The Cody Two-Step Wild Mustangs And Half Day Rafting Trip W/Lunch

Two kinds of Wyoming adventure share one day. This Cody outing pairs family-friendly white-water rafting on the Shoshone River with a real wild mustang safari, giving you both fast water and open-country wildlife in one package. I like the simple, practical setup: guides, life vests, slickers, drinks, and lunch are included. I also like the chance to split the rafting and mustang portions across two days.

The main caution is scheduling. The details list a 7:00 a.m. start, a rafting session from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and a mustang trip from 4:30 to about 7:00 p.m. Confirm the exact meeting time with Cody Wyoming Adventures before you go. The small group limit of 15 is appealing, but the customer-service feedback is mixed.

Five things to know before you book

• Two separate Cody adventures: Raft the Shoshone River in the morning, then look for wild mustangs in the late afternoon.
• A proper wet ride: You can get very wet, and the river may feel cold, especially during snowmelt season.
• Lunch is served riverside: A picnic meal, beverages, and bottled water are included during the rafting portion.
• A guide leads the action: The guide gives directions, keeps the boat on course, and adds a playful spirit to the trip.
• Small-group size: The maximum is 15 people, a useful limit for a hands-on water activity.
• Flexible planning: You can take both activities on one day or split them into two separate days.

A full day built around the Shoshone River

At $189 per person, this is not a cheap afternoon activity. It is a package price for roughly eight hours of adventure, with rafting, a riverside lunch, drinks, safety gear, slickers, bottled water, and a wild mustang safari included.

I think the price makes the most sense if you want both activities. Booking them separately could require more planning and possibly more driving, while this arrangement gives your Cody schedule a clear shape. If you only want a short rafting trip, the price may feel high because the mustang portion is part of the value.

The full day also has a useful break in the middle. After rafting and lunch, you have some time to walk around downtown Cody before meeting again for the afternoon safari. That pause keeps the day from feeling like one long stretch in wet clothes.

You can also split the activities across two days. I would seriously consider doing that if you have enough time in Cody. The rafting runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while the mustang trip begins at 4:30 p.m. Taking them on separate days gives you more breathing room and avoids worrying about a late return from the river.

Morning rafting on the Shoshone River

The water portion is the physical heart of the day. You ride a raft down multiple parts of the Shoshone River, covering miles of rapids with a guide handling the route and giving instructions.

This is not a quiet float. You should expect white water, active paddling, splashes, and a good chance of ending up soaked. One person who took the trip found the guide funny and clear with directions, and said the ride worked well for a first white-water outing. That is useful if you have never rafted before and want instruction without signing up for an extreme expedition.

The trip is described as family-friendly, and most people can participate. Still, family-friendly does not mean dry or effortless. You need to be ready for cold water, changing conditions, and the basic work of paddling. The river flow is affected by snowmelt, so the feel of the ride can change with the season.

The guide is important here. You are not left to figure out the rapids alone. Follow the commands closely, especially when the raft is moving quickly or the river becomes choppy. The guide also helps keep the group together and on course.

The supplied equipment covers the main practical needs. Life vests are provided, along with slickers, drinks, and bottled water. You should still bring clothing that can get wet and water shoes. A regular pair of shoes that you want to keep dry or clean is a poor choice for this outing.

I would pack a dry change of clothes for the time between activities. That advice is especially useful because the afternoon mustang trip takes place hours after the rafting ends. Even if the sun is warm, wet clothing can become uncomfortable quickly.

A riverside picnic after the rapids

The lunch stop gives you a proper pause after the active morning. Rather than rushing off to find food, you sit down for a picnic beside the river, with lunch and beverages included.

That matters more than it may seem. After several miles of paddling and splashing, you will want food, water, and a chance to warm up. The riverside setting also keeps the meal tied to the outing instead of turning the middle of the day into an ordinary restaurant stop.

The meal is described as a delicious picnic lunch, but no detailed menu is provided. If you have a strict diet or food allergy, ask Cody Wyoming Adventures about the meal before booking. The available details confirm lunch and drinks, but they do not specify dietary choices.

Bottled water is included, which is helpful during a physical activity. I would still arrive ready for the day, since the package does not list snacks beyond lunch. The rafting segment lasts about four hours, so a small personal snack may be sensible if you normally eat between meals, provided the operator allows it.

Downtown Cody fills the afternoon gap

After lunch and the morning river trip, you have time to walk around downtown Cody before the mustang outing begins at 4:30 p.m. This is a useful part of the schedule, not wasted time.

You can use the break to change clothes, warm up, stretch your legs, or get your bearings in town. It also gives you a chance to see a little of Cody without adding another formal tour.

The gap is long enough that you should not assume you will remain with the rafting group the entire time. The exact arrangements between the two portions are not fully detailed, so confirm where and when you need to meet for the safari. The published information gives the afternoon start time, but another section lists a 7:00 a.m. start for the overall activity, which creates a timing question worth clearing up in advance.

Searching for wild mustangs from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The second half is a real wild mustang safari, scheduled from 4:30 p.m. until approximately 7:00 p.m. This changes the mood completely. Instead of paddling through rapids, you spend the evening looking for free-roaming horses in the country around Cody.

The word wild matters. This is not described as a ranch visit or a staged horse encounter. You should approach it as a search, not a guarantee that you will see a large herd at close range. Wildlife sightings depend on conditions and location, so the safari is best for people who enjoy the process of looking.

The late-day timing may offer pleasant light and cooler temperatures, though the exact conditions can vary. Bring practical outdoor clothing, especially if you are taking the package on a separate day and can dress specifically for the safari.

The contrast between the two activities is one of the package’s strongest features. The rafting provides noise, motion, and teamwork. The mustang portion asks for patience and attention. In one day, you get two very different ways to experience the Cody area.

What the small group means on the water

The group limit is 15 people. That is not a private tour, but it is small enough to keep the rafting instructions manageable and make it easier to hear the guide.

A group of 15 can still feel lively, especially when everyone is paddling and getting wet. For a first rafting trip, I like the balance: you have other people around you, but the outing is not described as a large commercial crowd.

The mustang portion may also benefit from the same size limit, though the available details do not explain how the group is transported or arranged during the safari. Ask about the vehicle and seating if that matters to you.

The guide feedback is a strong point. The guide was praised for being funny and for giving good directions. That combination is exactly what I want on a first rafting trip: clear safety guidance, but not a stiff or joyless tone.

What to pack for a cold, wet morning

The most useful advice is simple: wear water shoes and clothes that can get wet. You can get very wet, and the river can be cold.

I would bring:

• Water shoes with a secure fit
• Quick-drying clothes
• A warm layer for after the rafting
• A complete change of clothes
• Sun protection
• Any personal snacks you may need before lunch

Life vests and slickers are included, so you do not need to buy those for the trip. The slickers help, but they should not make you assume you will stay dry. Water can enter from the sides, splash over the raft, or soak clothing during the rapids.

The supplied information does not list a minimum age, weight rule, or specific physical requirement. It says most people can participate, and the activity is described as family-friendly. If you are booking for young children, older adults, or anyone with a health concern, ask the operator for the current requirements.

The practical details that need a check

The meeting point is 1119 12th Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and a mobile ticket is accepted.

The schedule needs special attention. One part of the information gives a 7:00 a.m. start, while the detailed day plan begins rafting at 9:00 a.m. and lists the mustang safari at 4:30 p.m. Those times may reflect pickup, check-in, or different portions of the day, but the difference is too large to ignore. Confirm the exact arrival time, rafting departure, afternoon meeting point, and return time before setting your plans.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum group size is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. A 15 to 20 percent service gratuity is not included, so budget for that separately.

Customer service deserves a fair warning. The available feedback praises the guide, scenery, directions, and family fun, but raises concerns about the owner’s communication and organization. The operator’s response explains that river temperature and flow depend on snowmelt and weather, and that guests may be asked to wait before booking during colder periods. I would keep written confirmation of the times and cancellation terms, then reconfirm close to the date.

Who should book this Cody combination?

I would recommend it to you if you want a packed outdoor day and enjoy variety. It suits first-time rafters, families who can handle cold water, couples who want more than a standard sightseeing tour, and anyone hoping to combine river action with a chance to see wild horses.

It is less suitable if you want a calm float, guaranteed wildlife sightings, or a carefully timed luxury outing. The rafting is active, the water may be cold, and the mustang search depends on nature. The schedule also needs clarification.

The package works best for visitors staying in Cody long enough to split the activities across two days. If you are in town for only one day, taking both portions together gives you a lot for your money, but it also leaves less room for delays or last-minute changes.

Should you book the Cody Two-Step?

Book this if the idea of paddling rapids in the morning and searching for wild mustangs in the evening sounds better than spending the day on a bus or indoors. The included lunch, drinks, equipment, and small group make the $189 price easier to justify, especially if you want both activities.

I would book with two checks first: confirm the true start time and ask about current river conditions. Pack for cold water, leave room for a clothing change, and consider splitting the activities across two days. If you accept those practical limits, this offers a lively, distinctly Cody day with a good mix of guided adventure and time in the open country.

FAQ

Where does the activity begin?

It begins at 1119 12th Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately eight hours.

What time does the rafting portion run?

The detailed schedule lists the rafting and riverside lunch from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

What time does the wild mustang safari run?

The mustang safari is scheduled from 4:30 p.m. until approximately 7:00 p.m.

Can I split the two activities across separate days?

Yes. You can take the rafting and mustang portions on two separate days during your visit.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A picnic lunch, beverages, and bottled water are included.

What is not included in the price?

A standard service-industry gratuity of 15 to 20 percent is not included.