Tours & Trails: Hike to Castle Rock with Artist Mike Poulsen

Join us on an adventure into history with our next Exclusive Tours & Trails event May 19. Exclusive Tours staff is teaming up with renowned artist and Cody local Mike C. Poulsen to bring visitors into the beautiful vistas and historic trails of the American West, including the astounding geological feature known as Castle Rock.

Rising over 6000 feet, Castle Rock stands out in the beautiful Southfork Valley and was used as a geographical marker for Native Americans and explorers alike. Mike Poulsen grew up on his family ranch in the shadow of Castle Rock. For this Tours & Trails event, he shares history and anecdotes that only a great storyteller with first-hand knowledge of the area could tell. With Poulsen as our guide, we will traverse scenic paths that mountain men like John Colter traveled while exploring the Bighorn Basin and lands that would become Yellowstone National Park.

This isn’t just a walk—it’s an interactive hike through time that will get your feet moving! Engage with your guides, ask questions, enjoy the views, and join a trek that brings history to life while immersing yourself in the serenity of the great outdoors. You’ll unplug from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature in the company of fellow adventurers and history lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this tour caters to all levels of expertise and covers three-and-a-half miles of walking with elevation gains of less than 500 feet.

So join us on this extraordinary hiking tour to Castle Rock, where every step brings you closer to nature’s wonders! Lace up your trekking boots, bring your sense of adventure, and don’t let this one-of-a-kind journey through history pass you by.

This Tours & Trails event begins at the Center of the West at 1 p.m. on May 19 (our rain date is May 26 if necessary). We’ll trace the footsteps of Native peoples, homesteaders, and pioneers who left their marks across the area. We expect to return to the Center around 5:30 p.m. or a bit later.

Registration is required as limited spots are available. Cost is $70 for Buffalo Bill Center of the West members and $75 for non-members. Shared transportation to the trailhead is available, and participants can enjoy complimentary trail snacks, water, and hiking poles for the duration of the event.

To secure your spot, visit tickets.centerofthewest.org, call or text 307-254-7073, or e-mail tours@centerofthewest.org.