Ride a 1-hour mountain trail with small groups overlooking Yellowstone
one-hour
Guided trail ride
Saddle up for a one-hour horseback ride in the mountains overlooking Yellowstone. Ride in a small group and pause for views of Mammoth Hot Springs, the Yellowstone River, and Electric Peak.
Minimum age is 5 years old. Check in at The Flying Pig Raft Company 1 hour before departure, then drive your own vehicle to the ranch. The gravel road is steep in spots and not suitable for large RVs.
Payment is due at the time of reservation. No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of departure. Cancellations made outside of 48 hours before departure will receive a refund in full. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather, mechanical failure, unsafe conditions, or insufficient reservations.
The source lists two different minimum ages: 5 years old and 7 years old. Confirm the minimum age that applies to your date before you book.
Yes. After you check in, you drive to the ranch in your own vehicle.
No. The gravel road is maintained but steep in some spots and is not suitable for large RVs.
511 Scott Street, Gardiner, MT
Mammoth Hot Springs sits at the northern gateway of Yellowstone National Park, a surreal landscape of terraced travertine formations sculpted over thousands of years by mineral-rich waters rising from deep underground. The area feels like a world apart from the rest of Yellowstone, with its chalky white and rust-colored steps cascading down the hillsides, steam drifting across the pines, and elk often wandering through the historic district below. For travelers arriving from the north entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs is the first true taste of Yellowstone's geothermal wonder, and pairing a visit here with a one-hour horseback trail ride just outside the park creates the kind of full-bodied Western day that lingers in memory long after the trip ends.
The horseback trail ride unfolds in the rolling country near Yellowstone, where seasoned guides match riders with calm, sure-footed horses suited to the terrain. As you move along the trail, the scent of sage and pine fills the air, hooves crunch softly over dirt and gravel, and big-sky views open across meadows that have changed little since the days of early park explorers. After the ride, the short drive to Mammoth Hot Springs places you among boardwalks that wind past Palette Spring, Minerva Terrace, and the Liberty Cap, each formation glowing in shades of orange, cream, and pale blue. The contrast between the saddle and the steaming terraces gives the day a satisfying rhythm, quiet motion followed by slow, wide-eyed wandering.
This pairing is ideal for families with older children, couples seeking a romantic taste of the West, and first-time Yellowstone visitors who want more than a windshield tour. Beginners are welcome on the trail ride, and the relaxed pace leaves plenty of energy for exploring Mammoth Hot Springs afterward, whether that means strolling the Upper Terrace Drive, photographing elk near the historic Fort Yellowstone buildings, or simply pausing to watch the steam curl into the sky. For anyone dreaming of an authentic Yellowstone day, a trail ride combined with Mammoth Hot Springs delivers the landscape, the wildlife, and the wonder all at once.
Flying Pig's guides consistently steal the show here. Seth, Preston, Freddy, Bobby, Iver, and Cadence all get enthusiastic shout-outs for being knowledgeable, fun, and excellent with kids. The staff creates an energetic, friendly atmosphere that makes families feel comfortable and entertained throughout their trips. Wildlife spotting along the Yellowstone River adds natural excitement, with guests mentioning elk sightings and beautiful scenery between the rapids. The operation itself runs smoothly from start to finish. Multiple reviewers praise the seamless booking process and organization, with staff going the extra mile (like Ava helping plan an entire anniversary day). One practical advantage: they're the only Gardiner company that starts right at their riverside location, meaning no bus ride to begin your adventure. The 8-mile trip seems particularly popular, lasting around two hours with opportunities to jump in the water. One guest did mention the road to their cowboy cookout location is rough for RVs, so smaller vehicles are recommended for that particular experience. Overall, this is a family-friendly outfit with genuinely excellent guides who know the river and make people want to return.
Awesome trip and awesome river raft guide! A good time was had by all! Thank you Captain Bobby! We will be back!
Trisha Herscher
December 30, 2025
Awesome trip and awesome river raft guide! A good time was had by all! Thank you Captain Bobby! We will be back!
Trisha Herscher
December 30, 2025