Yellowstone National Park is chock full of fascinating sites and attractions. Beyond the park, there is so much to do and explore, it’s a bit overwhelming! Turn to Flying Pig Adventure Company, and let them help make the most of a few days in the Yellowstone area. Pssst… there’s a good reason Flying Pig maintains a 5-star rating on Trip Advisor: they’re experienced, friendly, and create lasting impressions on their clients. So, buckle up for a few days on the Yellowstone River or on the back of a horse.
This article was created in partnership with Flying Pig Adventure Company, Montana. All photos courtesy of Flying Pig Adventure Company.
Day 1 in Yellowstone: Thrills on the river!
Your first day of adventure is all about water! First, choose a scenic whitewater rafting trip that fits your adventure agenda. Float eight to 18 miles on the Yellowstone River, encountering exciting rapids and maybe even spotting wildlife such as bald eagles, osprey, elk, bison, or even a bear! Adventure junkies should sign up for river trips through the end of July as the rapids are much larger. After July, the water is a bit tamer, offering more relaxing rides down the Yellowstone River. Both styles of rafting are wonderful, you just have to decide which style best fits you!
Soak in the springs & dine like a local
Regroup after your rafting adventure and make way to a nearby hot spring. The best hot springs in the area include the natural Boiling River, the recharging Yellowstone Hot Springs, and the historic Chico Hot Springs. Soak in the natural mineral waters and recount the day on the river!
Finish the evening with a local bison burger at The Corral, the best burger joint in town—where traditional shakes, malts, fresh cut fries, and local meat is the name of the game.
Day 2 in Yellowstone: Saddle up!
Undoubtedly, the best way to explore the scenery around Yellowstone is from the back of a horse. Flying Pig Adventure Company offers horseback rides for all skill levels, from novice riders to expert horsemen. Meandering through Yellowstone National Park on horseback is a special experience and really encourages riders to slow down and take in the surrounding beauty. Kids and adults alike will love being a Montana cowboy or cowgirl for the day!
Cowboy cookout
Combined with your horseback ride may be a cowboy cookout. After the ride, gather for a true Cowboy Cookout under a mountain pavilion and soak in the gorgeous views over the valley and Yellowstone National Park below. As the sun dips in the distance, dinner aroma wafts from the grill. This extravagant dinner spread provided by the Johnson Family (since the 1930’s!) includes tasty grilled meats and delicious homemade sides. The intimate dinner is a wonderful experience to share with family and new friends. Finally, gather around the campfire and share trail tales of the day over a few s’mores.
Day 3 in Yellowstone: Throw some bugs
Fuel up in the morning with espresso and fresh baked goodies at the Wonderland Cafe—a Gardiner favorite!
Experience Yellowstone off-the-road with a fly rod in hand. Fly fishing guides cater to all skill levels at Flying Pig Adventure Company. New to the sport of fly fishing? Guides can help you read water and understand crucial techniques as you walk and wade into Yellowstone National Park. For those with a bit more experience, a guide can help direct you to the best holes in the area—why waste your precious vacation time hunting for the best holes when a guide can take you right to them?
Relish in a Vacation Well-Spent
Kick back with a famous huckleberry shake after a day of fishing, and grab pizza at Yellowstone Pizza Company. Their upper deck is the ideal place to watch the sun fade in the distance.
