Ride through Montana ranchlands with expert wranglers and enjoy an all-you-can-eat Cowboy Cookout under the stars. Discover an authentic Wild West experience near Gardiner, MT.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic stamina needed for a gentle 1-hour horseback ride.
Wildlife
History
Gardiner sits at the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park and has deep roots in ranching and Western frontier history dating back to the 19th century.
Conservation
Yellowstone Raft Company supports local conservation efforts focused on protecting native wildlife habitats and minimizing environmental impact on ranch lands.
Yellowstone Raft Company
Ride through Montana ranchlands with expert wranglers and enjoy an all-you-can-eat Cowboy Cookout under the stars. Discover an authentic Wild West experience near Gardiner, MT.
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 sturdy boots with a heel
Proper footwear helps keep your feet secure in the stirrups and protects against rough terrain.
Bring a hat and sunscreen
Montana’s sun can be intense, so protect your skin during the ride and outdoor meal.
Notify about dietary restrictions
Contact the company ahead if you have special dietary needs for the cookout.
Arrive early to meet your wrangler
Arriving 15 minutes early ensures enough time for safety briefing and horse preparation.
Closed-toe riding boots
Provides grip and protection during horseback riding.
Sunhat or baseball cap
Keeps the sun off your face during the ride and cookout.
summer
Light jacket or fleece
Adds warmth for cool mornings and evenings on the ranch.
fall
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the ride and while outdoors.