Top Activities on the Ground in Gardiner

Appease your appetite for adventure on a 2-hour rafting adventure of the Yellowstone River from Gardiner. Experience the exhilaration of rafting on the Yellowstone River without worrying about the rapids being too intense for younger travelers. Allow a professional guide to direct you to paddle hard and fast over thrilling rapids and, when you reach calmer sections of the water, stop for a refreshing swim in the Yellowstone River.

Succumb to the serenity of the Yellowstone River during a scenic 2-hour float on an inflated raft. With a professional guide, meander 6 miles past stunning scenery and incredible wildlife while listening to informative commentary. Bring a waterproof camera in order to capture photographs of Osprey birds and the magnificent Gallatin Mountains as you cruise down the beautiful river. This excursion is perfect for families with young children, and for those who prefer a more relaxed alternative to white water rafting.

Explore the splendor of Yellowstone National Park—and go at your own pace with an audio tour for your car. Choose the route and guided tour you’re most interested in and drive through the park with GPS directions enabled as you listen to the storied history and culture of this awe-inducing park. See famous sights like Old Faithful, Lamar Valley, and Mammoth Hot Springs, enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife.

Ideal for travelers with limited time in the region, this private, full-day excursion lets you skip the time-consuming group tours and see more of Yellowstone than you could alone—and not have to worry about traffic and parking. Choose between areas of the park, visiting geysers, canyons, and taking short hikes at your own pace (all with your own guide). Explore the famous landmarks or skip them entirely, as the day is up to you.

Escape the crowds of the world’s first national park with this “hidden Yellowstone” tour. Following your guide, you and your crew—and no one else—will go beyond the park’s main loops, scouting out lesser-trodden geysers, quiet wildlife hangouts, uncrowded waterfalls, and more. Exploring beyond the beaten path, you’ll get the Yellowstone experience most travelers can only dream of.

Avoid crowds and maximize your wildlife-viewing experience on this private Yellowstone tour led by a naturalist guide. Journey through Yellowstone National Park with hotel pickup while making frequent stops for wildlife encounters as well as scenic and secluded hikes to some of Yellowstone's best destinations and lesser-known geysers and hot springs off the beaten path.

Go beyond the crowds and follow a wildlife biologist/ecologist into the true wilds of Yellowstone. Visiting the Lamar Valley—the “Serengeti of Yellowstone”—and beyond, you’ll spy on bison, wolves, bears, coyotes, and more, all between witnessing geysers erupt and waterfalls cascade. Stop for a picnic lunch and take an easy hike or two for a bit more scenic exploration before ending your private, documentary-worthy adventure.

Step beyond the crowds and immerse yourself in Yellowstone’s untouched wilderness on a customized hiking adventure. With the Park Service estimating that nearly 98% of visitors never venture more than a half-mile from their cars, this is your chance to experience the true beauty of the park. Whether we’re following established trails or forging our own way off the beaten path, each trek is tailored to your fitness level and interests, guiding you to secluded spots and panoramic vistas that few ever see. Along the way, your expert naturalist guide will share fascinating insights into the park’s diverse ecosystems spotting animal tracks, bird nests, and even signs of beaver activity. We’ll uncover the hidden corners where wildlife thrives, explaining how creatures adapt to this dynamic landscape and what makes each place unique for them.

Yellowstone National Park sits atop one of the largest active volcanic systems on the planet, where the ground itself seems alive—bubbling, steaming, and erupting with remarkable energy. With more than 10,000 thermal features, including over 500 active geysers, Yellowstone is home to the highest concentration of geothermal activity found anywhere on Earth. At the heart of this dynamic landscape lies the Yellowstone Caldera, a vast super volcano whose last major eruption occurred roughly 640,000 years ago. Today, its immense underground heat continues to drive the park’s constantly evolving surface features. Enjoy a safe, engaging, and educational adventure which is private, and fully customizable experience tailored to your group. Led by a professional local guide, observe Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.

Spend a day exploring Yellowstone's Lower Loop on this excursion from Gardiner. Alongside a private guide, head south and focus on the national park's natural landscapes and thermal features. Over the course of the day visit the area's popular landmarks including the iconic Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, Craig Pass, and the West Thumb Thermal Basin.

Experience the ultimate Yellowstone full day private tour, designed entirely around your group’s interests and preferences. This customized adventure allows us to adjust the itinerary to ensure you see the sights and explore the areas that matter most to you. From the mesmerizing geyser basins and stunning waterfalls to dramatic canyons and vibrant hot springs, every stop showcases the park’s incredible beauty. Along the way, we’ll be on the lookout for Yellowstone’s iconic wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves, giving you a chance to witness these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Our expert guides will enrich your journey by sharing captivating stories about Yellowstone’s human and geological history. You’ll also learn fascinating details about the park’s unique flora and fauna. Please note that new National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination, not when you book.

Hike in grizzly and wolf territory with an experienced guide. For this hike we will be making an effort to avoid these predators while learning all about Yellowstone along the way. Mike, the owner of Montana Yellowstone Tours will be guiding your trip.

Join us for an early morning adventure as we head out before sunrise in search of grizzly bears and wolves. Spend the day exploring a pristine, protected area where wild predators roam freely. With a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests, you can choose the activities and locations that excite you most. Let us know how we can make your Yellowstone experience unforgettable.

Don't just dream of the wild – live it. Spaces on these highly sought-after adventures are limited, especially during prime viewing seasons. Secure your chance to photograph incredible moments, hear the echoes of the wild, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We create personalized, private tours built around your pace, interests, and sense of adventure. Unlike larger companies with fixed routes, we design each trip according to your needs and wishes—if you want a quiet day with fewer stops or a jam-packed adventure, we’ll make it happen. We take time to avoid crowds, explore hidden gems, and adapt each day based on conditions and your preferences. With years of experience in and around Yellowstone, we know how to turn a visit into something truly memorable. Our comfortable van, hearty local meals, and thoughtful planning ensure your trip is both fun and seamless. We help you connect with Yellowstone—like we would a close friend.

Yellowstone is the perfect setting for a family adventure, where curiosity runs wild and learning happens naturally. This Family Adventure tour is designed with both kids and adults in mind, creating experiences that are not only fun and active, but also spark a lifelong appreciation for nature. With expert guides leading the way, your family will explore some of the park’s most fascinating landscapes and wildlife habitats in an approachable, engaging way. Using spotting scopes and binoculars, we help young eyes focus on the action from a safe distance while offering fun facts and playful interactions that keep everyone involved. As animals retreat for their midday rest, we head out on foot for a hands-on exploration of Yellowstone’s hidden wonders. Whether it’s animal tracks, feathers, antlers, or even a little scat (yes—poop!), there’s always something exciting to discover and talk about.

Step into the heart of Yellowstone’s wilderness for a full day of immersive wildlife photography, where every corner of the landscape holds the potential for an unforgettable shot. Yellowstone’s diverse ecosystems offer a rare opportunity to photograph animals in their natural rhythms, habitats, and the glowing, magical light created by the park’s geysers and hot springs. From the iconic Lamar and Hayden Valleys to the geothermal wonders of Norris Geyser Basin or the serene landscapes surrounding Yellowstone Lake, you’ll have the chance to capture Yellowstone’s wildlife and breathtaking scenery in a variety of settings that align with your personal photographic interests. With your experienced Naturalist Photographer Guide leading the way, we’ll explore the best known habitats for wolves, bears, bison, and many other species. Much of our time will be spent during the magical low-light hours when predators are most active, giving you the greatest chance to capture natural behavior.