Frequently Asked Questions

• Cameras (we’ll be taking photos for you!)

• Jewelry

• Expensive Sunglasses

• Car Keys

• Wet suits and splash jackets for colder days
• Water shoes
• Type V life jackets
• Endless fun

• For rafting/scenic floats, please arrive at our office 30 minutes before your trip time.

• For horseback riding, please arrive at our office 1 hour before your trip.

• For hiking/fishing, we will give you a detailed itinerary.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Wild West Rafting welcomes families! On whitewater rafting trips, the minimum weight is generally 40 lbs. Horseback riders must be 5 years old for the 1-hour ride and 7 years old for the 2-hour ride!

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.

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.

• Our Half Day Whitewater trips cover 8 miles.

• Full Day Whitewater trips cover 18 miles.

• Spectacular Scenic floats cover 6 miles.

• Inflatable Kayak trips cover 6 miles.

• Small Boat, Big Water cover 8 miles.

• Overnight rafting trips cover 22 miles.

All times are approximate and dependent on river flow.

• Our Half Day Whitewater trips are approximately 2-3 hours.
• Our Full Day Whitewater trips are approximately 4-5 hours.
• Our Spectacular Scenic float and Inflatable Kayak trips are approximately 2 hours.
• Our Small Boat, Big Water trips are approximately 2-3 hours.
• Our Saddle and Paddle trips are approximately 5-6 hours.
• Our Short & Sweet Saddle and Paddle trips are approximately 3-4 hours.
• Our Overnight Rafting Trip is approximately 24-hours.

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR: Swimsuits or moisture-wicking T-shirts, pants, shorts, long-sleeve shirts, water shoes/flip flops, Sun-shielding hats, Pants/shorts for camp. Shoes for camp, Socks (synthetic or wool), Sleepwear, Insulating jacket, In-camp shoes.

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.

Come when you can! Many of the waters we fish are open all year, and we often have excellent fishing in the off-season, even in mid-winter if the weather is relatively mild.  Obviously, summer is the most popular time to come, but many anglers are learning that some of the best fishing in Yellowstone country is in the spring (before runoff) and again in the fall. A trip in late February, March or April or in late September through October will get you away from the summer crowds and offers some excellent fishing. If you like to fish spring creeks, another advantage of fishing the offseason are the reduced rod fees on these streams. Generally, these off-season rates apply from mid-October through mid-April. No matter what time you choose to come, we’ll help you find some exciting fly fishing!

In order to serve our clients better, we have instituted a cancellation policy. If you cannot make it to your scheduled rafting trip, 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!

If you have booked one of our backpacking & hiking, Yellowstone Tours, or cabins, tents or one of our overnight activities we require a 50% deposit. If you cancel 30 days prior to your scheduled trip/cabin rental we will refund your 50% deposit.  If you cancel within 30 days of your scheduled trip time you will be charged your 50% deposit.

Children must be 7 years old for the 1-Hour Rides and 7 years old for the 2-Hour Rides. For insurance requirements, children MAY NOT ride double with an adult.

No weight limit on our 1-Hour, 2-Hour, Half Day or Full Day Rides.

Our 1-Hour, 2-Hour, Half Day and Full Day rides are in the beautiful Absaroka Mountains in the Gallatin National Forest.

We take beginners all the time. All skill levels welcome!

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.

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, September: Extra Layers of Clothing, Thermal Underwear, Heavy Jacket, Warm Gloves

General Wisdom: It is 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.

Our day ride consist of approximately 10 riders per wrangler!