Morning or afternoon
Paddle & Saddle Express
Make the most of your day in Yellowstone with the Express Version of our Paddle Saddle!
- Ride
- 1 hour
- Raft
- 8-Mile
- Time
- About 4 hours
- Riders
- 7+
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your trip
- If we cancel for weather, you get a full refund
- No riding experience needed
- Small groupsOnly 10 people per cowboy
Fits your Yellowstone day
Time left for the park
- Morning sessionGrab lunch from the local market and head into Yellowstone for a full afternoon of hiking and sightseeing.
- Afternoon sessionSpend the morning exploring the northern portion of Yellowstone, then meet at our shop for riding and rafting.
Your half day
Choose your session
| Morning | Afternoon | |
|---|---|---|
| Check in at the shop | 8:00 am | 12:00 pm |
| Ride (after a 20–30 min drive) | 9:00–10:00 | 1:00–2:00 |
| Rafting check-in | 10:45 | 2:45 |
| 8-Mile raft | 11:15 to about 1:00 | 3:15 to about 5:00 |
| Lunch (not included) | After your trip | Before your trip |
Good to know
Before you go
- The driveIn your own vehicle on a gravel mountain road. Most SUVs and sedans do not have problems with this road going the recommended speed of 15–25 mph. More →
- Under 7?Children under 7 who weigh at least 45 lbs are welcome on rafting adventures. They can't ride, so book the 8-Mile for them. More →
- WearLong pants and closed-toe shoes to ride. Each horse has a small saddle bag for a camera, water bottle and light jacket. More →
- WeatherThis trip runs rain or shine unless trail conditions are too dangerous, so bring your own rain gear if needed.
Reviews of this trip
Riders on the Express
“…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… I was impressed with how they remembered everyone's name immediately, and engaged easily with everyone young and old.”
“Since we were limited in time, we decided on the 'express' tour… The itinerary sent with email confirmation clearly outlined the day with driving instructions and approximate time frames of where to be and when… Highly recommend.”
“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.”
Make it a bigger day
Add more Yellowstone
Paddle & Saddle Full DayA longer 1.5-hour ride, lunch on us, then the 8-Mile.From $342.40 all-inRide + Cowboy CookoutA sunset ride and a steak dinner at the ranch.From $277.50 all-inFAQ
Good questions
Express or Full Day?
The Paddle & Saddle Express is a half-day trip (about 4 hours total). The Full Day Paddle & Saddle includes a longer horseback ride (1.5 hours) and lunch (about 6.5 hours total). Full Day →
Is lunch included?
No, these half-day trips do not include lunch.
Does it leave time for Yellowstone?
Yes: the morning session leaves the afternoon free, and the afternoon session leaves the morning free.
Can a group mix riders and raft-only guests?
Yes. One group of 13 had "some doing the saddle/paddle express and some doing the paddle only." Groups →