Just outside the northern gateway of Yellowstone National Park, in Gardiner, Montana, Yellowstone Whitewater offers pulse-quickening river runs and canopy glides that deliver a raw, unfiltered taste of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Situated along the wild stretches of the Yellowstone River, this operation cuts through the rugged landscapes where the Rocky Mountains meet untamed waterways, gifting adventurers with some of the region’s most accessible whitewater rapids and ziplines. The Yellowstone River itself churns through basalt canyons and dense lodgepole pine forests, home to native wildlife like bald eagles and river otters, making every moment on the water or in the trees an immersive encounter with nature’s edge.

The whitewater rafting trips here cater to a range of skill levels, from beginner-friendly stretches with pulse-raising Class II-III rapids to more demanding runs that test reflexes and teamwork. Paddlers glide past dramatic basalt cliffs and past iconic wilderness vistas, with guides sharing insights about the geology and wild inhabitants that make this corridor unique. Meanwhile, the zipline tours provide a contrasting vantage—flying above the river valleys and thick forests, travelers experience the thrill of rapid descent while soaking in sweeping views of the Absaroka Mountains and Yellowstone’s northern foothills.

This blend of river and aerial adventure makes Yellowstone Whitewater a standout operator in a landscape where every outdoor company offers a version of the Yellowstone story. The hands-on safety protocols, knowledgeable local guides, and well-maintained equipment elevate the experience far beyond a basic day trip. Whether launching a raft or hooking into a harness, visitors gain direct access to Montana’s wild heart in a way few others can provide, right at the edge of America’s first national park.