightseeing add-on. The first half takes you into the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Preserve, an open area just outside Cody known for its wild mustang herds and dry Wyoming badlands. You will ride off-road, cross creeks, and look for horses and migrating wildlife.

Then the mood changes. The Shoshone River brings seven miles of moving water, several rapids, and a guide who handles the river while you concentrate on staying aboard. That contrast is the central reason to choose this outing. You get time to look around, followed by time to hold on.

The guide also adds local color through old mountain man tales and stories about the mustang herds. That matters because the safari is not only about spotting animals. You get some context for why the horses are here and what makes the area different from a standard wildlife drive.

The rafting section brings its own local connection. You will see scenery, wildlife, and historical sites along the Shoshone River rather than spending the whole ride staring at the next wave. The best days should give you a mix of action and quiet stretches.

McCullough Peaks And The Search For Wild Mustangs

The safari lasts about three hours and takes place in the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Preserve. The route includes off-road travel, creek crossings, and exploration of the terrain outside Cody. That makes this a more active outing than a quick roadside stop at a scenic viewpoint.

Wild horses are wild animals, not scheduled performers. You may see them at a distance, or you may spend more time scanning the open country than taking photographs. That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but you should not book this portion expecting a guaranteed close encounter.

Your guide will point out the mustang herds and help explain their place in the area. The trip also includes a search for North American migratory wildlife, with birds among the possible sightings. Bring patience and keep your eyes moving. A wide-open setting can look empty until a guide shows you where to look.

The old mountain man stories add a human thread to the drive. They help turn a ride through dry country into a more memorable look at Wyoming’s past. I would pay close attention during these quieter stretches, since they give the safari more meaning than a simple animal count.

If horses are your main reason for booking, ask about current conditions before you go. The supplied details do not promise a particular number of mustangs or a specific viewing distance. You are paying for the guided search and the setting, not a staged wildlife show.

From Badlands To The Shoshone River

After the safari, you have time to grab a quick lunch and change clothes before the rafting portion. The information describes a deli-style picnic, but lunch is listed as not included. Treat the meal as your responsibility and allow enough time to eat and change without rushing.

This transition is important. A wild horse drive and a whitewater trip call for different clothing and different expectations. You will want to be ready for splashing on the river, and the included slickers provide an extra layer of protection. Bottled water is also supplied.

The listed meeting point is 1119 12th Street in Cody, and the activity ends back there. The tour begins at 1:00 pm and lasts about seven hours. Since the safari alone is about three hours, the timing may run into the evening once lunch, changing, and river operations are included. Confirm the day’s exact schedule when booking.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is a useful middle ground. You still get the shared energy of a guided outing, but the group should not feel like a large bus tour. A smaller group can also make wildlife spotting and guide commentary easier.

Seven Miles Of Whitewater On The Shoshone

The rafting section covers seven miles of rapids on the Shoshone River. It includes Colters Falls and Little Big Drop, two named features that give you a clear sense of the ride’s character. You will receive safety instructions before getting on the water, and a life vest is included.

The trip is described as family-friendly, but it is still whitewater rafting. You should expect splashing, movement, and moments when holding on takes real effort. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and the company can restrict certain ages or physical abilities during extreme high-water periods.

You can choose between smaller rafts and larger rafts. The smaller boats are aimed at faster speeds, while the larger boats are a better fit for families. This is a useful choice rather than a minor detail. If your group wants a more spirited ride, ask about the smaller raft. If you are bringing children or prefer a steadier setup, the larger option may suit you better.

River conditions affect the ride. One person described the river as being a little low but still having good rapids and plenty of fun. That is a helpful expectation setter. Water levels can change the feel of a rafting trip, so the experience may be more forceful at high water and less intense when the river is running low.

Your guide leads the group through the rapids and provides the safety briefing. The guide also shares information about local nature and history during the ride. You should have chances to look beyond the next rapid, with birds, other wildlife, historical sites, and Shoshone River scenery along the way.

What The Reviews Tell You About The Day

The strongest praise centers on the guides and the overall sense of fun. The guides are described as experienced and able to make nervous first-time rafters feel comfortable. That is especially useful if you are unsure about whitewater or are booking this as a family activity.

A first rafting trip can feel intimidating before the boat moves. The positive feedback suggests the guides do a good job of explaining what to do and keeping the mood relaxed. Still, you should listen carefully during the safety briefing and follow instructions closely, especially at named rapids such as Colters Falls.

The experience also works well for mixed-interest groups. One family combined rafting with a Cody rodeo during the same vacation. That pairing makes sense: the rafting gives you outdoor action, while the rodeo adds another classic Cody experience.

The 4.9 rating from 20 reviews and a 100 percent recommendation rate are encouraging, but the sample is not large. I would read those numbers as a strong sign of consistent enjoyment, not a guarantee that every river day will feel the same. Weather, water level, wildlife sightings, and group comfort all matter.

The most useful lesson is simple: you do not need to be a seasoned rafter to enjoy the trip, but you should be ready for a physical outdoor day. The safari is active and off-road, and the rafting section involves seven miles of moving water.

Is The $119 Price A Good Deal?

At $119 per person, the price covers a long day with two major activities: the three-hour mustang safari and the seven-mile rafting trip. It also includes a guide, life vest, safety instructions, slickers, and bottled water. For a visitor who wants both wildlife and whitewater, that is a solid amount of activity for the money.

The price looks less attractive if you only want a short rafting outing. You are also paying for the safari, the off-road transport, local interpretation, and the time between the two portions. I would compare it with separate Cody rafting and wildlife trips only if your schedule is flexible.

Lunch is not included, and alcoholic drinks are not included. You should also budget for the standard 15 to 20 percent service industry gratuity. That extra amount can make the final cost noticeably higher, especially for a family.

The free cancellation policy adds useful flexibility. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Who Should Book This Cody Adventure?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a full outdoor day and do not want to choose between wildlife viewing and rafting. It suits families, first-time rafters, couples who enjoy active sightseeing, and anyone with limited time in Cody.

It is also a good match for people who like variety. The safari gives you slower moments to watch for horses and birds. The river provides the louder, wetter part of the day.

You may want to skip it if your main goal is a quiet wildlife drive, a guaranteed close look at mustangs, or a gentle boat ride with little physical effort. You may also prefer separate activities if the afternoon start and seven-hour schedule do not fit your plans.

Children may be able to participate because the normal minimum age is listed as two years old. However, extreme high water can lead to age or physical ability restrictions. Ask about current river conditions if you are booking for young children or anyone with limited fitness.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Wear clothes you can change out of after the river. The company supplies slickers, but rafting still means you should expect to get wet or at least splashed.

Plan your own lunch. The schedule allows time to grab a quick meal and change, but lunch is not part of the listed inclusions. Do not assume the advertised picnic reference means food is provided.

Keep your expectations realistic about wildlife. The preserve offers a chance to look for wild mustangs and migratory species, not a guaranteed animal show. The guide’s knowledge of the area helps, but nature keeps its own timetable.

Arrive at 1119 12th Street in Cody and remember that the activity returns there. The mobile ticket makes it easy to keep your booking available on your phone.

Finally, leave room in your day. The combination of safari, lunch, changing, and rafting makes this a substantial outing. You will get more from it if you are not racing to another appointment.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want Cody’s outdoors in two forms: wild mustangs in the McCullough Peaks and rapids on the Shoshone River. The strongest reasons are the variety, the small maximum group, the well-regarded guides, and the amount of activity included for $119.

Before paying, confirm the exact schedule, ask which raft size fits your group, and make plans for lunch. If everyone in your party can handle a moderately physical day and enjoys a little uncertainty in wildlife viewing, this is a lively and worthwhile choice. If you want a calm ride or a guaranteed horse sighting, choose a more focused activity instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is 1119 12th Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 1:00 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

Does the tour end at the meeting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point in Cody.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $119 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You have time to grab a quick lunch before the rafting portion.

What equipment is provided?

The tour includes a life vest, safety instructions, slickers, and bottled water.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What is the minimum age?

The normal minimum age is two years old. During extreme high-water conditions, certain ages or physical abilities may be restricted.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather or insufficient participation cancels the activity, you will be offered another date or a full refund.