FAQ's
What should I wear?
Wear casual clothes and soft soled, tie on shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Quick drying synthetic fibers are best but not necessary.Most days are sunny and warm, and you'll welcome the splash. But in the early season (May and June) the water is much colder. For that we recommend renting wetsuits (free of charge), and we have a large selection of high quality "Farmer John" wetsuits in sizes ranging from Kids XS to Adult 4X. Under your wetsuits you will want to wear something like a swimsuit or Under Armour that is light weight and not bulky. A wool sweater or fleece jacket can be worn over the top.
We require that you wear some type of shoe that straps to your feet, such as tennis shoes you don't mind getting wet, sport sandals, or water shoes. We have rental neoprene booties available for $2 a pair, if you don't want to get your shoes wet or don't have the right kind. No flip flops allowed (we have fished too many out of our beautiful river).
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. We recommend attaching valuables or leaving them locked in your car.
Bring extra clothes to change into after your trip. There are changing rooms in our office for you to use.
What is the weather like there?
Gardiner is considered the banana belt of Yellowstone due to its moderate weather and warm temperatures. In fact, many of the animals that call Yellowstone their home come down to Gardiner in the winter to eat and live. Often times it can be up to 20 degrees warmer in our valley than in parts of Yellowstone.Storms move through quickly and for that reason, it is rare that we cancel trips. It could be raining while you check in and hot and sunny for the duration of your raft trip. Of course your safety is our primary concern and we reserve the right to cancel trips due to cold temperatures and high winds.We go rain or shine. Rafting in the rain can be a pleasant surprise. Deep reds, greens, and yellows leap from the landscape with a little moisture and the smell of mountain rain mixed with sage brush fill your senses. We have all the gear to keep you warm...and what else would you do on a wet day?
Below is a list of Average high and lows in Fahrenheit for Gardiner:
| May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| low 40; high 70 | low 50; high 80 | low 55; high 90 | low 50; high 85 | low 40; high 75 |
Remember to pack a wide range of clothing for your trip to Yellowstone and Montana. In general, we see pleasant hot days and cool nights. So you can go from wearing sandals and shorts during the day to sweatshirts and winter hats at night. You may not need everything you bring, but you'll be happy you brought if you do need it. Of course you can always pick up a souvenir hoodie or hat while you're here.
Do you have any age restrictions?
The minimum age for our whitewater trips is 6 years old and 4 years old for the scenic trips. The child's discount rate is for kids 12 and under.At water levels above 14,000 cfs (that can occur during spring runoff and usually lasts a week or two), we reserve the right to restrict children under 12 from traveling through the canyon on our Full Day trips.
We have no maximum age restrictions.
Do you have any weight restrictions?
No, but every participant must be able to fit into and wear one of our life jackets. We have a variety of sizes to choose from and you are more than welcome to come in and try on one of our life jackets prior to your trip.The horseback portion of the Paddle and Saddle restricts riders over 250lbs.
Do I need to have prior whitewater experience?
No, this is a great river for first time rafters. The rivers sections are mostly fun class II and III, with medium sized waves. Our professional guides will teach you how to paddle, sit in a raft, and what to do if anything unexpected happens.
What is the river classification?
The Yellowstone River is classified as Class II-III rapids from Yellowstone National Park to Paradise Valley (the first 18 miles of legally navigable whitewater on the Yellowstone River). The rapids are rated on a scale of I-VI, with I being moving water and VI being unrunnable. Class II is waves up to about 3 feet, while Class III can encompass larger waves or obstacles.
Should I bring a camera?
We recommend bringing cameras only if they are waterproof. Photos are taken of most trips and you will have a chance to view and possibly purchase the photos in our office when you get back from your trip or later online. We also sell waterproof reusable cameras in our office.
What time do we need to arrive for our trip?
Please arrive a half hour before the scheduled trip departure time to sign waivers, pay, and get geared up. Travel in Yellowstone can be slow and it's best to allow extra time in case you see something you'd like to take a photo of or if there happens to be an animal traffic jam. Guests who arrive after the scheduled trip time will be rescheduled on the next available trip. *For scenic trips, guests may arrive 15 minutes prior to trip time.
How far are you from Yellowstone?
Our office is one block from the North Entrance of Yellowstone. We are about 5 miles or a 15 minute drive from Mammoth Hot Springs. Check out the Google map in the About Us section to gain a perspective.Other drive times and distances in and around Yellowstone National Park:
| Tower Roosevelt | 45 mins-1hr | 23 miles |
| Canyon | 1 & 1/2 hrs | 38 miles |
| Old Faithful | 2 hrs | 55 miles |
| Yellowstone Lake | 2 hrs | 55 miles |
| West Yellowstone | 1 & 1/2 hrs | 55 miles |
| Bozeman | 1 & 1/2 hrs | 86 miles |
| Livingston | 1 hr | 52 miles |
| Chico Hot Spring | 1/2 hr | 30 miles |