There’s something about the Wyoming sky that makes everything feel bigger — the clouds stretch wider, the silence speaks louder, and the land tells stories you can’t quite shake. One of those stories lives in the shadow of a unique peak known as Heart Mountain. Located just outside Cody, Wyoming, this mountain offers more than just a photo op. It offers history, healing, and a heartbeat of the West that you can feel in your boots.
Why It's Called Heart Mountain
Locals say that from just the right angle, Heart Mountain resembles the profile of a human heart. Some say it’s the shape, others say it’s the feeling you get when you stand at its base. Both are true. This mountain leaves an impression. It has stood for centuries, but its story became even more profound during World War II.
A Mountain with a Heavy Past
Just beneath Heart Mountain is the site of the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, one of ten internment camps used to incarcerate Japanese Americans during the war. Today, you can visit the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center and walk through exhibits that give voice to the over 14,000 individuals who lived there. It’s a sobering yet essential part of American history.
Website: www.heartmountain.org
Address: 1539 Road 19, Powell, WY 82435
How to Get There
Fly into: Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)(https://flyyra.com)
Small and welcoming, this airport offers flights from Denver and Salt Lake City. It’s just 5 minutes from downtown Cody.
Car Rental: Available right at the airport through Hertz, Enterprise, and local providers.
Once you’ve got your wheels, you’re free to explore one of the most authentic Western towns in America.
What to Do in and Around Cody
🛍 Explore Downtown Cody
Walk Sheridan Avenue and check out handmade leather shops like Wayne's Boot Sho and Cowtown Candy for nostalgic treats. Don’t miss By Western Hands, an artisan gallery dedicated to preserving Western craftsmanship.
Website: [bywesternhands.org](https://www.bywesternhands.org)
Address**: 1007 12th St, Cody, WY 82414
You might be lucky enough to see Austin Ratzlaff Fine Art performing LIVE art on the porch at Buffalo Bill's Irma Hotel. Maybe he will be bringing to life an old gun fighter. The Irma Hotel has a gun fight nightly in the street. Learn More Here
🎟 Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Five world-class museums under one roof covering Western art, Plains Indian culture, natural history, and Buffalo Bill Cody himself.
Website: centerofthewest.org
Address: 720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414
🐂 Cody Nite Rodeo
The longest running nightly rodeo in the world, held every night June through August. Tickets are family-friendly and include behind-the-chutes tours.
Website: codystampederodeo.com
🥾 Heart Mountain Trail Hike
A moderate 8-mile round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of the Bighorn Basin. The trailhead is off Road 19 between Cody and Powell. Bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes — or break in those cowboy boots.
🛻 Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
Drive this stunning 47-mile route through Sunlight Basin and over Dead Indian Pass. Bring a picnic, a camera, and time to pull over for mountain views that are second to none.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Places to Stay
🛏 K3 Guest Ranch Bed & Breakfast
Located just outside of town, K3 offers cowboy-themed rooms, homemade breakfast, and mountain views. Stay in a chuckwagon or a barn loft.
Website: k3guestranch.com
Address: 30 Nielsen Trail, Cody, WY 82414
🏕 The Cody Treehouse (Airbnb)
A hidden gem tucked into the hills with panoramic views, this rustic-modern treehouse is peaceful and private, ideal for solo travelers or couples.
🏨 The Chamberlin Inn
A historic boutique hotel downtown where Ernest Hemingway once stayed. Cozy rooms, a beautiful courtyard, and walking distance to everything in town.
Website: chamberlininn.com
Address: 1032 12th St, Cody, WY 82414
Where to Eat Like a Local
🥩 The Proud Cut Saloon
Western vibes, big steaks, and buffalo burgers. Wear your boots — no one here will blink.
☕Rawhide Coffee
Perfect for your morning fuel with espresso, local art, and cowboy charm.
Address: 1155 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414
🌮Zapatas
A local favorite for fresh, flavorful Mexican food just off the main strip. Try the wild game burrito.
Have suggestions? Email thebootbabes@gmail.com
Don’t Forget Your Cowboy Boots
In Cody, your boots aren’t just for fashion — they’re for rodeos, hikes, and honky-tonks. You’ll feel right at home walking wooden boardwalks in them, dancing under the stars in them, and yes, even climbing Heart Mountain in them. Break them in before you come get yours now at eroper.com and use code BOOTBABE to save 25% on the whole order!
Heart Mountain isn’t just a hike. Cody isn’t just a small Western town. This is a place where stories are etched into the land and where your own story gets a little more interesting. Whether you're a history buff, outdoor explorer, or just a fan of boots and beautiful places, this trip is worth every mile
See y’all out there, hearts wide open and boots on tight!