Frequently Asked Questions
Whitewater Rafting Questions
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHITEWATER RAFTING?
- Swimwear or shorts and tee-shirts on hot days.
- Base layer clothing, such as Under Armour, on cooler days.
- Sandals or river shoes for hot days. We provide neoprene booties on cooler days.
- Sunglasses and hats.
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
- Cameras (we’ll take photos for you!)
- Jewelry
- Expensive Sunglasses
- Car Keys
WHAT RAFTING GEAR DOES WWR PROVIDE?
- Wet suits and splash jackets for colder days
- Water shoes
- Type V life jackets
- Endless fun
-
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR MY RAFTING TRIP?
For rafting and scenic floats, please arrive at our office 30 minutes before your trip time.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL?
When you arrive at 129 US Hwy 89 S, Gardiner, MT 59030 you will be greeted by our friendly staff. Your quick and easy check-in includes minimal paperwork and payment. We provide dressing rooms for your convenience.
When your guide announces your trip, leave all your cares behind as you board our bus! We then shuttle you across town to the river access. After a safety briefing, it’s off to the Yellowstone River!
After your rafting experience is finished, our bus driver will bring you and your family back to Gardiner.
HOW SAFE IS WHITEWATER RAFTING?
Safety is our number one priority. Wild West Rafting guides are all certified and have excellent safety records. Every guide holds First Aid, CPR and Swift Water Rescue Certificates and undergo an in-depth training in all aspects of river guiding and rescue. All Wild West Rafting trips are equipped with a first aid kit and rescue equipment. You are safe with us!
DOES WWR TAKE PHOTOS DURING OUR RAFT TRIP?
Yes, we LOVE taking photos during your raft trip! We have a professional photographer on staff that provides high-resolution images available immediately after your trip.
HOW LARGE ARE THE RAFTS?
Our 16′ self-bailing Maravia rafts will accommodate 8 guests and 1 guide. All of our whitewater rafts are custom crafted according to the highest industry standards.
WHAT ARE THE AGE + WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR RAFTING?
Wild West Rafting welcomes families! On whitewater rafting trips, the minimum weight is generally 40 lbs.
WHAT ABOUT SPECIAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS?
When you book your trip, please let the reservations agent know about any particular medical conditions you may have including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, bee sting allergies, and pregnancy.
If you are concerned, we recommend you consult your physician prior to rafting. We strongly warn against whitewater rafting for women who are pregnant.
DO YOU TAKE LARGE GROUPS ON RAFTING TRIPS?
Whitewater rafting is an awesome large group activity! We’ll accommodate all types of large groups including wedding parties, corporate groups, church groups, and family reunions. No group is too much for us to handle! Make a reservation here or call or 406-848-2252.
HOW MANY MILES WILL WE TRAVEL?
Full-day whitewater trips cover 18 miles
Half-day whitewater trips cover 8 miles
Scenic float trips cover 8 miles
Float & Soak trips cover 9 miles
Saddle and paddle trips: cover 6–8 river miles
Overnight rafting trips cover 22 miles
HOW LONG DO RAFTING TRIPS TAKE?
All times are approximate and dependent on river flow.
- Full-day whitewater trips (18 miles): About 4–5 hours
- Half-day whitewater trips (8 miles): About 2–3 hours
- Scenic float trips (8 miles): About 2 hours
- Float & Soak trips (9 miles): About 3 hours – 2-hour float, 1-hour soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs
- Saddle and paddle trips: About 3–4 hours – 1 hour ride, 2 hour raft trip
- Overnight rafting trips: About 24 hours
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR OVERNIGHT RAFTING TRIPS?
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR:
- Swimsuit or moisture-wicking t-shirts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Water shoes for rafting
- Sun-protective hats
- Pants/shorts for camp
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Sleepwear
- Insulating jacket
- In-camp shoes like flip flips
PERSONAL ITEMS:
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
- Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses
- Prescription medications
- Toothbrush
- Toiletry kit
- Cosmetics
- Brush/comb
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY FOR RAFTING TRIPS?
If you cannot make it to your scheduled rafting trip, please contact us 48 hours in advance to cancel your appointment.
If you cancel 24 hours in advance, you will be charged 50% of your booking fee and 100% for a ″No-show” or same-day cancellation.
We understand that plans change when you are on vacation; please call us at 406-848-2252 and we can reschedule your trip!
Fly Fishing Questions
DO I NEED FLY FISHING EXPERIENCE?
We welcome all experience levels! Our guides work with complete beginners through advanced anglers. They’ll teach you casting, reading water, and fly selection, or leave you alone if you prefer to fish independently.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FLY FISH IN YELLOWSTONE?
WHERE CAN I GET A FISHING LICENSE?
Yellowstone fishing permits are available at park entrance stations, visitor centers, or online.
WHERE DO FLY FISHING TRIPS MEET?
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY FOR FISHING TRIPS?
If you need to cancel your trip, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance. Refund restrictions apply for cancellations with less than 48 hours notice and no-shows.
Horseback Riding Questions
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE TO RIDE HORSEBACK?
We take beginners all the time. All skill levels welcome!
WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON A HORSEBACK RIDE?
- Required items: Hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, warm jacket, filled water bottle, raincoat.
- Optional: Camera, gloves, binoculars, snacks.
- Please don’t bring: Bear spray, shorts, sandals, fanny packs, backpacks, firearms.
- Additional things you should have in May, early June, or September: Extra layers of clothing, thermal underwear, heavy jacket, warm gloves.
- General wisdom: It’s best to dress in layers. Wool insulates when it is wet. Rain suits with tops and bottoms are best. Rain ponchos are a bad idea. Cowboy boots are terrible in the rain.
Final thoughts: Chances are, the sun will shine and it will be a beautiful day, but you do not want to be unprepared in the mountains.
WHAT ARE THE AGE + WEIGHT LIMITS FOR HORSEBACK RIDES?
- Children must be 7 years old for all rides. For insurance requirements, children MAY NOT ride double with an adult.
- There is no weight limit on any ride.
WHERE DO HORSEBACK RIDES TAKE PLACE?
Our horseback rides are in the beautiful Custer-Gallatin National Forest just north of Yellowstone National Park.
IS HORSEBACK RIDING BAD FOR KNEES?
You may need to be concerned if you have had knee surgery or some other type of knee problems. Rides are not recommended if you are pregnant. Please consult your physician.
HOW MANY PEOPLE GO ON HORSEBACK RIDES?
Our horseback rides consist of approximately 10 riders per wrangler.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY FOR HORSEBACK RIDES?
If you cannot make it to your scheduled horseback ride, please contact us 48 hours in advance to cancel your appointment.
24 hours in advance, you will be charged 50% of your booking fee and 100% for a ″No-show” or same-day cancellation.
We understand that plans change when you are on vacation; please call us at 406-848-2252 and we can reschedule your trip!
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
Awesome trip! Jake was an amazing guide. We did the 2 hour float on a hot Summer afternoon. Exciting rapids mixed with leisurely floats. Saw some wildlife along the way
We loved our riding experience! Our guide was awesome, so friendly and knowledgeable. The whole ride was fun. The scenery was beautiful!!!
We had such a great time on the river! Everyone on staff was so friendly, kind, patient and helpful! We enjoyed having all the mountains and points of interest shown to us.
Excellent half day trip. Our guide was knowledgeable and she had great suggestions for other things do to in town. The river had great conditions. We got to see a lot of wild life!
Great rafting company! We did the full day whitewater which I highly recommend. It was a really fun experience! All the guides were a lot of fun!