If you’re coming through Gardiner on your way in or out of Yellowstone, a local ride is the simplest way to add a real Montana experience to your day without having to wait in park traffic.
Here is how the two options compare, and what to know before you book.
Riding Horses Inside Yellowstone
Riding horses in Yellowstone National Park’s backcountry // Credit: NPS
Guided horseback rides do run inside Yellowstone: The park’s lodge operator leads one and two hour rides out of the Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon corrals through the summer season. They are a nice way to see Yellowstone’s backcountry if you have the time.
You’ll want to plan around two things for these rides:
- The corrals sit well inside the park, an hour or more from the North Entrance once you account for the drive (plus potential traffic jams), and the most popular rides tend to fill up early in the season.
- If your schedule is tight or you are booking close to your trip dates, those rides are not always easy to fit in.
Horseback Riding Near Yellowstone’s North Entrance
Guests on a horseback ride near Yellowstone with Wild West // Credit: Cathy C. Google Review
You don’t have to drive deep into Yellowstone for an incredible horseback ride. Wild West Rafting’s trail rides leave from a ranch at the base of the Absaroka Mountains, just a short drive from our office in Gardiner.
When you arrive, experienced wranglers match you with a gentle, well-trained horse and walk you through everything you need to know before you head out. From there you’ll ride into the mountains on family-friendly trails overlooking the Yellowstone River, with plenty of chances to spot elk and other wildlife.
No experience is needed, and the pace is comfortable for first-timers and kids.
Why Riders Choose Wild West Rafting
A few things set our rides apart:
- You can book and coordinate both your horseback ride and a rafting trip with one company. Families on a tight schedule tell us that’s what made their day work, and it comes up again and again in our reviews.
- We keep good availability all summer, so you’re not locked into reserving months ahead the way in-park rides often require.
- Riding just outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance means entrance lines, park traffic, and the occasional bison jam will not put your start time at risk. A short local ride also leaves plenty of your day open to explore the park itself.
- Our guides make the day. Read through recent reviews and you will see the same thing over and over: guests naming their wrangler or raft guide and calling out the humor, the energy, and the safety-first attention that put them at ease.
Good to Know Before Riding With Us
- No riding experience is required. Your wrangler gives a short orientation before you head out, including these horseback riding tips for beginners.
- Riders need to be at least 7 years old, and every rider, including kids, rides their own horse.
- Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a warm layer, since mountain weather can change fast even in summer.
- You can bring a camera as long as it fastens securely around your neck, so your hands stay free for the reins.
Add a Cowboy Cookout to Your Ride
If you’d rather end your day’s activities with a horseback ride, book the evening ride and cowboy cookout. You’ll start your trail ride at 6pm, then settle around a campfire for a hearty dinner of grilled Montana steaks and pork chops. Bring your own beer or wine if you like.
Anyone in your group who’d rather skip the ride can still come along for the cookout.
We did the cowboy cookout, horse back riding at Hells A Roarin’, we had a great time!! Everyone was so nice, very beautiful ranch and scenery, would definitely do it again!
Ride and Raft in One Day: The Saddle and Paddle
The ride that no in-park corral can match is our Saddle and Paddle. You spend the morning on horseback at the ranch, then trade the saddle for a paddle and head to the Yellowstone River for an afternoon of whitewater or a relaxed scenic float. It is all coordinated through us, so your whole day is confirmed with one booking.
You can also add a picnic lunch, and if someone in your group would rather not ride, they are welcome to join for the rafting trip.
Did the saddle and paddle. Had a great time doing both…. Always felt safe all the while they pushed hard for us to have a great time. We had Gosh on the river and Peter on the trail. Both I recommend for anyone any age….We booked the morning of our trip as we were passing through.
Book Your Ride Near Yellowstone’s North Entrance
Ready to saddle up? Book your ride at the link below and we will send directions to the ranch when you reserve. Questions first? Reach us at the office: (406) 848-2252.