Dive into the heart of Montana’s Yellowstone River with the exhilarating 3-mile Shotgun Trip whitewater rafting experience. Perfect for thrill-seekers short on time but craving big adventure.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for moderately fit individuals comfortable with physical balance and some paddling effort.
Wildlife
History
Gardiner marks the northern entrance to Yellowstone, America’s first national park established in 1872.
Conservation
Operators follow Leave No Trace principles to protect river health and surrounding wildlife habitats.
Yellowstone Raft Company
Dive into the heart of Montana’s Yellowstone River with the exhilarating 3-mile Shotgun Trip whitewater rafting experience. Perfect for thrill-seekers short on time but craving big adventure.
Yellowstone Raft Company is a Gardiner, Montana-based outfitter specializing in guided river and ranch experiences on the Yellowstone River corridor. The company offers a range of trips including private and group whitewater rafting, scenic floats, guided kayaking, horseback rides, and ranch-style cowboy cookouts. Popular options listed by the company include Canyon Run (Class II–III rapids), Private 8 Mile Whitewater trips, Scenic Float outings, Half and Full Day Kayaking, Saddle & Paddle combinations that pair trail rides with rafting, and both dinner and ride-plus-cookout ranch experiences.
Professional guides provide instruction and lead trips tailored to varying comfort and skill levels: full-day kayaking includes expert instruction and equipment, canyon and private runs emphasize guided safety through Class II–III rapids, and scenic floats focus on wildlife viewing and calmer river sections. The Private 8 Mile Whitewater trip operates from May to mid-September. Several offerings include a meal component, such as ranch lunches or all-you-can-eat cowboy cookouts.
Trips depart from Gardiner, Montana, and showcase river scenery, wildlife sightings, and accessible whitewater for families and adventure seekers. Souvenirs and guided services are included on certain runs. Reservations are recommended for private trips and popular combo experiences. Safety equipment and professional staffing are part of guided river and kayaking trips where specified. All descriptions reflect the experiences advertised by Yellowstone Raft Company and focus on factual trip formats, duration ranges, and included features. Booking details, exact departure times, age limits, and pricing are available directly through Yellowstone Raft Company reservation channels. Contact information is listed online.
Location
Gardiner, MT
Operates from Gardiner, Montana
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Multiple guided river and ranch experiences
Trip Types
Rafting, Kayaking, Horseback
Rafting, kayaking, horseback rides available
Seasonal Window
May–mid-September
Private 8 Mile runs May–mid-September
Reserve a guided Canyon Run, Scenic Float, kayaking day, or Saddle & Paddle combo from Gardiner, Montana.
Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket
Safety is top priority; always wear the provided life jacket during your raft trip to stay buoyant in swift currents.
Prepare for cold water immersion
The Yellowstone River remains icy cold year-round; dress in quick-dry clothes and consider a wetsuit in cooler seasons.
Secure loose items
Keep phones and cameras in waterproof containers or leave them behind to avoid losing valuables in rapids.
Listen closely to your guide’s instructions
Following commands ensures smooth maneuvering and group safety throughout the fast-paced trip.
Quick-dry clothing
Stays comfortable and dries fast after splashes during the trip.
summer
Waterproof dry bag
Protects valuables from water exposure while on the river.
Wetsuit or neoprene layers
Provides essential warmth during cooler months on the icy Yellowstone.
spring;fall
Secure water shoes or sandals
Offers grip and foot protection on rocky riverbeds and raft decks.
summer