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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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