Wild West Rafting’s Float & Soak pairs Class II & III rapids on the Yellowstone River with a relaxing dip in Yellowstone Hot Springs. Perfect for families wanting both adventure and calm in Montana’s rugged Greater Yellowstone area.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels including families with children 40 lbs and up; basic stamina needed for paddling and soaking.
Wildlife
History
Gardiner has been the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park since its establishment in 1872, a key gateway for over a century of visitors.
Conservation
Wild West Rafting follows strict leave-no-trace practices and supports local conservation efforts to protect Yellowstone’s fragile river ecosystem.
Wild West Rafting
Wild West Rafting’s Float & Soak pairs Class II & III rapids on the Yellowstone River with a relaxing dip in Yellowstone Hot Springs. Perfect for families wanting both adventure and calm in Montana’s rugged Greater Yellowstone area.
Wild West Rafting operates in Gardiner, Montana, offering guided river and horseback experiences on and near the Yellowstone River. The company runs a range of trips including full-day and half-day drift boat floats, half-day and full-day walk‑wade fishing adventures, family-friendly scenic floats, guided one- and two-hour horseback rides, and a combined whitewater rafting and hot springs "Float & Soak" excursion. Many trips include a shore lunch, and several fishing trips provide rods, tackle, and refreshments so anglers arrive ready to fish. Horseback rides are led by experienced wranglers with horses suitable for varied rider abilities. Guides and wranglers support safety, route selection, and local knowledge of river conditions and fishing access.
Wild West Rafting’s excursions serve families, anglers at different skill levels, and visitors seeking scenic floats or moderate whitewater. Trips range from short 1–2 hour rides and scenic floats to full-day outings that include multiple river miles and extended time on the water. Operating from Gardiner provides direct access to the Yellowstone River corridor and proximity to the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Booking information, trip lengths, and what to bring are available through the company’s reservation process. Wild West Rafting focuses on delivering guided outdoor experiences that combine fishing, rafting, horseback riding, and relaxation while using local guides familiar with the Gardiner and Yellowstone river area. Some trips offer optional photography to capture river scenery and wildlife. Safety briefings and basic instruction are part of guided outings to ensure guests comfortably understand equipment and river conditions before departure.
Tours Offered
8
Varied river and horseback trips
Trip Lengths
1–8 hours
Short rides to full-day outings
Location
Gardiner, Montana
Near the Yellowstone River corridor
Guided Trips
Professional guides
Fishing and wrangler-led experiences
Reserve a drift boat, walk‑wade, scenic float, horseback ride, or Float & Soak trip from Gardiner, Montana today.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at the Wild West Rafting office 30 minutes before the trip starts to get geared up and meet your guide.
Bring a Change of Clothes
You can leave dry clothes at the office to pick up after the soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs for comfort post-trip.
Prepare for Variable Water Temperatures
Even in summer, water can feel cool—use provided wetsuits and splash jackets to stay warm on the river.
Wear Secure Footwear
Water shoes are a must for river traction and hot springs areas; Wild West Rafting provides them if needed.
Water Shoes
Protects feet during rafting and walking around hot springs pools.
summer
Swimsuit
Needed for soaking in Yellowstone Hot Springs after rafting.
summer
Quick-Dry Clothes
Comfortable for river activities and changes quickly when wet.
summer
Sunscreen
Protects skin from sun exposure during the raft and hot springs visit.
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