Gardiner: Full Day Raft Trip on the Yellowstone River+Lunch

Traversing the Yellowstone River is an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of Gardiner, Montana. This full-day raft trip covers 18 miles of breathtaking scenery, from the moment you depart until you savor a riverside lunch. With certified guides ensuring safety and the option for professional photography, this adventure offers a chance to spot wildlife and conquer class II-III rapids. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a serene escape, this raft trip promises an unforgettable day on the water.

This experience made our article of 5 Best Lunch Experiences In Gardiner Montana.

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Key Points

Full-day raft trip on the Yellowstone River from the National Park boundary to Yankee Jim Canyon, covering 18 miles in 6 hours.
Guided class II-III rafting suitable for ages 8 and up, with scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Riverside lunch from a locally owned café included in the $140 per person cost.
Flexible scheduling with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Essential safety equipment, such as helmets and personal flotation devices, provided along with shuttle service and secure storage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

This full-day raft trip on the Yellowstone River covers 18 miles, starting at the National Park boundary and ending at Yankee Jim Canyon.

It lasts 6 hours and costs $140 per person. The trip is suitable for ages 8 and up but not for pregnant women.

This full-day raft trip lasts 6 hours, costs $140 per person, and is suitable for ages 8 and up, but not for pregnant women.

The guided class II-III rafting includes scenic views, wildlife spotting, a riverside lunch, and opportunities for group bonding and personal reflection in the Montana wilderness.

Professional photography is available for purchase.

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Booking and Cancellation

Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment, allowing them to book their trip now and pay later.

Flexibility is key, as the tour company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives customers peace of mind when planning their adventure.

Customers can check availability for various starting times, ensuring they find a schedule that suits their needs.

The combination of reserve now, pay later, and free cancellation makes booking this rafting trip easy and risk-free, allowing adventurers to confidently secure their spot on the Yellowstone River.

Experience Highlights

A guided class II-III rafting trip takes adventurers on an exhilarating journey through the scenic beauty of the Yellowstone River.

Wildlife spotting opportunities abound, and a riverside lunch from a locally owned café provides a chance for group bonding and personal reflection in the Montana wilderness.

Professional photography is available for purchase, capturing the memories of this unforgettable experience.

Capture the memories of this unforgettable experience with professional photography available for purchase.

The guides, certified in Swift Water Rescue, First Aid, and CPR, provide all necessary safety equipment and ensure a thrilling yet secure adventure on the river.

What’s Included

The full-day raft trip includes shuttle service to and from the river, as well as essential safety equipment like helmets, paddles, and Type V personal flotation devices.

Wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash tops are provided free of charge. The guides, certified in Swift Water Rescue, First Aid, and CPR, will lead the class II-III rafting adventure.

A riverside lunch from a local café is also included. Gratuity for the guides is covered as well.

Guests can securely store their dry clothes and valuables during the trip.

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Meeting and Preparation

Guests check in at the riverfront office on Main Street in Gardiner to prepare for the full-day raft trip.

Guides provide and outfit guests with all necessary safety gear, including helmets, paddles, and Type V personal flotation devices. Wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash tops are available for comfort. Guests can store any dry clothes and valuables safely.

Guides equip guests with safety gear like helmets, paddles, and life jackets, plus wetsuits and storage for dry items.

Before launching, the guides conduct a comprehensive safety briefing, covering important instructions and guidelines for the class II-III rafting adventure on the Yellowstone River.

With everything ready, the group is set to embark on an unforgettable journey into the Montana wilderness.

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Scenic Views and Wildlife

Sweeping vistas and abundant wildlife characterize the journey down the Yellowstone River. Rafters may spot bald eagles soaring overhead, bighorn sheep grazing on the canyon walls, and elk quenching their thirst in the river’s cool waters. Opportunities for wildlife viewing abound on this scenic 18-mile stretch of the Yellowstone.

| Animal | Likelihood of Sighting |

| — | — |

| Bald Eagle | High |

| Bighorn Sheep | Moderate |

| Elk | High |

| Deer | Moderate |

| Osprey | Moderate |

| Black Bear | Low |

The rugged canyon landscape provides a stunning backdrop, with towering cliffs, verdant forests, and striking rock formations lining the riverbanks. Guests can enjoy the natural beauty of Montana’s wilderness throughout the full-day rafting adventure.

Riverside Lunch and Locally Owned Café

Midway through the rafting adventure, guides pull the group ashore for a riverside lunch catered by a locally owned café in Gardiner.

The meal features:

Freshly prepared deli sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients
Crunchy veggie slaw and potato salad
Homemade cookies and trail mix for dessert
Chilled water, lemonade, and iced tea to quench the thirst

Enjoying this local cuisine amidst the serene Yellowstone wilderness creates a memorable bonding experience for the group.

Enjoying local cuisine amidst the serene Yellowstone wilderness creates a memorable bonding experience for the group.

The lunch break provides essential nourishment and rejuvenation to continue the thrilling whitewater rafting journey.

Group Bonding and Personal Reflection

As the group navigates the thrilling rapids, the shared experience fosters a sense of camaraderie and personal reflection.

Paddling together, overcoming challenges, and taking in the breathtaking scenery create a bond between participants.

Moments of quiet contemplation allow guests to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with nature.

The remote wilderness setting encourages self-reflection, enabling deeper personal insights.

This immersive journey cultivates a greater appreciation for the outdoors and a renewed sense of adventure.

Ultimately, the raft trip offers an opportunity for both group bonding and individual introspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Life Jackets Provided for the Entire Trip?

Yes, life jackets are provided for the entire trip. The tour includes a Type V personal flotation device for each participant, ensuring their safety throughout the rafting adventure on the Yellowstone River.

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Rapids Encountered?

The rafting trip features Class II-III rapids, suitable for ages 8 and up. These moderate rapids provide an exciting but manageable whitewater experience for both beginner and experienced rafters.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Trip?

The trip includes a complimentary lunch, but guests can’t bring their own food or drinks. The guided rafting adventure focuses on the river experience, safety, and camaraderie rather than personal meals.

Is There an Option to Do a Shorter Half-Day Trip?

Unfortunately, this rafting outfitter only offers a full-day 6-hour trip on the Yellowstone River. They don’t provide a shorter half-day option. Guests must choose between the full-day experience or explore other rafting companies in the area.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Trip?

The full-day rafting trip is suitable for ages 8 and up, but pregnant women are not allowed. The trip is not suitable for younger children or infants.

The Sum Up

The Yellowstone River raft trip from Gardiner offers an exhilarating full-day adventure for all ages. With experienced guides, stunning scenery, and a riverside lunch, this guided tour promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking thrilling rapids, wildlife sightings, or simply a day immersed in nature, this Yellowstone excursion won’t disappoint.