Things to do in
Gardiner, Montana

Our most recommended things to do in Gardiner, Montana

Jackson: 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour with Lunches

1. Jackson: 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour with Lunches

Explore Yellowstone National Park in its entirety on this 2-day guided tour. Discover the highlights of the park including the Old Faithful Area, Norris Geyser Basin, Lake Yellowstone, and a wide variety of natural landmarks. Enjoy included pickup and lunches. Start out from Jackson, Wyoming, and head north on the first day through Yellowstone, taking in about half of the park. Spend the night at the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort located to the north of the park, or at a cozy hotel in the charming town of Gardiner. On the second day, head south to see the rest of Yellowstone, ultimately returning to Jackson, Wyoming in the evening. Your tour includes the Upper and Lower loops of Yellowstone National Park. Visit all major points of interest, and enjoy a number of opportunities to take short hikes on boardwalks in many of the Geyser Basins and within the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Major points of interest include: • Upper Geyser Basin (the Old Faithful Area)• Midway Geyser Basin• Firehole Lake Loop• Fountain Paint Pots• Firehole River Canyon• Gibbon Falls • Artist Paint Pots• Norris Geyser Basin• Roaring Mountain• Gardiner's Hole• The Golden Gate• The Hoodoos• Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace• Gardiner River• The Boiling River• Roosevelt Arch• Undine Falls• Blacktail Plateau• Petrified Tree• Roosevelt area• Lamar Valley• Tower Falls• Dunraven Pass• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (upper and lower falls)• Hayden Valley• Sulphur Cauldron• Mud Volcano Area• Fishing Bridge• Lake Yellowstone

Gardiner: Yellowstone River Half-Day Whitewater Rafting

2. Gardiner: Yellowstone River Half-Day Whitewater Rafting

Experience rafting in one of the remote areas along the Yellowstone River. Your guides will travel down the rapids and floating sections of the river with you before you’re taken back to your meeting point at the end of the trip.After meeting at the departure point, you'll get fully geared up for rafting. All equipment is included. Once you're all geared up, you'll be transported by bus to the river entrance where you will meet your river guide.From there, your experience begins as you paddle and splash along 8 miles of gorgeous river. There is a splendid mixture of rapids and calm floating sections to appease every adventure level. You'll be picked up 2 hours later and taken back to the meeting point where you'll have access to changing room facilities and view the rafting images taken of you and your crew.

From Gardiner: Yellowstone River Scenic Float

3. From Gardiner: Yellowstone River Scenic Float

A guide will expertly row your raft down the river, avoiding major rapids and splashing through some of the more mild rapids to cool you off. Enjoy 6 miles of stunning scenery as you float down the incredible Yellowstone River. Pick up interesting insights into the area from your guide. Arrive at the meeting point for a quick and easy check-in with minimal paperwork and fuss. There are dressing rooms for your convenience. When it's time to hit the road, leave all your worries behind as you board the bus and then the shuttle across town to the river access point. After a safety briefing, hop aboard to enter the Yellowstone River. Bring your waterproof cameras on this Yellowstone float trip to ensure you capture every moment of your tour. It is not uncommon to see wildlife such as Osprey birds, geese, deer, and maybe even a Bald Eagle. Marvel at unbelievable views of the Gallatin and Absaroka mountain ranges, sitting to the east of the Yellowstone River.

From Gardiner: Yellowstone River Whitewater Rafting & Lunch

4. From Gardiner: Yellowstone River Whitewater Rafting & Lunch

Experience rafting in one of the remote areas along the Yellowstone River. Your guides will travel down the rapids and floating sections of the river with you before you’re taken back to your meeting point at the end of the trip.You'll be equipped with any necessary gear and a safety briefing from your expert rafting guide before you depart to tour down 18 miles of the Yellowstone River. Upon completing the first 10 miles, you can expect to stop for lunch on a small island.Proceed rafting through the famous Yankee Jim Canyon to round out an adventure-packed day. We will equip you with any necessary gear and a safety briefing from your expert rafting guide. The rest of the trip takes place in this canyon where the waves increase in excitement.During the floating sections, relish in the beautiful Absaroka mountains and take in every last bit of Big Sky Country. As your trip comes to an end, you will be picked up at the stopping point.You can relax on the short drive back to the meeting point, where you will have the chance to change and view the photos captured during your adventure.

Lamar Valley: Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch

5. Lamar Valley: Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch

Meet the guide at the Lamar River Trailhead at 8 am. Gear up with packs, trekking poles, binoculars, and bear spray while enjoying a morning snack and hot drink (coffee/tea/cocoa). Hit the trail for a hike in the Serengeti of North America after a brief safety presentation. Spot wildlife like bison, pronghorn, bear, wolf, elk, birds, and more with binoculars from the trail. Hike across the Lamar Valley to the Lamar River for a picnic lunch riverside. Stop to smell the sage along the way. Be immersed in Native American history while taking in the miles and miles of vast scenery. Follow your guide on bison trails in the world's first National Park.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Loop Hike with Lunch

6. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Loop Hike with Lunch

See the Upper and Lower Falls, Yellowstone's most iconic waterfalls, on this guided hike. Explore Yellowstone's outstanding natural beauty as you see thermals, lakes, and valleys. Meet your guide at the Upper Falls Viewing Area on the South Rim Drive at 8 AM. Gear up with packs, trekking poles, binoculars, and bear spray while enjoying a morning snack and hot drink of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Take in a brief safety presentation. Then, hit the trail for a hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Hike to Artist Point for incredible views of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Marvel at Yellowstone's most famous waterfall which plunges for over 300 feet. Continue off the beaten path in to Yellowstone's endless pines. Walk along Native trails past a thermal area with mudpots and steam vents. Stop for a picnic lunch on the trail. Spot wildlife in the nearby Hayden Valley as you take in everything this environment has to offer.

Gardiner: Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Guided Tour

7. Gardiner: Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Guided Tour

Join this half-day tour from Gardiner and explore the incredible natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park with your educated guide. Learn about wildlife movement patterns through the park and how to best spot the herds of animals. Enjoy a delicious, packed breakfast and lunch along the way! Meet your guide at the designated point or be collected from your hotel in Gardiner to begin your half-day tour. Ride in comfort in the SUV vehicle as you cover as much ground as possible. Spot the amazing herds of animals constantly moving through the park in search ofgreener pastures. Travel to wildlife hot spots with your experienced guide and make sure you have your camera ready to capture these unforgettable memories!  For those who like to get even closer to nature, there will be the option of a short hike during the tour. Your knowledgeable guide will show you where to safely observe the wildlife both in the vehicle and on foot so you can feel completely relaxed during your Yellowstone experience. 

Gardiner: Half Day Whitewater Raft Trip on the Yellowstone

8. Gardiner: Half Day Whitewater Raft Trip on the Yellowstone

You will meet at our riverfront office on Main Street in Gardiner to check in with our office staff and our guides will get you outfitted with all the equipment needed. We provide wetsuits, booties, and splash tops all free of charge! Show up with a bathing suit to wear under the wetsuit, or synthetic layers that can dry quick if wetsuits are not required. We have cubbies and bins to keep your dry clothes and valuables in and the office staff has a place for your car keys. We will shuttle you a short drive across town where you will get our safety talk to outline the dos and don't of rafting. Then hit the water! Our Yellowstone River Rafting 8 Mile Paradise Trip begins at the northern border of Yellowstone National Park, right where the Gardiner River converges with the mighty Yellowstone River. This trip is fun for the whole family! A guide in every raft will have you riding the waves at Man-Eater Hole, Boonie’s Revenge and Sleeping Giant! Take in the breathtaking view of Devil’s Slide. Float through some flat water stretches that are great for swimming and relaxing. This trip is great for first-time rafters or family groups with wide age and ability ranges. This trip is 8 miles on the river and can be up to 3 hours door to door approximately depending on water levels. Boats usually accommodate 8-12 people depending on size and group demands. We will pick you up at the end of the trip, for a short 15 minute drive back to our office and your dry clothes! Our professional photographers will get shots of you throughout the trip. Trip photos, apparel, snacks and souvenirs are available for purchase right at the office.

Yellowstone: Upper Geyser Basin Hike with Lunch

9. Yellowstone: Upper Geyser Basin Hike with Lunch

Explore an area home to more than half of the world's thermal features such as Old Faithful, Morning Glory Pool, and the Upper Geyser Basin. Learn about the unique geology of Yellowstone's hot spots and experience it firsthand on a guided hiking tour that includes snacks and lunch. Meet your naturalist guide at the Biscuit Basin Trailhead. Gear up with packs, trekking poles, binoculars, and bear spray while enjoying a morning snack and hot drink. After a brief safety presentation, hit the trail for a hike among geysers, hot springs, and steam vents. See the iconic Old Faithful Geyser, Morning Glory Pool, and many other thermal features along the boardwalks and trails of the Upper Geyser Basin. Hike alongside your guide to understand the environment around you. Look for some of the rarest animals on earth. Watch for bisons on the trail as you explore a super volcano. You may see some geysers erupt such as Beehive Geyser, Grand Geyser, Castle Geyser, Grotto Geyser, Riverside Geyser, and Daisy Geyser.

Yellowstone National Park: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour

10. Yellowstone National Park: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour

Welcome to the Yellowstone National Park tour, powered by the Shaka Guide audio tour app. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through this iconic wilderness, where geothermal wonders, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes await. With Shaka Guide as your virtual guide, you'll have access to fascinating commentary, insider tips, and captivating stories, ensuring an immersive and enriching experience. Here are some of the main tourist attractions you'll encounter along the way: -Old Faithful: Witness the iconic geyser's impressive eruptions on a regular schedule. -Grand Prismatic Spring: Marvel at the vibrant colors of this enormous hot spring. -Yellowstone Lake: Discover the serenity of the largest high-elevation lake in North America. -Mammoth Hot Springs: Explore the terraces of stunning mineral formations. -Norris Geyser Basin: Witness the power and beauty of Yellowstone's hottest and most dynamic geyser basin. -Lamar Valley: Encounter diverse wildlife, including wolves, bears, and herds of bison. -Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls: Be captivated by the thundering cascades of these majestic waterfalls. -Hayden Valley: Observe herds of bison and other wildlife in this picturesque valley. -Artist Point: Enjoy panoramic views of the Yellowstone Canyon and Lower Falls. -Tower Fall: Admire the 132-foot waterfall plunging into the scenic Yellowstone River. During your Yellowstone National Park tour, the Shaka Guide app will provide you with engaging audio commentary, highlighting the park's unique geology, intriguing history, and abundant wildlife. Learn about the geological forces that shaped the park, from the supervolcano beneath your feet to the explosive power of geysers and hot springs. Throughout your Yellowstone National Park tour with Shaka Guide, you'll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, take in the stunning vistas, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this remarkable national park. Let the Shaka Guide app be your ultimate companion, providing you with informative and entertaining commentary as you navigate the awe-inspiring landscapes, encounter incredible wildlife, and create lifelong memories in Yellowstone National Park. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

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What people are saying about Gardiner, Montana

Overall rating

5.0
(101 reviews)

This was the most amazing trip, thanks to our tour guide John Putrino! He found lots of wildlife for us to see. He was extremely knowledgeable, able to answer every question we had. John gave us lots and lots of information about Yellowstone. We were very glad that we took this tour because we would never have known these facts. He was very personable, and friendly. The lunches were filling and delicious. We had two full days and covered all of Yellowstone. Definitely take this tour since you cannot see and learn on your own. Worth the money! All thanks to John!

My partner and I enjoyed the 2 day Yellowstone Tour very much. Our guide Rowan did great job getting us around to many sights in a short time. We were so lucky to have such beautiful weather for September. We saw some wildlife including bison, elk and mountain goats. The Canyon Falls just may be the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen! The stay at Chico Springs was pleasant. I can recommend this tour highly. Kerrie & Stefan

Great couple of days exploring Yellowstone with small group and very knowledgeable guide Rohan. Lots of awe-inspiring sights and learnt a lot about the history of Yellowstone natural wonders.

Exactly what we were looking for on a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon on the water. Bailey was a terrific guide and the rest of the crew was fun, laid-back but highly professional.

Great our guide was John. Very informative and helpful Keen to find us great views and all wildlife Thanks for a great two days Dave and Annie