Reservoir Loop

The Reservoir Loop at Buffalo Bill State Park offers a gentle circuit around the shores of Bill Cody Reservoir, one of Wyoming's most scenic high-desert impoundments. Set against a dramatic backdrop of volcanic canyon walls and the distant Absaroka Range, the reservoir reflects the surrounding peaks in its deep blue waters and consistently draws a remarkable variety of wildlife throughout the year.

The trail winds through sagebrush flats and along rocky shoreline sections, offering constantly changing views across the reservoir's turquoise surface. American white pelicans are a spectacular sight throughout summer, soaring overhead in formation or riding thermals above the canyon walls. Great blue herons stalk the shallows, while prairie falcons hunt from the volcanic cliffs that frame the reservoir's eastern shore.

Buffalo Bill Reservoir is renowned as one of Wyoming's top windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations, as the Cody area receives consistent afternoon winds funneled through the canyon. Watching colorful sails skim across the reservoir adds a vibrant element to the hiking experience. Mule deer and pronghorn antelope are regularly spotted on the surrounding sagebrush flats, particularly in the early morning hours. This accessible loop is ideal for families and those seeking a relaxed excursion with exceptional scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.