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

From Gardiner: Yellowstone River Scenic Float

2. 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.

Gardiner: Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Guided Tour

3. 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. 

From Gardiner: Yellowstone Canyon & Waterfalls Wildlife Tour

4. From Gardiner: Yellowstone Canyon & Waterfalls Wildlife Tour

Join a guided group to visit wildlife-rich northern Yellowstone searching for elk, bison, and other wildlife on the way to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. We’ll enjoy spectacular sunrise views of Yellowstone’s Northern Range, marvel at the geology and natural history of the Yellowstone Volcano, stand in awe of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and its radiant walls, explore the ever-growing travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs, and learn about Native people, explorers, and foundational conservationists whose efforts protected Yellowstone for future generations. If time allows, your guide may include stops to enjoy additional points of interest including Tower Fall, Norris Geyser Basin, Upper Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone Caldera, Steamboat Geyser, and/or historic Fort Yellowstone.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Loop Hike with Lunch

5. 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.

Lamar Valley: Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch

6. 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.

Gardiner: Yellowstone National Park Half Day Guided Hike

7. Gardiner: Yellowstone National Park Half Day Guided Hike

Enjoy a half-day hiking tour which is perfect for families and individuals who want to see as much of the Yellowstone ecosystem as possible in a limited amount of time.  Travel in a climate-controlled, all-terrain vehicle from your accommodation in Gardiner. Meet your guide at your hotel in Gardiner and hop aboard a comfortable vehicle. Relax on the drive to the start of your hiking adventure. Discover pristine rivers, streams, and lakes. Go out in search of geysers, mud pots and hot springs. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, vast meadow systems, and towering mountain peaks. In the winter, hike in areas that are accessible, such as Yellowstone's Northern Range, where you will spot a lot of wildlife and see the beautiful winter scenery. Walk with a guide that is focused on keeping you safe from wildlife while also giving you an opportunity to see their beauty. Move at a comfortable pace and hike anywhere between 5,500 feet and 10,000 feet in elevation.

Yellowstone: Upper Geyser Basin Hike with Lunch

8. 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.

Bozeman: Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park with Hotel

9. Bozeman: Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park with Hotel

Days 1 & 2 Yellowstone National Park: Departs 8 am Bozeman The crown jewel of the National Parks! The world’s first national park. A mountain wilderness, home to grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of buffalo and elk. Visit the Northern section of the park over the next 2 days - enjoy your first day exploring this huge and fascinating national park with your expert guide. Highlights include Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs and more. An early start on day 2 will begin with a local Wolf Tracking Expert. A tour like no other- with a chance to view and track Yellowstone’s wolf packs within the park. Learn about the famous packs of Yellowstone with this full day excursion. Includes local Expert Wolf tracker, further exploration of the park in the afternoon. Hotel In Gardiner - 2 nights Days 3 & 4 Yellowstone National Park Over the next 2 days, explore the center and southern part of the park with your expert guide. Visit Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Pool, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and West Thumb Geyser Basin. On the afternoon of day 4, you will have the option to visit the Wolf and Grizzly Bear Center for an up close and personal tour of this wildlife sanctuary and its inhabitants. Hotel in West Yellowstone - 2 nights Day 5 Grand Teton National Park: ending in Jackson, WY. Spend today exploring Grand Teton National Park. The Grand Teton Mountain Range rises above a scene rich with abundant wildlife, pristine lakes, and spectacular mountain peaks. Take a walk to Inspiration Point or enjoy a scenic stroll around Jenny Lake while gazing up in awe at the surrounding landscape. Have a picnic, spot and moose, or even a grizzly bear and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place. Look for moose, elk, beaver, and black bears. This tour ends in Jackson approx 6 p.m. drop-off. Drop at Antler Inn.

Bozeman: Yellowstone Wolves and Winter 4Day/3Night Adventure

10. Bozeman: Yellowstone Wolves and Winter 4Day/3Night Adventure

Experience wolves in the wilds of Yellowstone and other epic wildlife in their winter habitat on this amazing tour! Witness the 'American Serengeti' (considered to be the best place to view wolves on Earth) like few ever do on this small group eco-tour adventure. Your excursion begins in Bozeman, Montana, with overnight stays in Gardiner, Montana and Cooke City Montana. You will spend 4 days with a professional, local guide and naturalist exploring in a small vehicle (suburban or larger vehicle). You will traverse Yellowstone National Park in search of wildlife such as wolves, elk, bison, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bald eagles, fox, and coyotes in Lamar Valley. Guests will have ample photo opportunities to capture the wondrous winter wildlife and landscape of Yellowstone, and should expect to be getting in and out of the vehicle throughout the day to view wildlife. Binoculars and scope will be provided on each tour to view wildlife that is far away. Day 1: Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park Get picked up at your hotel in Bozeman by your guide, then head into Yellowstone National Park. On the way, stop for wildlife and winter scenery photo opportunities. Possible wildlife sightings include fox, bald eagles, golden eagles, bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and coyotes. Afterward, stay the night at a cozy lodge in Gardiner, Montana, and spend your evening exploring the mountain town. Day 2: Gardiner to Cooke City To get the best chance for natural predation and wildlife viewing, depart early (7 AM) and eat breakfast in the field while looking for wolves. The northern range of Yellowstone has been called the best place on earth to view wolves. Other wildlife you may see are bison, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, red foxes, bald eagles, and golden eagles. Day 3: Wildlife All Day Depart early, as more game drives mean more opportunity for wildlife sightings. Your first pack territory will be the Lamar Canyon pack. Post up, drink warm drinks, and wait for the light to present what the morning has to offer. The guide will be communicating with other guides and wolf researchers to offer you the best sightings possible. By 11 AM, head in for lunch to warm up before embarking on another afternoon of wildlife observation. Day 4: Cooke City to Bozeman Your last morning offers a great opportunity to see wolves in their native state. You may witness wolves interacting with other wolf packs in territorial disputes, or see wolves trailing along the river bank during the morning hunt. Wolves can often be seen in social posturing, howling, eating, or just resting. After the morning wildlife viewing, make your way to Mammoth Hot Springs and out the Yellowstone River corridor to Bozeman, Montana where you'll say your goodbyes. Guests will return to the Bozeman area between 2-6 p.m. approximately, depending on area road conditions.

Add dates

Things to do in
Gardiner, Montana

Gardiner, Montana
11 activities found
Sort by:

Go beyond Gardiner, Montana

Explore all

Other Sightseeing Options in Gardiner, Montana

Want to discover all there is to do in Gardiner, Montana? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Gardiner, Montana

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 101 reviews

We had an amazing time with our guide George! He shared so much information with us about the history and geology of the park. We saw so many amazing things. Also, we saw so much wildlife! He put us on grizzlies, moose, river otters, elk, etc. he brought a ton of optics to help us get a great view from a safe distance. George went above and beyond all expectations we had. He also is a great photographer and got amazing shots of us with the different falls and features of Yellowstone!I highly recommend this tour!

Great river rafting trip. Wetsuits, jackets & neoprene booties provided. Lunch on the banks of the River was good (sandwiches, chips, watermelon, cookies, water and lemonade). Our raft navigator (Bailey) was very skilled at guiding us down the River and telling us the names of the rapids we went over. Definitely recommend this tour. We went 18 miles, through a canyon, and even saw a bald eagle sitting on a rock in the bank.

Whirlwind tour of Yellowstone with the amazing and knowledgeable Eddie. Full of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and wildlife. Small group of 8 plus our guide Eddie who was very accommodating to the group while also making sure we weren't missing out on the best sights.

Tour guide was knowledgeable, informative and enthusiastic. Great views and environmental awareness. Bag lunch was better than expected. All in all an excellent experience.

2 very full days discovering a variety of wildlife and visiting iconic Yellowstone sites. Exceptional historical and personal stories shared by guide.