image of horseback riding trip

Saddle Up in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness: Horseback Adventures with Yellowstone Raft

If you’re dreaming of a classic Western adventure that blends breathtaking scenery with unforgettable moments, a horseback ride into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is the perfect place to start. Just outside the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Raft goes beyond whitewater rafting to offer guided horseback rides through stunning backcountry terrain. With sweeping views, experienced wranglers, and the flexibility to customize your experience, it’s a one-of-a-kind way to discover the wild heart of Montana.

Horseback riding trip in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

Trail Riding in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is a jaw-dropping expanse of nearly one million acres of protected alpine landscapes stretching across southern Montana and northern Wyoming. Part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, it’s a land where the rugged Absaroka Range meets the glacier-carved granite spires of the Beartooth Mountains—offering some of the most dramatic and unspoiled terrain in the Lower 48.

This wilderness area boasts over 700 miles of trails, high alpine lakes, glacial valleys, and deep forested canyons. Riders will find themselves immersed in:

  • Lush wildflower meadows in summer
  • Crisp, pine-scented forests echoing with birdsong
  • Towering peaks like Granite Peak (Montana’s highest at 12,807 feet)
  • Abundant wildlife, including moose, elk, deer, bald eagles, marmots, and even the occasional bear or mountain goat

Yellowstone Raft’s guided horseback rides offer a truly off-the-grid escape, made safe and enriching by knowledgeable local wranglers who share stories about the region’s unique geology, wildlife, and Indigenous and pioneer histories. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rider, the horses are calm, responsive, and well-suited for exploring this breathtaking landscape.

image of whitewater rafting

Combine Adventures for the Ultimate Day

What makes a horseback ride with Yellowstone Raft truly unforgettable is the ability to bundle your ride with other signature Montana experiences—creating a full day (or even weekend!) of wild western fun. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or savoring serenity, there’s a custom combo for every traveler.

  • Whitewater Rafting on the Yellowstone River: After exploring the backcountry on horseback, keep the adventure rolling by tackling the Yellowstone River’s Class II–III whitewater rapids. You’ll trade in your saddle for a paddle and soak up the stunning scenery from a whole new perspective.

Our Saddle and Paddle Express package starts with a scenic 1-hour horseback ride, followed by a fun-filled 8-mile whitewater rafting trip. For the full Montana immersion, choose our Saddle and Paddle Deluxe package and enjoy an extended trail ride with panoramic views and wrangler-guided storytelling, then hit a longer stretch of river with more rapids, more wildlife sightings, and even more splash!

  • Scenic Float Trips: Looking for a more relaxed river experience? A scenic float trip offers gentle drifts, stunning mountain vistas, and incredible chances to spot wildlife like elk, eagles, and otters—perfect for guests of all ages and comfort levels.

Combine a calm, picturesque float with a shorter horseback ride for a serene half-day adventure with our Float and Ride Express package. Or choose the Deluxe Float and Ride package for an all-day journey that includes an extended trail ride followed by a peaceful scenic float.

  • Glamping in a Tipi: Make your adventure last by spending the night in one of Yellowstone Tipi’s glamping tipis, located just minutes from both the river and the trailhead. With cozy bedding, lantern lighting, and rustic Western decor, these spacious tipis offer a unique blend of comfort and campfire charm. It’s the perfect way to unwind, stargaze, and truly connect with the Montana landscape.

Whether you’re looking to gallop, paddle, float, or just relax, Yellowstone Raft offers the perfect pairing of adventure and authentic Montana hospitality.

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Tips from the Trail: What Visitors Recommend

Guests who’ve experienced horseback riding with Yellowstone Raft consistently share glowing feedback—and helpful advice:

  • Book early, especially during the peak summer months and weekends
  • Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety on the ride
  • Dress in layers—mornings can be cool, even in July
  • Bring a secure camera or phone strap for capturing epic trail and river moments
  • Ask your guide questions—they love sharing their knowledge of the land, wildlife, and regional lore

image of whitewater rating and horseback riding package

How to Book

Whether you’re looking to gallop through wildflower meadows, raft down roaring rapids, float beneath golden skies, or just relax in a tipi with the Milky Way overhead, Yellowstone Raft has an experience made for you.
Visit yellowstoneraft.com to book your horseback ride, bundle it with a whitewater rafting or scenic float trip, and reserve your glamping stay. Adventure is waiting—saddle up and make it yours.

Saddle & Paddle Deluxe - Whitewater Rafting & Horseback Riding

The Saddle & Paddle Experience

Best Yellowstone Raft & Ride Trip – The Ultimate Saddle & Paddle Adventure

Planning the perfect Yellowstone adventure can feel overwhelming with so many incredible activities to choose from. If you’re looking for a thrilling, all-in-one experience, the Saddle & Paddle package is the ultimate way to explore Montana’s wild beauty. This Yellowstone raft and ride trip combines two of the most iconic outdoor adventures—rafting the Yellowstone River and horseback riding through the stunning Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

With two package options to choose from, you can customize your adventure based on your schedule. Whether you’re seeking a quick, action-packed excursion or a full day of exploration, our Saddle & Paddle trips offer the best of both worlds.

Which Yellowstone Raft & Ride Trip Is Right for You?

1. Saddle & Paddle Express – A Quick & Thrilling Adventure

Saddle & Paddle: Express

If you’re short on time but still want an unforgettable Yellowstone experience, the Saddle & Paddle Express is your best option. This package includes:

  • 1-hour guided horseback ride through Montana’s breathtaking wilderness
  • 8-mile whitewater rafting trip featuring thrilling rapids and scenic river stretches

This express version of our Yellowstone raft and ride trip is perfect for families, first-time rafters and riders, and travelers looking to fit multiple activities into their day. With Montana’s long summer days, you’ll even have time to explore Yellowstone National Park after your adventure.

2. Saddle & Paddle Deluxe – The Ultimate Full-Day Experience

Saddle and Paddle: Deluxe

For those who want more time in the saddle, the Saddle & Paddle Deluxe offers a more immersive experience. This package includes:

  • 2-hour guided horseback ride through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness at almost 7,000 feet elevation
  • 8-mile whitewater rafting trip with thrilling rapids and stunning views
  • Lunch break in town before rafting

Start your day with a scenic drive up to Jardine, Montana, where you’ll embark on a 2-hour trail ride through breathtaking mountain landscapes, taking in 360-degree views of the Gallatin and Absaroka Mountain Ranges. Along the way, your guides will share fascinating insights about the area’s wildlife, and terrain.

For rafting, please meet us at our office in Gardiner. There you will meet your guide, change into your rafting gear and head to the river. After the safety speech, you will push off for your thrill-packed journey down Yellowstone’s famous rapids.

“Beautiful doesn’t begin to explain this place. We took the 2-hour tour and loved it. The views were amazing, and we saw some great wildlife. The guide and horses were fantastic. Highly recommend!” – Tom K.

Why Choose a Yellowstone Raft & Ride Package?

  • Two unforgettable experiences in one day
  • Perfect for all skill levels – no experience needed!
  • Guided by experienced professionals for a safe and fun adventure
  • Breathtaking views of Yellowstone and Montana’s wild landscapes
  • Family-friendly excursions suitable for kids 7+

Whether you’re looking for a quick adventure or a full day of exploration, our Saddle & Paddle trips offer the best Yellowstone raft and ride experience available.

🔥 2025 bookings are now open! Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill of whitewater rafting and the serenity of horseback riding in one incredible day.

📅 Book your Saddle & Paddle adventure today and make unforgettable memories in Yellowstone!

Yellowstone Raft Company Fire

Legends Never Die

On July 14, we lost our beloved Yellowstone Raft Company office, but today we remember the wonderful memories that have been made here since 1978. Our YRC family, friends and neighbors are safe, and we appreciate all of the hard work from our first responders. We are devastated to lose such an icon, but YRC will live on!

We are still running our trips and taking bookings during this time. If you book with us, you will now check in at our sister company, @paradiseadventurecompany just around the corner. If you have any questions about your bookings, please reach out on our webchat feature on our website and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

We are absolutely devastated, but we’re so lucky that everyone is safe. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility during this difficult time. Our purpose is to provide adventure to all, and we don’t plan on stopping.

During this time, if you need to make a cancellation or need a refund, you must speak with a staff member to cancel, do not leave any messages to cancel. No shows will be charged the full price of the trip. PLEASE give us a call if you are expecting a delay or are not able to go on the day of your scheduled trip. We would be happy to reschedule your trip.

#GardinerStrong #YellowstoneRaftCompany

Yellowstone Raft Company Fire