Paddle & Saddle
Ride the high country above Yellowstone with our partner ranch, then raft the 8-Mile from our shop. Two Montana icons in one easy day, and we've got the timing down to a science.
Pick your day
Both start at our shop in Gardiner, ride at Hell's A-Roarin' Ranch and finish on the 8-Mile. Prices are per adult, all-in.
A one-hour trail ride, then the 8-Mile Raft Trip. About 4½ hours, morning or afternoon, with time left for the park.
✓ Fits your crew
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Not bookable on the day.
A 1.5-hour ride, lunch on us in Gardiner, then the 8-Mile in the afternoon. The full ranch-and-river day.
✓ Fits your crew
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Not bookable on the day.
| Express | Adventure | |
|---|---|---|
| Fits your crew? | ||
| Ride | 1 hour | 1.5 hours |
| Lunch | Not included | Included, in Gardiner |
| Raft | The 8-Mile | The 8-Mile |
| Times | Check in 8:00, ride 9:00, raft 11:15; or check in 12:00, ride 1:00, raft 3:15 | Check in 10:00, ride 11:00, lunch, raft 3:15, done about 5:15 |
| Your day | About 4½ hours | Most of the day |
| Riders | 7 and up | 7 and up |
| Next open departure | ||
| Your family, all-in |
Not sure it’s Paddle & Saddle? Find your trip in four questions
How it works
511 Scott Street West in Gardiner. We give you directions to the ranch.
Drive about 20 to 30 minutes up to Hell's A-Roarin' Ranch for a trail ride overlooking Yellowstone.
Back at the shop, walk down to your raft waiting in the water. No bus ride.
Staying in West Yellowstone or Bozeman? Lots of our Paddle & Saddle guests drive over for the day. Plan to be at our shop in Gardiner for check-in.
Our ranch partner
The Johnson family has been living and working their alpine ranch since the 1930s. Ride with views of Mammoth Hot Springs, the Yellowstone River and 11,000-foot Electric Peak.
Reviews
“My son (10) and I did a 1 hour horseback riding/8 mile water rafting experience… Our guide, Baxter, was incredible! My son can't stop raving about him.”
“We went Horseback riding with Maryeus and Rowland who were excellent guides and took good care of us throughout the countryside. It was a beautiful ride… Whitewater rafting was a lot of fun as well, we had a great guide Michael who kept us on course through the rapids.”
“We took the paddle and saddle package… The staff were very knowledgeable and safety conscious. We saw a herd of elk while riding.”
Good to know
Most riders pick the Express: an hour on horseback is plenty for most people, and you're done in about 4½ hours with time left for the park. Choose the Adventure if you'd like a longer ride and lunch included.
No. Horses are limited, so we don't book Paddle & Saddle on the day of the trip. Book a few days ahead, or call us and we'll check what's open.
Riders need to be at least 7. Younger kids who weigh about 45 lb or more can still raft: book them on the 8-Mile at the same time.
No. These are gentle trail rides, nose to tail with a wrangler, and most of our riders are beginners.
Yes, lots of our Paddle & Saddle guests drive over from West Yellowstone or Bozeman. Plan your drive so you're at our shop in Gardiner for check-in, and pick the afternoon Express if you'd rather not start early.
Yes. You check in at our shop, then drive about 20 to 30 minutes up a gravel road to Hell's A-Roarin' Ranch. Most cars and SUVs are fine; large RVs and trailers are not.
Trail rides above Yellowstone with our partner ranch, plus the cowboy cookout.
✓ Fits your crew
From $167.50per rider, all-in
Your family: $167.50 all-in
Most popularFun splashes and rolling waves, right from our shop. The easy family win.
✓ Fits your crew
From $92.40per adult, all-in
Your family: $92.40 all-in
A night at the ranch with two rides and a cowboy cookout, then the Overnight Raft Trip.
✓ Fits your crew
From $951.50per adult, all-in
Your family: $951.50 all-in
Book the Express online, or call and an owner will help you plan the day.
Tell us once: every trip then shows whether it fits your crew and your all-in total.
Nothing saved yet. Tap “Add to your plan” on any trip or departure. Tell us who’s coming first and every page shows what fits.
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