Horseback Riding & Rafting
Near Yellowstone
Ride & Raft Near Yellowstone National Park
Get the best of Yellowstone in one unforgettable experience: horseback riding and whitewater rafting along the Yellowstone River. Our Saddle & Paddle combo is the perfect way to explore Southwestern Montana by land and water!
PADDLE & SADDLE NEAR YELLOWSTONE
Horseback ride through scenic mountain terrain, then trade your saddle for a paddle and hit the Yellowstone River for whitewater rapids or a relaxing scenic float.
Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to pack more adventure into their Yellowstone visit!
Choose Your Saddle & Paddle Combo:
- 1-Hour Horseback Ride + 2-Hour Whitewater Rafting
- 1-Hour Horseback Ride + 2-Hour Scenic Float
Pricing: $224 per Adult | $214 per Child (Ages 7–12)
Trip Length: 6–8 River Miles | Duration: 3–4 Hours
Trip Times
Whitewater Saddle & Paddle Times:
9:00 AM Ride and 12:30 PM Raft or 11:00 AM Ride and 3:30 PM Raft
Scenic Float Saddle & Paddle Times:
9:00 AM Ride and 1:00 PM Float or 11:00 AM Ride and 4:00 PM Float
Trip Details
This Saddle and Paddle adventure is designed for guests ages 7 and up. You’ll ride with experienced wranglers on scenic ranch trails, then head to the river for an expertly guided rafting trip.
Even if someone in your group chooses not to ride, they’re welcome to enjoy the beauty of this classic Montana ranch on foot.
Note: You’ll drive yourself from our office to the horseback riding ranch just outside of town.
What to Bring
- For horseback riding: Long pants and close-toed shoes.
- For rafting: Swimsuit or quick-dry clothes. Be ready to get wet!
- We provide all rafting gear, including life jackets, footwear, and wetsuits or splash jackets if needed.
Add a Picnic Lunch ($15)
Add a picnic lunch at checkout and we’ll have it ready at check-in. After your ride, enjoy lunch under a shaded canopy at the ranch.
Lunch includes: turkey and cheese sandwich on a hearty roll, watermelon, potato chips, cookies, plus ice-cold water and lemonade.
Why Choose a Saddle and Paddle Trip?
See More In Less Time
If you only have one day near Yellowstone, this combo lets you experience two of Montana’s best activities without rushing. You’ll spend the morning on horseback and the afternoon on the river.
Two Ways to Raft
Not sure if your group wants thrills or relaxation? Some can choose whitewater rafting while others opt for our scenic float. Everyone meets back up afterward.
No Experience Required
The wranglers and river guides handle everything. You don’t need to know how to ride a horse or paddle a raft, just show up and be ready for an adventure!
Recent Saddle & Paddle Reviews
Overall Google Rating: 5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (23)
We did a Saddle and Paddle as a family of 5. It was fantastic! The set up of the day was easy and the staff was awesome. Special shout out to Grady our rafting guide. He was fun and knowledgeable, and made the experience all that much better. Photos were also great! Highly recommend!
Did the saddle and paddle trip. 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 with Brandon was a blast. My son and I had a great time.
We did the saddle and paddle excursion, horseback riding was beautiful and we even saw elk. Then we went on a rafting ride down the Yellowstone river with Niko as our guide and he was the BEST! I would definitely highly recommend!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous experience for horseback riding or rafting?
No experience is necessary for either activity. Our wranglers match you with a horse suited to your ability, and our river guides provide a full safety and paddling orientation before you get on the water.
What should I wear for a combo trip?
How do I get from the rafting office to the riding ranch?
This is a self-drive trip. You’ll check in at our office in Gardiner first, then drive your own vehicle to the ranch just outside of town.
Are there weight or age requirements for this combo?
The minimum age for Saddle & Paddle trips is 7 years old. Children may not ride double with an adult. There is no weight limit for the horseback riding portion.
What if someone in my group wants to raft but not ride?
How does the timing of the day work?
Typically, you will head to the ranch for your morning ride, enjoy your lunch (if added), and then return to our office to gear up for your afternoon rafting trip. Your confirmation will include specific check-in times for both portions.
Is lunch included in the price?
Lunch is an optional add-on for $15. You’ll get a turkey and cheese sandwich on a hearty roll, watermelon, chips, cookies, and ice-cold water and lemonade, served back at the ranch after your ride. You can add it during checkout.
Ready to go horseback riding and rafting in Yellowstone in one day?
Have more questions? Contact us!