Yellowstone River Inflatable Kayak Trip

Our kayaking trips require a minimum of 4 guests or equivalent cost, and a maximum of 8 guests. For this reason, this trip can only be reserved in increments of four guests. Whether there is one person in your group or 4, it's the same price.

Every guide is certified in CPR & Swift Water Rescue (industry standard) as well as at minimum Wilderness First Aid certified (ABOVE industry standard!). Our staff often upgrade to Wilderness First Responders or EMT certifications as well!

This trip does not enter the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. It is the closest rafting to Yellowstone National Park.

May can be beautiful but it can also be snowy or cold. It has varying water levels, as the water is coming up at this time of year. June brings full on high water and warm sunny days, with chilly nights. July is usually always sunny and warm, and water levels begin to drop. August starts getting a little chilly at night, with lower water. The weather in September can be spectacular but with low water.

The Gallatin River is a rocky, mountain whitewater river which make it a technical raft ride. It runs north through a canyon surrounded by lodge pole pine forest and rock outcroppings along Highway 191 between Big Sky and Gallatin Gateway. The Gallatin runs class IV+ at high water and class III during July and August.

The Yellowstone River is a high volume river that runs through a wide valley with rolling wave rapids. Our Yellowstone River trip starts in Gardiner where the river flows north along Highway 89. We recommend the Yellowstone for anyone who is a first time rafter or a little nervous about rafting. It’s fun but not scary!

No matter the time of year, we provide you with farmer John wetsuits, neoprene booties, fleece, and splash jackets, all free of charge.

If you are kayaking with us in May or June, you most likely will be wearing all the gear that we provide. In the early season, the river temperatures are chilly, even if the air temperatures are warm. The rivers warm up in July and August, but you are still welcome to use our gear if you get cold easily. Bring a bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit.

As the summer progresses, you will find that shorts, t-shirts, and water sandals are suitable for your raft trip. If you don’t have your own river shoes or sandals, feel free to borrow ours (washed after every use!).

We provide changing rooms and all the gear you need before you head out on your trip. Our guides will help you pick out what is needed and make sure you get the correct sizes.

Our gear is top of the line and washed after each use. We don’t charge for gear rental because we want you to have the best experience possible and not worry about hidden fees. Show up with a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirt, and sandals or shoes and we’ll take care of the rest!

There are times when we offer the gear but it is not mandatory. People who are cold by nature will appreciate it while the hardy folk will go without and be quite comfortable. If you are from somewhere warm, we are happy to bundle you up.

Nope, you don’t need previous experience for the inflatable kayak trip on the Yellowstone River — but a sense of adventure definitely helps! This section is well-suited for beginners who are ready to get a little wet and have fun. You'll be paddling your own boat, so comfort around moving water and a moderate fitness level are helpful. Guides will give a thorough safety talk and instruction before you hit the water, and they'll be nearby throughout the trip to support you if needed. It's a great way to step up the action from traditional rafting while still feeling safe and supported.