TRIP SNAP SHOT
There are a lot of exciting adventures to be had in and around Yellowstone Park, and sometimes you just can’t make up your mind! Combining whitewater rafting and horseback riding into one jam-packed adventure is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have and something to consider when booking Yellowstone vacation packages. Experience the thrill of exploring stunning landscapes while horseback riding near Yellowstone National Park, and rising to the challenge to combat intense rapids on a Yellowstone white water rafting tour. Who says you have to choose between the two? At Flying Pig Adventures, we want you to have the best of both worlds, and to us, that means indulging in both white water rafting and horseback riding in the same day.
9 am and 1 pm
Daily May through August
Our Paddle and Saddle trip is our most popular trip, but many of our guests have asked for an option that provides them with the flexibility to either travel or explore new areas after their adventure.
Enter the Paddle and Saddle Express! Enjoy a One Hour Horseback Ride followed by our fun 8 Mile Raft Trip. We offer this trip both morning and afternoon so you will still have time to spend the rest of your day exploring and playing in Yellowstone Park. This trip also allows for younger riders with the minimum age requirement of 7 years old for a one-hour ride!
This fun-filled family adventure adds a healthy dose of nature to your vacation. It enables you to get away from the digital life and interact with the outside world in a way you can only imagine (until you do it!). Book your Yellowstone Park tours adventure with Flying Pig Adventures today!
Here’s how it plays out:
- 1-hour horseback ride
- 8-mile raft trip
Minimum Age: 7 Years Old*
*Children under 7 who weigh at least 35 lb are welcome on rafting adventures.
Adult Price: $185
Child Price: $175
Full Itinerary +
8:00am (for morning session) or 12:00pm (for afternoon session): Check in at the Flying Pig Adventure Center at 511 Scott St. Gardiner, MT at 8:00 am or 12:00 pm, one hour prior to your ride. We will give you a map and driving directions up to the alpine ranch where the fun begins.
8:00am-8:30am / 12:00pm – 12:30pm: Drive approximately 20-30 minutes to our partner guest ranch in the mountains just east of Gardiner, MT in your own vehicle.
Please be advised: The drive to the ranch is up a mountainous, gravel road. For this reason, large RVs, travel trailers, motorcycles and vehicles with a clearance lower than a standard sedan are not recommended. We can provide transportation to the ranch for $15/person but it must be reserved in advance. Most SUVs and sedans do not have problems with this road going the recommended speed of 15-25 mph.
9:00am-10:00am / 1:00pm-2:00pm: The cowboys will greet you upon your arrival and match you up with one of their awesome steeds. After you get saddled up, your ride will travel through the beautiful Gallatin National Forest overlooking Yellowstone National Park, taking you through a series of meadows and forests. The beautiful vistas are unforgettable!
10:00am-10:45am / 2:00pm-2:45pm: Come back to our rafting headquarters and check in with the friendly administrative staff. We have changing rooms on site for you to change from your riding clothes to your rafting gear.
AM Session takes 11:15 am raft, check in for rafting at 10:45 am
PM Session takes 3:15 pm raft, check in for rafting at 2:45 pm
11:15am-1:00pm / 3:15pm-5:00pm (approximate end times): Row, row, row your boat 8 miles down our family-friendly stretch of the Yellowstone River! Appropriate for adults and kids 40 lbs. or heavier, your friendly & professional river guide will help you navigate this 8 mile stretch, while sharing history about the area, and their best jokes! We’ll pick you up at the take-out and bring you back to our headquarters in town where you’ll be able to view the photos taken by our professional photographer, who will have been following you on the river. You then have the option of purchasing single prints or a full CD of approximately 15-20 photos which you can print, share and post as often as you like!
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR TRIPS ON:
“This was our fourth trip adventure with the Flying Pig Adventure Company. Each time we come, we introduce new friends or family to the exceptional experience we have come to love with this rafting company. This time we had to make a few changes to our plans and made several calls to the company. Every time they were very accommodating and over the top willing to help us with our planning for a group of 13, some doing the the saddle/paddle express and some doing the paddle only.”
“Our guides were Libby and Shane this time. I was impressed with how they remembered everyone’s name immediately, and engaged easily with everyone young and old. If you are looking for a first time adventure or want one with more challenge, the Flying Pig is your go to company! I give them a 5 star rating for all of these reasons and too many more to mention. Thank you Flying Pig for giving us an exceptional experience as always….until next time…when Pigs fly….we will dream of our return!!” – – Budzhouse
“My friend and I drove cross-country and decided to stop in Gardiner for some fun filled adventures. Since we were limited in time, we decided on the ‘express’ tour that included a 1-hour trail ride and 8 mi. (1 – 1.5 hr) rafting experience.The itinerary sent with email confirmation clearly outlined the day with driving instructions and approximate time frames of where to be and when.”
Riding instructors were knowledgeable and friendly (shoutout our friend from the Bay Area!!) The weather was very nice (we did the morning session before it go too hot). Garth was our raft guide – awesome guy. Best part of the trip was hopping out of the raft for a quick dip and it was so fun! Highly recommend.” – Libby
FAQs
WHAT DO WE WEAR HORSEBACK RIDING?
Long pants, closed-toe shoes. Every horse will also have a small saddle bag so you’ll have minimal storage for things like a camera, water bottle and a light jacket. Please know that this trip will go rain or shine, unless the ranch determines that the trail conditions are too dangerous. If it’s raining and the ride is still going, you will need to provide your own rain gear as the ranch does not have any for you to use.
WHAT DO WE WEAR WHITEWATER RAFTING?
Bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts; anything you’re comfortable getting wet. Synthetic or quick-drying clothing is preferred over cotton. For your feet, we recommend a water shoe that secures around the ankle (no flip flops or Crocs). We also have river shoes available for your use, included in the price.