Celebrate Fourth of July in Cowboy Country, Cody, WY
June 28, 2026 - July 4, 2026
Trip Navigation
The small City of Cody—gateway to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park—offers a full range of amenities, including a regional airport, multiple grocery stores, coffee shops, and diverse dining options. Despite its size, Cody has a vibrant cultural environment shaped by a strong tourism heritage and deep ties to the American West.
Cody is home to the world’s longest-running nightly rodeo, providing an authentic western experience throughout the summer. Whether visitors are seeking high adventure or quiet moments in wide-open spaces, Cody offers a front-row seat to some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West.
The community offers a remarkable blend of historic charm and access to winding rivers, sweeping vistas, and untamed wilderness. Dining options are plentiful, ranging from western classics—rocky mountain oysters, wild game dishes, and buffalo burgers—to Mexican, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and German cuisine.
Join us for a hands-on stewardship project on the scenic Sheep Mountain Trail, located just outside the city of Cody. This popular foot and horseback route winds through an impressive box canyon before climbing to panoramic views atop Sheep Mountain. It’s a favorite destination for hikers, horseback riders, hunters, wildlife viewers, and shed hunters—and now you can help care for it!
Volunteers will work alongside land managers to begin construction on a new trail reroute designed to replace a steep and eroding section of existing trail. The reroute will be built using a full bench cut, creating a durable tread that will better withstand long-term use and weathering. Work may also include establishing 1–2 grade reversals to improve drainage and trail sustainability.
Tasks will include Slough and berm removal to reestablish proper trail width and drainage, Vegetation removal along the new alignment, Bench cutting to shape a solid, long-lasting trail tread, and General trail maintenance as needed.
There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.
Avg. Temperature:
Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of roughly 75–80°F and lows of 50–55°F. Late June near Cody is warm in the afternoons, cool at night, and can see scattered afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
Sample Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival
Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)
Day 2: Work Day
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM
Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.
Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.
Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.
After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.
Day 3: Work Day
Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)
Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike, tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.
Day 5: Work Day
Day 6: Work Day
Day 7: Departure
Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.
Land Acknowledgement:
AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, Eastern Shoshone, Cheyenne, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Crow people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.
Register
