
Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 200 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River worth booking?
Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River is a 2-hour experience in Gardiner, United States, from $95 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 200 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (200)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $95 per person
This scenic float is a relaxing rafting option for families with kids between the ages of 0-2, or elderly folks who may not feel up to a regular whitewater adventure. During this 6-mile trip, find yourself surrounded in nature’s beauty as you meander down the magnificent Yellowstone River.
What you get
About this experience
This scenic float is a relaxing rafting option for families with kids between the ages of 0-2, or elderly folks who may not feel up to a regular whitewater adventure. During this 6-mile trip, find yourself surrounded in nature’s beauty as you meander down the magnificent Yellowstone River.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Water shoes
Not included
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- DVD (available to purchase)
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Gardiner
Check-in 30 minutes prior to your trip
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Check-in 30 minutes prior to your trip
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Wild West Rafting
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 200 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
8 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
200 verified traveler reviews for Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lovely scenic rafting trip!
We were not sure if we would make it in time for a tour so didn't book ahead of time. So we walked in about an hour before and asked if there was space. They were able to get us on the next trip with 2 other couples. We were given water shoes to wear as water comes in the bottom of the boat and we rolled our pants up some. We put our layers on, as this the the second to last day before the end of the season, and off we went. Emmy was great. She got us through all the rapids nice and dry. It was very scenic and a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. At the end, our trip waited in the heated bus for the other more adventurous trip, that had left before us farther up the river to arrive. Because of the cold and wind (we were pretty frigid by the time we got off the water) and the waiting for the other trip, they gave us our pictures for free. That was nice of them!
via Tripadvisor
Must do Fun!
Had a great time! Thanks Emma! Beautiful views and great conversations!
via Tripadvisor
A scenic afternoon
A very fun afternoon! Joe is a fantastic raft guide! Highly recommend
Response from the operator: We are so happy to hear y'all had a great afternoon with Joe! He sure is awesome. Thank you so much for the review and recommending us others!!
via Tripadvisor
We did the scenic float...
We did the scenic float because we were a little apprehensive about the white water activity but now wishing we would have just went for it!!! Guide was great And spotted the wild life for us 😊
Response from the operator: Hi Mary, we are so happy to hear y'all had a great scenic float. The whitewater trips are definitely so much fun and are perfect right now for beginners. Thank you so much for the sweet review!!
via Viator
Fun fun fun
Great communication, lots of fun with great guides. I highly recommend it. Just enough excitement with beautiful scenery. You will get wet!
Response from the operator: We excited to hear y'all had a awesome time with our guides! The Yellowstone river has so much beautiful surrounding scenery. Thank you so much for the review!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 70
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Gardiner.
How much does Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River cost?
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Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Gardiner usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Gardiner is not rushed.
Is Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 200 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Gardiner, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River?
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Around 70 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Gardiner can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Gardiner and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Gardiner within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Gardiner?
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Gardiner sits at Yellowstone's only year-round entrance: Mammoth Hot Springs tours, Lamar Valley wolf and bison safaris at dawn, rafting on the Yellowstone River and winter wildlife trips. On Outty we rank every Gardiner experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Montana Whitewater Half Day Raft Trip - Yellowstone River, 2 Hour Rafting on the Yellowstone River, Guided Yellowstone Wildlife Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Gardiner?
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June to September, plus January to February for wolf watching. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Gardiner?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River?
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Included: Professional guide; and Water shoes. Not included: Drinks; Gratuities; DVD (available to purchase); and Souvenir photos (available to purchase). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River?
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Check-in 30 minutes prior to your trip Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Gardiner. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Scenic Float on the Yellowstone River?
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Across 200 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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