Can’t decide between horseback riding or whitewater rafting for your epic Montana vacation? You can do both! The Saddle and Paddle trip combines two classic Western adventures into one fun day: a morning trail ride and an afternoon rafting trip on the Yellowstone River.
The Horseback Ride
Your day starts at a working Montana ranch just outside Gardiner. You’ll saddle up with experienced local wranglers and spend an hour on trails riding through the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, with views of the Absaroka Mountains and the Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley below.
Even if you’ve never been on a horse before, the wranglers make it easy. The horses know the trails, and you get to soak it all in.
After your ride, you’ll have a break before heading to the river. It’s a good time to relax at the ranch or grab the optional picnic lunch ($15) under a shaded canopy.
The Rafting Trip
Rafting the Yellowstone River. Credit: Jennifer S. // Google Review
Then it’s time to trade your saddle for a paddle on the Yellowstone River, one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states.
You’ll meet up at the Wild West Rafting office in Gardiner for either a whitewater trip or a scenic float. The best part? Everyone in your group can choose their own adventure.
- On the whitewater trip, you’ll punch through waves, work together as a team, and probably get soaked. Kids love it.
- On the scenic float, you’ll drift past towering canyon walls and keep an eye out for eagles, osprey, and other wildlife along the banks.
You’ll all meet up afterward to swap stories and view the professional photos taken of your trip.
Who Is This Trip For?
The Saddle and Paddle accommodates guests ages 7 and up. You don’t need any experience with horses or rafting. The wranglers and river guides handle everything, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.
This combo is popular with families looking to fit more into a Yellowstone day trip, couples wanting a memorable adventure, and groups who can’t agree on just one activity.
One Wisconsin family with three kids (ages 10, 12, and 15) said the Saddle and Paddle was all they talked about for half the drive to Montana:
The drive to [the ranch] and the horseback ride through the Gallatin National Forest was breathtaking. The horses were amazing and the views were unimaginable. [On the rafting trip], we went through more rapids than expected! The kids jumped off the raft and swam in the Yellowstone River multiple times. If you have a family of adventure lovers, pick this trip!
– Jennifer S, Google Review
Why Guests Love the Saddle & Paddle
One dad who took the trip with his son said:
“The horseback ride had spectacular views and the hour was about as long as I could stand in the saddle after a week of hiking. The float trip was a blast.”
Another guest, a self-described first-timer on both horses and rafts, wrote:
“I couldn’t believe I had waited this long to ride a horse. And the whitewater rafting was explained so well that I think I even shocked our guide with how well we did. I recommend this to anyone, old or young, big or small.”
Ready to Book Your Saddle & Paddle Adventure?
The Paddle & Saddle fills up during peak Yellowstone season, especially for morning ride times. View full trip details, pricing, and available times on our Saddle and Paddle trip page, or give us a call at 406-747-8086.
We’re happy to help you figure out which combo works best for your group.