When you live in Wyoming, it's easy to begin to think of Yellowstone as a bit of a tourist trap. That's not to say that the stunning wildlife and scenery is anything to scoff at, but the crowded trails and overwhelming, hokey marketing can start to get under your skin. It's understandable, then, that may Wyomingites are cynical of the "Wild West" adventures that many Yellowstone lodges offer to their guests. However, there are quite a few gems being offered in the park that will please even the most cynical cowboy, and the Roosevelt Old West Cookout is one of these adventures that's worth the crowds and worth the price.
The Roosevelt Lodge has been a part of the Yellowstone Landscape since the early 1900s. Today, you can take a trip back in time on the lodge's Old West Cookout.
Board a horse-drawn covered wagon for a trip through the Wyoming wilderness to your cookout site.
Your guide will entertain you for the entire trip, telling you stories about the park and answering questions about Wyoming's storied cowboy history.
The wagon rides are fun for everyone, and the scenery you spot on your way is nothing short of breathtaking. You'll be on the stagecoach trail for about 40 minutes.
The latest rides are around dusk, which makes for some excellent wildlife spotting along the trail.
For a bit more adventure, you can choose to embark on a one or two hour horseback trail ride to your cookout destination.
The one-hour ride takes you through sagebrush flats to the cookout site. The two-hour ride goes through woods, flats, and meadows. Both rides offer a straightforward 30-minute ride back after dinner.
The cookout site is a beautiful clearing in the woods where everyone gathers to enjoy a meal, cowboy style!
Whether you take a wagon or ride to the cookout, when you get there, you'll be so ready to eat!
Each person is served a delicious, juicy steak cooked to their liking. Along with the steak, you'll have endless coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, chuck wagon corn, corn muffins, and watermelon. Finish your meal with a tasty fruit crisp!
As you dine, you'll be able to enjoy live music and stories from the cookout's own singing cowboy. This is truly an all-encompassing Old West experience!
Children of all ages will love gathering around the campfire, and adults will enjoy the full experience of a dinner in the wild west.
The prices for this Old West Cookout vary, depending on your method of transportation, and your age. For a two hour horseback ride, adults will pay $94. Children (ages 8-11) will pay $86. For the one hour ride, adult tickets cost $84, and children are $72. For the wagon ride, adults pay $63, and children (ages 3-11) pay $50. Children under 3 who share a plate are free. Though these prices may seem high at first, when you consider they include a tasty steak, a guided Wild West trail tour, endless fixings and entertainment, it's easy to see how it's so worth it to splurge. You can make reservations right here.
Of course, while you're in Yellowstone, don't forget about the beauty of the park! After all, that's what Teddy Roosevelt fell in love with when he was out west. In fact, some of Yellowstone's Trails are among the best in the world. Check out our favorites right here: 11 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Wyoming.
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