The Essence of the Old West: Unbridled Adventures in Cody, Wyoming with a Legendary Hunting and Horseback Guide
Jan 09, 2024Season 2Episode 2
Jill Dutton
Have you ever felt the call of the Wild West, where tales of cowboys and untamed wilderness still echo through the mountains? That's the siren song that drew me to Cody, Wyoming, and led me to invite Lee Livingston of Livingston Outfitting to share his deep-rooted love for this land. Lee's not just any guide; he's a steward of the outdoors, crafting bespoke journeys for those eager to experience the authentic cowboy lifestyle through guided hunts and horseback adventures. As we chat, you'll feel the dusty trails underfoot and the wild spirit of the West calling. We'll uncover the wonders of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, revel in the excitement of the nightly rodeo, and hear about Lee's cherished moments amidst Cody's boundless beauty.
Picture yourself riding through the vast, open plains, the same ones that once welcomed Prince Albert of Monaco on a quest to follow his ancestor's footprints. Lee regales us with tales of this royal adventure and emphasizes the importance of being physically prepared to fully embrace the rugged life out there. Each expedition Lee curates is a patchwork of personal preferences, ensuring every guest leaves with memories etched into their soul. So, saddle up for this episode with us, where the spirit of the frontier lives on, and let's ride together into the heart of Cody's grandeur where your next great adventure awaits.
Have you ever felt the call of the Wild West, where tales of cowboys and untamed wilderness still echo through the mountains? That's the siren song that drew me to Cody, Wyoming, and led me to invite Lee Livingston of Livingston Outfitting to share his deep-rooted love for this land. Lee's not just any guide; he's a steward of the outdoors, crafting bespoke journeys for those eager to experience the authentic cowboy lifestyle through guided hunts and horseback adventures. As we chat, you'll feel the dusty trails underfoot and the wild spirit of the West calling. We'll uncover the wonders of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, revel in the excitement of the nightly rodeo, and hear about Lee's cherished moments amidst Cody's boundless beauty.
Picture yourself riding through the vast, open plains, the same ones that once welcomed Prince Albert of Monaco on a quest to follow his ancestor's footprints. Lee regales us with tales of this royal adventure and emphasizes the importance of being physically prepared to fully embrace the rugged life out there. Each expedition Lee curates is a patchwork of personal preferences, ensuring every guest leaves with memories etched into their soul. So, saddle up for this episode with us, where the spirit of the frontier lives on, and let's ride together into the heart of Cody's grandeur where your next great adventure awaits.
Want more? Follow Jill's travels, view itineraries, read travel articles, and listen to podcast episodes at Global Journeys with Jill Dutton.
Speaker 1:
Welcome to Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, the podcast that transports you to captivating destinations around the globe. I'm your host, jill Dutton, a passionate traveler and seasoned travel writer. In each episode, we delve into the heart of a destination with a unique blend of storytelling. Join me as we introduce you to fascinating individuals and explore the enchanted places they call home. To learn more about my writing and podcasting career, stay tuned until the end of the episode for more details. Now let's embark on this global journey together, one person in place at a time.
Speaker 1:
Today, we have a special treat for all you adventure seekers. Joining us is Lee Livingston, the founder of Livingston Outfitting, based in the picturesque town of Cody, wyoming. Cody, with its rugged landscapes, rich western history and unparalleled natural beauty, has become a must visit destination for those craving an authentic outdoor experience. And who better to guide us through the wonders of Cody than Lee Livingston, himself a seasoned outdoorsman and the heart and soul behind Livingston Outfitting? Today, we'll dive into the essence of Cody as a destination, exploring its unique charm, thrilling activities and why it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. We'll also get an insider's look into the world of guided hunts and horseback trips with Lee, discovering the passion and dedication that go into creating unforgettable adventures for Livingston Outfitting clients, whether you're a seasoned hunter, a nature lover or someone simply yearning for a taste of the wild west. This episode promises to be a captivating journey into the heart of Cody Wyoming, guided by a true expert.
Speaker 1:
Lee Livingston was born in Cody Wyoming under the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Shortly after high school, he combined his two passions horses and the outdoors, and began a career as a professional wilderness guide. In addition to working in the mountains of northwest Wyoming, he was fortunate to be able to guide for four years in central Alaska. In 1995, he started his own outfitting business and today, with the help of his grown children, livingston Outfitting has become one of the premier horseback outfitting businesses in Wyoming. So saddle up and get ready for an episode filled with tales of the untamed frontier, the thrill of the hunt and the beauty that awaits in Cody. Without further ado, let's jump into this exciting conversation with Lee Livingston of Livingston Outfitting. Lee, thank you for joining me today.
Speaker 2:
You're welcome.
Speaker 1:
First let's talk briefly about Cody as a destination, and then we'll dive into your work with Livingston Outfitting.
Speaker 2:
Sounds good.
Speaker 1:
What is it that you believe makes Cody such a unique and compelling destination for travelers?
Speaker 2:
Well, you know, the obvious is we're the East Gate of Yellowstone, thank it's. We're not as fancy or our touristy. I believe, as Jackson, there's a lot of good stuff to do around Cody. A lot of history in Cody, yes, learned by Buffalo Bill. There's Old Trail Town there which has historical buildings from all over Wyoming and the West Right. This grave, the grave of Jeremiah Leverett and Johnson, is there. Mm, hmm. The museum itself is five museums under one roof, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and a world renowned museum.
Speaker 1:
Wonderful, and you've got the rodeo as well, right.
Speaker 2:
Actually sit on the on the board for the rodeo.
Speaker 1:
Oh, fantastic. I visited about a year or so ago and we really enjoyed the rodeo. That was a fun, fun event.
Speaker 2:
Yes, it's been around a long time.
Speaker 1:
Mm, hmm Well, can you share, I guess, some of your favorite personal spots? Or maybe you know how would you spend a perfect day when you're not working?
Speaker 2:
That's kind of hard. I was born there, been there all my life, and so it's it's kind of my backyard. I'm not a town person. I generally like to be be outdoors and there is a lot of that around Cody.
Speaker 1:
Yes.
Speaker 2:
But spending my day not working. I haven't had one of those in a long time, I understand that so okay.
Speaker 1:
So basically, I guess in your free time it's getting outdoors and enjoying that beautiful nature that you have there.
Speaker 2:
It is yes Okay.
Speaker 1:
Well then, so how did you start Livingston Outfitting, Was it? How did it come to be? Was it inspired? You know what inspired you to start a business and guided hunts and horseback trips.
Speaker 2:
It was kind of just by chance. I grew up with horses. My mom always had horses around the place, and then I did spend a little bit of time down Oklahoma on a ranch with my, with my mom and my stepdad, and horses were a daily part of life on the ranch. And then, as a teenager, I thought I was going to do everything I could to stay away from them, but that didn't work out so well and I got a job.
Speaker 2:
the summer after I graduated from the University of graduated high school I got a job doing trail rides the one hour, two hour trail rides off of a highway from between Cody and Yellowstone. Okay. And a guy that had an outfit, a hunting camp, up the up the North Fork. That's the North Fork. The Shownie between Cody and Yellowstone would stop by.
Speaker 2:
There was a local watering hole where I did the rides and he'd buy out his way home or two camp and he offered me a job that that fall, as a wrangler hunting camp, and I never really thought about it, never really done any stuff or anything like that. I'd been to hunting camp with my stepdad when I was, you know, like nine, 10 years old and on horseback, but I'd never thought of it as a career Right. So I, I was 1985 and I started working in that camp. And you know, 30 some odd years later, here I am.
Speaker 1:
Fantastic, fantastic. Well then, can you give us an overview, maybe, of the types of outdoor experiences and adventures that that guests might receive? I mean, I know they could choose from the two different ones and we'll talk about each specifically, but I'm just kind of curious. You know, what is it the draws people to come to to Livingston out outpitting?
Speaker 2:
Well we're. We're a horseback outfit and you know the, the mountains around Cody there's offer a lot of a lot to see, and I've always said the best way to see it is from the back of a horse. It's a way to get away from it all, to get into the, into the back country, into the wilderness, and I think that's what draws people. We saw a big uptick during and after COVID. Yeah.
Speaker 2:
Of people want to reconnect with the outdoors, and there's not really a better way to do it than than to do it horseback.
Speaker 1:
Wonderful. Do the changing seasons you know? I mean you're in in Wyoming Do the changing seasons affect your tours and activities that you offer? Is it seasonal?
Speaker 2:
It is seasonal. Everything about my business is seasonal. We have what we call summer season and hunting season.
Speaker 2:
And summer trips. They range from everything, from family wanting to just explore the outdoors and maybe do a little fishing to folks that want to come specifically when fishing. We'll have groups that that is the the the key part of their trip and gear our trip around that. We'll have folks that want to do extended trips through the mountains. I have a couple of different options. We have options where we can go to a preset camp. My hunting camp gets set up at the starting of the beginning of summer and we use that throughout the summer. Then I have trip where we take a camp with us and we'll ride to a destination set up camp and we can stay there for the duration of the trip and ride an hike from that that site. And then we also have trips where we take camp with us and we move to multiple campsites and do a loop through the, through the backcountry.
Speaker 1:
Wonderful. And on the hunting trips, are there specific types of game that you're? I mean, I know it's seasonal, like deer season and things like that, but I mean what is local to the area and what are, what are you specifically?
Speaker 2:
The thing we, we, the animal we hunt the most, is elk. That's our, that's our main stay. We have three weeks or three weeks of rifle elk season. We have two weeks of archery elk season. We do the occasional deer hunt, we do the occasional big horn sheep hunt, but elk is the main stay.
Speaker 1:
And how long is a typical guided hunt?
Speaker 2:
Dead hunts in the backcountry. With me are seven days.
Speaker 1:
Seven days, okay, and do you have? This is just curiosity, but do you have a particular favorite elk recipe? Do you like to cook with elk?
Speaker 2:
Oh, I love elk. There's nothing better, nothing better than elk steak on the grill.
Speaker 1:
Sounds good, wonderful, okay, let's see. And then the horseback trips Go ahead. What?
Speaker 2:
the other trips that we do. That's a kind of a specialty trip is we do a grizzly bear viewing trip and we'll take during the summer. We can go to sites where you can view grizzly bears with spotting scopes from a, from a safe distance, and then we've had trips where we've seen 28 bears in a day.
Speaker 1:
Wow, oh, that's amazing.
Speaker 2:
There are a lot of what keep us wild.
Speaker 1:
That's wonderful. I'm in Kansas so I'm odd by the opportunity to see see live bear. Okay, on your horseback trips then. So you know that's a classic Western adventure. Can you know what can guests expect during a horseback trip, especially if they're new to horseback riding? Is that an option?
Speaker 2:
We, we have good gentle horses and mules and obviously that's there you're going to be riding. We again, we tailor our trips. Folks that show up and said I want to see a lot of wildflowers and there's a time of year when those are really really heavy and places we can go, we can see that. I have folks that show up and they say we want to see, you know, a lot of wildlife and we'll tailor the trip towards towards that. You know, another trip I do is I do what are called horse supported hikes. Folks that don't want to ride, or folks that have been backpackers their entire life, have hit that point in time where that carrying a 60 pound pack through the mountains isn't all that much fun anymore.
Speaker 2:
And we will let those folks will hike and we we pack all the gear on the horses and we kind of leap for all gold room. They'll get up in the morning and and take off hiking and we'll pack up camp and then pass them sometime during the day and camp will be all set up when they, when they reach the destination.
Speaker 1:
And are those typically seven days as well, or do you have like one day outings and multi day outings?
Speaker 2:
The shortest trip I really like to do is the shortest is four days. Mm-hmm. You kind of, especially if you're going to try to get anywhere, you need a day to get somewhere to camp, and then maybe a couple of days around camp and then a day coming out. So we try to not go any shorter than four days. We've done trips that have been 14 days. Mm-hmm.
Speaker 2:
And back when I was first starting, the longer trips were the norm. It seems like in this fast-paced world we're living in now, folks wanna do things and do them fast. They don't have as much time to spend on leisure activities as I guess.
Speaker 1:
That's true. That's true in a slower pace. So I guess to give someone a visual of what it's like. So do you provide the camping equipment and do you set up camp?
Speaker 2:
Yes, we provide everything food, camp gear. We ask that folks bring their own sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Mm-hmm. Do it all. We also have folks that wanna step in and help, so people can help as much or as little as they want to. We've had folks show up and wanna learn about packing the horses and mules oh yeah, it will take time to show them and I've had some folks that shown up that have done a little bit of it and by the end of the trip they're doing as much as the crew.
Speaker 1:
Interesting, and what's kind of the menu that you serve. You know what I mean. Is it campfire cooking or?
Speaker 2:
In the summertime you know that's part of the ambience of the trip is campfire cooking and it also, honestly, is easier for us not to have to pack fuel for stoves and stoves. Yes, 99% of our summer cooking is done over the fire. We pack a little propane burger just for for heating up coffee quick in the morning or emergency type situation, Mm-hmm. But the menu you know, steaks is pretty much always on the menu. You have burgers and brats. There'll be a pasta dish. It's good food. My daughter is my lead cook on all of my summer trips now and she can put some pretty good groceries out there.
Speaker 1:
Ha ha, ha, sounds delicious and, mark, pardon.
Speaker 2:
Breakfast is always egg, fruit. You know you'll have pancakes or french toast sausage bacon. It's. It's funny. Folks show up on the trip and they're not. They don't think they're big eaters. But you get out there in the mountains it changes.
Speaker 1:
The mountain air and the physical exertion. I bet, I bet, I bet there's nothing better than just that coffee and eggs in the morning. You know outside. So you know you've got this Western history and you know what sort of role do the, your experiences, you know that you offer. How do you incorporate that local culture into your guided trips? Are you able to do that? And or are there just particular routes that are more stunning? Or you know what I mean, I guess the whole experience I'm trying to figure out, even what I'm trying to say here. You know you've got that whole Western cowboy kind of thing, so you've got that already going on with the horses and the campfire and things like that. So I'm just curious are there other ways that you're incorporating the culture into the guides?
Speaker 2:
Well, there is because, jill, there's trails out there that were traveled by the early explorers. There's trails out there that were traveled by Jim Coulter, that were still traveling Mm Trails and the out there. They're traveled by the Native Americans, uh-huh, yeah, hundreds a year before we ever showed up. We, uh, we find artifacts all over up there in the mountains and it's kind of interesting, the Native Americans, when the ones that were horse people, need to the exact same stuff we need. They need a flat spot preferably, they need water close by and they need feed for their horses, and so when you start going up at those campsites, it's not unusual to find artifacts native artifacts around those campsites.
Speaker 1:
How interesting, and Is there a particularly memorable Guest or experience that someone had on one of your trips that you could share?
Speaker 2:
Well, I'd say the most memorable the guest I've had was Prince Albert of Monaco.
Speaker 1:
Really. Oh, how interesting.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, he came out in 2013. It marked the 100th anniversary since his great-great grandfather, the other former Prince Albert mm-hmm both to Wyoming and hunted With Buffalo Bill in a camp that I used to have they. After they hunted it, they called it Cam Monaco mm-hmm.
Speaker 2:
Prince Albert came out for that hundred year anniversary and then we took him and a large group of folks on a short ride and Then he wanted to come back and see Camp Monaco where he's great-great grandfather at hunted. And so a couple years later he and us Three friends came out and we took him back to Camp Monaco and I had a great time, great trip.
Speaker 1:
Oh, how interesting, Interesting. Oh, thank you, thank you for that. And you know, is there any sort of preparation someone should Make before you know, before they embark on one of your guided hunts or horseback trips?
Speaker 2:
Well, I think the biggest mistake that folks make when they sign up for a horseback trip is they think it might be like riding an ATV you just get on and sit there and ride horseback ride the physical activity and our trips and our hunts are. You need to be in decent physical shape to go on them. You're not gonna get away from having sore muscles because they're muscles that 99% of the folks aren't using on a daily basis when you climb on a horse. But that's, that's just part of it. But just being in good physical shape Is going to make your experience a lot more enjoyable.
Speaker 1:
I bet that helps a lot. Okay, and Let me see here. So, looking ahead Are there new adventures or experiences on the horizon that you know potential clients can look forward to, or Any anything new or changing?
Speaker 2:
Not much changing. No, we're. We're always Looking for new places to go, but again, I've been in it for 30 some years and it and it you get, you're gonna come going to the same places. They're not new to me, but they're new to most folks that go with me. Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1:
Mm-hmm, and it just occurred to me. Are these normally Booked by groups of people or could you know just a couple? Come and join another group.
Speaker 2:
Exactly both.
Speaker 1:
Oh, oh, that's good to know, okay.
Speaker 2:
I'm working on one of those trips right now. I have a. I have a 10-day trip that goes To the headwaters of the Yellowstone, mm-hmm. I have a couple from New Mexico that have just booked that trip and what I do is I'll have Folks call up that are interested, interested, or email that are interested, and I'll start building a trip. I also have families or groups that Call up and they've already got their group and we booked the trip just for them. I don't have bookie cutter trips. There are some outfits that have Trip A, trip B, trip C and this is one of these trips leave and okay, you got those trips or you don't go at all. I again, I try to tailor my trips to the clients needs. Mm-hmm. Fires.
Speaker 1:
Excellent. And again, how long have you been doing this, offering these scotty tours?
Speaker 2:
Yeah, that's what makes me think. I actually started professionally in 1985, mm-hmm, and I've had my own own outfit since 1995.
Speaker 1:
Wow, that's impressive and Obviously, you don't lead every tour, so you, you have experienced guides.
Speaker 2:
I'm getting to where I don't. I don't I have. If I didn't have my kids I'd be, I'd be in trouble, mm-hmm. My daughter and her partner are a main part of the crew and my middle son is A big part of my crew as well, and they thought of the their movement towards doing more of the logistics and taking the trips.
Speaker 1:
Excellent, excellent. Well, you know. Final question, I guess, is is there anything else that you'd like our listeners to know that I might not have thought to ask about? You know Either about Cody or Livingston outfitting, or you know just the incredible experiences that you provide.
Speaker 2:
I Think we've covered it all. I Welcome anyone that wants to come see Cody and come see the mountains and how far in advance would someone booked one of these trips? My hunting trips. I some of my hunts are booked out through 26. Mm-hmm most of the time, summer trips are Booked the year of, or sometimes the year before.
Speaker 1:
Okay, okay, that sounds great. Well, lee, thank you so much. I really appreciate you joining me and Educating us about what you offer, so I can't wait to return. I absolutely loved Cody Wyoming during my visit and I would love to come back at some point and see what you've got going on there as well.
Speaker 2:
We'd be glad to have you. Thank you, joe.
Speaker 1:
Wonderful. Thank you, lee. Enjoy the rest of your day. You Welcome to Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, the captivating travel podcast that takes you on an extraordinary adventure around the world. I'm your host, jill Dutton, and I am thrilled to be your guide through the mesmerizing tapestry of cultures, landscapes and experiences that await us.
Speaker 1:
Global Journeys with Jill Dutton is more than just a travel podcast. It's an exploration of humanity itself. Through the power of storytelling, we illuminate the lives of the remarkable individuals we encounter along the way, whether it's through the eyes of a fishing guide, a distillery owner, a mixologist, a historian, chef, or even a farmer. Each person we meet adds a rich layer to the narrative of culture and place. In this podcast, we embark on a transformative journey where the focus goes beyond the typical tourist attractions. Instead, we dive deep into the hearts and souls of the places we visit, uncovering the hidden gems and untold stories that make each destination truly unique. Join me as we venture off the beaten path, seeking authenticity, connection and a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit. Together, we'll unravel the tapestry of cultures, one story at a time.
Speaker 1:
Although my writing career began in the late 90s, when I created and launched a wellness publication called Evolving Magazine. Since 2015, I've worked as a travel writer on a mission to seek out the locally celebrated foods, liquor, trends, outdoor activities and stories of those I meet along the way. My work has been published in Wine Enthusiast, a far woman's world first for women, insider road trippers, modern farmer chilled magazine and many more digital and print publications. I'm also the creator of Global Plates the people we meet, the food they eat a syndicated column. Creating this podcast is the next step in my journey of sharing the stories of the people I've met along the way.
Speaker 1:
So pack your curiosity, leave your preconceived notions behind and let's embark on Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, where each episode promises to inspire, educate and awaken the wanderlust within us all. As we travel on this exciting podcasting journey together, I invite you, our incredible audience, to be a part of it. Share your own travel stories, insights and recommendations with us. Whether you have a hidden gem in your hometown or a dream destination that has captured your imagination, we want to hear from you. Your suggestions will help shape the future episodes of Global Journeys, with Jill Dutton guiding us towards extraordinary locations and experiences that deserve a spotlight.
Speaker 1:
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