Gardiner Horseback Ride & 8-Mile Whitewater Rafting

We just completed a full day rafting adventure with guide Spencer, and it was a fun day! We were a party of 5 and were paired up with two more groups of 2. With 8 rowing positions that means 1 would not be rowing, but that worked great for my 11 year old who was happy to not row. It was a cool day in June, highs only in the 60s, so after signing waivers, we got suited up with wet suit overalls, splash jackets, and water socks/shoes. Bus departed right at 10 for just a few minute drive through Gardiner we were on the water by 10:15. Right away you get into some fun wavy sections bringing decent splashes. The outfits helped but it was still a chilly experience. I like the cold so it wasn’t uncomfortable for me, but those not liking the cold were definitely feeling it. After the initial part the majority of the middle section is floating down the river or some light bumps. If I had to estimate, maybe 80% of the trips is floating down the river or light currents, maybe another 10% light rapids, and 10% of actual white water rafting. After about 2 hours you stop along the river for a sandwich lunch for maybe 30 minutes or so. Then another hour and a half through Yankee Jim Canyon. If you want more of the adventure, I recommend the full day to go through this section as the half day pull out is before you reach this point. By 2:15 or so we were out of the river and back to the main office by about 2:40. They let you keep your car keys at the front desk, and the guide has a dry bag for a few essentials if needed. They also had full res digital prints from a photographer that snaps shots from a couple points for $60, and the nice part is he airdropped right to my phone after purchase. There was also Ice cream for purchase but we didn’t check into that. For those coming from West Yellowstone. Map apps had it 1:35 drive through the west entrance of Yellowstone but assuming some delay at park entrance and some sightseeing traffic we decided to leave extra early. Leaving at 6:40am from west yellowstone on a Sunday we were in Gardiner by 8:15 am (1:35 drive) with no entrance traffic and very light road traffic. I think 2:00-2:30 would still give you some wiggle room for traffic on most days.

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