Gardiner is the gateway to Yellowstone and one of the best places to find memorable, engaging tours that bring the park’s stunning landscapes and wild creatures to life. Whether you prefer an adrenaline rush on the Yellowstone River, a private wildlife safari, or a full-day exploration of geysers and waterfalls, Gardiner offers it all. We particularly love the 2 Hour Rafting on the Yellowstone River—a quick but exhilarating way to experience the park’s water and scenery []. It delivers a splash of adventure with chances to swim and spot wildlife along the way. These tours are perfect if you want a taste of thrill in a manageable time frame.
If you’re after a more in-depth experience, the Private VIP Boutique Yellowstone Day Tour from Gardiner MT offers a personalized, full-day journey through Yellowstone’s iconic landmarks, including Old Faithful and Mammoth Springs []. For wildlife enthusiasts, several tours focus on spotting wolves, bears, bison, and more, like the Guided Yellowstone Wildlife Tour or the Yellowstone Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour with Lunch. For families or travelers seeking flexibility, private and customizable options are abundant, allowing you to tailor your day to your interests and energy levels.
Below is our curated list of the best tours in Gardiner to help you plan your perfect Yellowstone adventure.
1. 2 Hour Rafting on the Yellowstone River
At number 1, this 2-hour rafting trip offers a swift dose of excitement on the Yellowstone River, departing directly from Gardiner. With Class II and III rapids, it’s a great choice for families and adrenaline seekers alike. Professional guides ensure your safety while making paddling fun, and the scenic backdrop of Yellowstone’s wilderness adds a spectacular touch. The trip includes stops for swimming in the chilly river, which many find refreshing during the summer months.
Guests consistently praise the guides—calling them knowledgeable and engaging—and enjoy the opportunity to see wildlife from the water. For around $95, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the reviews highlighting the fun and safety. It’s best suited for those with a bit of spirit and a desire to combine adventure with scenic views.
Bottom line: A lively, short adventure that’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a quick splash of excitement in nature.
2. Private VIP Boutique Yellowstone Day Tour from Gardiner MT
Number 2 on our list, this private full-day tour is designed for those who want an intimate, personalized Yellowstone experience. Starting with pickup from Bozeman, your guide will take you to major sites like Old Faithful, Mammoth Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. You’ll visit wildlife-viewing spots and enjoy scenic overlooks such as Artist Point. The tour is flexible, with stops at Norris Geyser Basin and other key highlights, depending on your interests.
What makes this tour stand out is its private nature—your group gets undivided attention, making it ideal for families or small groups. The reviews are glowing, with visitors noting guides’ deep knowledge and ability to spot wildlife like bears and bison. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive Yellowstone experience without rushing.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those seeking a tailored, relaxed day with expert guiding and all the major sights.
3. Private Yellowstone Journey from Gardiner, MT
At number 3, this 7-hour private tour explores Yellowstone’s highlights with the flexibility of a tailored itinerary. Starting from Gardiner, your guide will take you across the park’s most scenic areas, from Geyser Basins to waterfalls and mountain vistas. Wildlife viewing is key—binoculars are provided to help spot bison, bears, elk, and mountain goats.
The tour’s strength lies in its private setting, letting you focus on your specific interests, whether it’s photography, geology, or wildlife. Guests have praised guides for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The cost for up to four people makes it a good value for a personalized, full-day adventure.
Bottom line: An ideal pick for travelers who want a flexible, private Yellowstone exploration with plenty of wildlife sightings.
4. Guided Yellowstone Wildlife Tour
Number 4, this 8-hour wildlife-focused tour takes you through Yellowstone’s prime wildlife habitats in Hayden, Lamar, and Madison Valleys. The tour emphasizes animal sightings, with opportunities to see bison, elk, moose, wolves, bears, and more. It’s a great choice if your main goal is wildlife photography and observation.
Guests appreciate the expertise of guides like Elijah, who is praised for their knowledge and ability to locate animals with precision. Many reviews mention memorable sightings of bears, wolves, and eagles, along with the use of high-powered optics to enhance viewing. The tour is suitable for those willing to spend a full day in the wilds.
Bottom line: A wildlife lover’s dream, with dedicated focus on animals and plenty of chances for photographs.
5. Private Yellowstone National Park Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
Number 5, this private 5 to 6-hour tour combines sightseeing with a picnic-style lunch. It starts at Roosevelt Arch and includes hot spots like Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful. The tour includes high-powered binoculars and spotting scopes, making wildlife viewing easier.
Guests love the relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore geysers, thermal features, and waterfalls in comfort. The included lunch at a scenic spot adds a nice touch, making this a well-rounded choice for those wanting a balanced day. The personal guide makes sure you see the highlights tailored to your interests.
Bottom line: Perfect for visitors who want a comprehensive, comfortable overview of Yellowstone with a touch of culinary relaxation.
6. Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour with Lunch
Number 6, this 7 to 8-hour private tour focuses on Yellowstone’s wolves and other wildlife, with organized stops at Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Hayden Valley. It includes a picnic or deli lunch, binoculars, and spotting scopes.
This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see wolves in the wild and learn about their habits. Many reviews highlight guides’ skill at finding animals and sharing fascinating insights, making it a memorable, educational experience. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day outdoors and interested in top predator sightings.
Bottom line: For dedicated wildlife fans wanting a private, comprehensive encounter with Yellowstone’s iconic animals.
7. Private Evening/Sunset Wildlife Encounter Tour
Number 7 offers a 4-hour evening tour to see Yellowstone’s wildlife at dusk. Departing after 4 pm, this tour focuses on animals active during the evening—wolves, bears, elk, and coyotes in Lamar Valley. It’s a quieter, less crowded way to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Reviews mention guides being knowledgeable and skilled at spotting animals at sunset, often with excellent photo opportunities. This tour is a fantastic choice for night owls or those who prefer avoiding early mornings.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a peaceful, wildlife-rich experience during Yellowstone’s sunset hours.
8. Yellowstone Full-Day Upper Loop with Wildlife Adventure w/Lunch
Number 8, this 8-hour tour combines a comprehensive drive around Yellowstone’s upper loop with a focus on wildlife viewing. The itinerary covers Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, emphasizing animal sightings with supplied optics.
Rated highly for guides who are experienced at finding animals and sharing stories, this tour caters to those who want a robust day of sightseeing, wildlife, and geology. The included lunch and snacks add to the value.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, family-friendly option for seeing Yellowstone’s key sights and wildlife all in one day.
9. Private/VIP Wildlife Winter Safari of Yellowstone
Number 9, this 6 to 8-hour winter safari provides a unique chance to see Yellowstone’s animals in snow-covered scenery. Guided by experts, you’ll search for wolves, bears, elk, and bison, with binoculars and scopes provided.
Guests rave about guides like Jackson and Ron, who are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making winter wildlife sightings special. It’s perfect if you’re visiting in colder months and want to experience Yellowstone’s quieter side.
Bottom line: An exceptional winter experience for wildlife lovers eager to see Yellowstone in snow.
10. Yellowstone in a Day – Wildlife, Canyons, & Hot Springs
Number 10 offers an 8 to 10-hour full-day tour that hits Yellowstone’s highlights, from Lamar Valley to Grand Canyon and Norris Geyser Basin. It’s geared toward travelers wanting a broad overview with plenty of wildlife and geothermal features.
Reviews highlight guides’ attention to what visitors most want to see, with many mentioning the use of advanced optics for wildlife viewing. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want an immersive experience.
Bottom line: Great for a comprehensive look at Yellowstone’s landscapes and animals in a single day.
11. Family Friendly Private Tour at Yellowstone National Park w/Lunch
Number 11, this 8-hour private tour is tailored for families, with flexible stops at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and Grand Prismatic Spring. It includes high-powered binoculars for wildlife watching and a kid-friendly pace.
Reviews mention guides’ engaging storytelling and the opportunity for all ages to enjoy the scenery and animals. The included lunch and easy pickup make it hassle-free. Perfect if you’re traveling with children or want a private, relaxed experience.
Bottom line: The best choice for families looking for a safe, educational, and flexible Yellowstone tour.
12. Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley Wildlife Safari from Gardiner
Number 12 is a 6 to 7-hour private safari focusing on Lamar Valley’s wildlife diversity. This tour emphasizes animal sightings like wolves, bison, and bears, with guides providing detailed insights. It’s highly rated by visitors who highlight the expert-level wildlife spotting and personalized experience.
Ideal for travelers who want a full day immersed in wildlife, this tour offers the chance to learn about animals and their habitats directly from guides with extensive knowledge.
Bottom line: A top-tier choice for serious wildlife fans and photographers.
13. Yellowstone Private Upper Loop Tour with Lunch
Number 13, this 7 to 8-hour private tour explores Yellowstone’s scenic canyon, waterfalls, and geothermal features. Including a scenic drive over Dunraven Pass, it offers a personalized experience with a focus on geology and wildlife. Guides share stories about the park’s ecosystem, and binoculars are provided.
Guests appreciate the flexibility and the chance to customize stops, making it suitable for varied interests. Many reviews praise guides’ knowledge and friendliness.
Bottom line: A personalized, flexible choice for those wanting to explore Yellowstone’s top scenic and wildlife spots in comfort.
14. Best Of Yellowstone Full Day Nat’l Park Tour From Gardiner
Number 14 offers a 6 to 7-hour tailored safari that covers major highlights like Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and the Grand Canyon. The guide adjusts the route based on current wildlife sightings and traffic, ensuring a dynamic experience. Many reviews mention the guide’s ability to find animals and share fascinating facts.
Ideal for travelers who want a flexible, well-rounded tour with expert guiding, it balances sightseeing with wildlife encounters, all at a good value for the price.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want expert-led, adaptable Yellowstone exploration in a single day.
15. Full Day Wildlife Photography Tour In Yellowstone National Park
Number 15 caters to photographers and nature lovers, limiting group size for a more personalized experience. Led by expert photographers, this 8 to 10-hour tour focuses on capturing Yellowstone’s wildlife in their natural habitat, especially in Lamar Valley.
Many reviews highlight the quality of instruction and the chance to take stunning photos of wolves, bison, elk, and bears with the best light and vantage points. This tour is ideal if your priority is photography and learning advanced techniques.
Bottom line: A premium choice for serious photographers eager to improve their skills while spotting wildlife.
16. Yellowstone Private Lower Loop Adventure with Lunch
Number 16 features a 9-hour private tour focusing on Yellowstone’s thermal features, waterfalls, and scenic spots on the lower loop. Including lunch and wildlife viewing, it’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, personalized experience. Guides help you explore popular sites like Old Faithful and the West Thumb Basin, with binoculars provided for wildlife.
Guests praise the flexibility and the knowledgeable guides who make sure you see the sights you most want. It’s a great option for families or groups wanting a comprehensive day with privacy.
Bottom line: An excellent, customizable full-day tour for those wanting in-depth exploring of Yellowstone’s lower attractions.
How to Choose the Right Yellowstone Tour in Gardiner
Choosing the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and time. If fast and fun is your style, the rafting trip offers a quick splash of adventure. For a private, in-depth experience, consider the VIP day tour or the full-day private adventures which give you the flexibility to focus on what you love—whether it’s geysers or wildlife. Families or those traveling with less time might prefer family-friendly private tours, which balance comfort and exploration.
Wildlife enthusiasts should aim for wildlife-specific tours, especially those with a keen eye for wolves, bears, and bison. Birders and photographers may find the full-day photography tour ideal to hone their skills. For those visiting in winter, the VIP winter safari offers a rare peek at Yellowstone’s snow-covered wilderness.
Practical tips: Book early during peak seasons, especially for private and popular wildlife tours. Consider your fitness level and interests—some tours involve significant walking, others are comfortably scenic drives. And don’t forget, weather can change quickly—dress in layers and bring binoculars if you want the best wildlife viewing.
Final Thoughts
From adrenaline-pumping water adventures to intimate wildlife safaris, Gardiner’s tours cover a wide spectrum of Yellowstone experiences. For those wanting a quick thrill, the rafting trip provides fun on the water. For a full immersion, private tours like the Yellowstone Journey or the full-day wildlife photography will satisfy your curiosity and camera lens alike. Families and wildlife lovers will find excellent options tailored to their needs.
Remember, Yellowstone is a vast and unpredictable park—selecting a tour that matches your interests and energy levels will ensure you leave with unforgettable memories. Booking early is wise, especially during peak months, to secure your spot on these popular adventures. Whether you’re after a scenic drive, wildlife encounters, or thrilling water rides, Gardiner has the perfect tour waiting for you.