As the first and one of the largest national parks in the United States – filled with natural wonders and wildlife – Yellowstone has always been a popular destination. But travelers will find more adventures beyond the park boundaries in Montana and Wyoming. From hiking to biking, whitewater rafting, and playing cowboy at a dude ranch, here are six ways to experience Yellowstone and its surroundings:
1. Yellowstone Ranch Getaway
Get away and give back during a stay at Montana’s first dude ranch, outside Gardiner and the north entrance to the park. The Yellowstone Pop-Up Ranch offers classic adventures like hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, archery, sport shooting, and more, as well as the comfort of cozy cabins and locally inspired cuisine. And proceeds from every stay go to preservation efforts at the National Register of Historic Places-listed site. https://trueranchcollection.com/yellowstone-pop-up/
2. Llama-Supported Trekking
Leave Yellowstone’s busy roads and boardwalks behind and get into its wildlife-rich backcountry with the support of llamas on a four-day trip with Wildland Trekking. In the northeast corner of the park, hike through the Lamar Valley and up Cache Creek, go off-trail to The Needle, then cross back over Chaw Pass to Soda Butte Creek. Most importantly, llamas carry the bulk of the gear, leaving guests with only light day packs. https://wildlandtrekking.com/trips/wild-yellowstone-llama-trek/
3. Big Sky Adventures
In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a basecamp for adventure near the northwest corner of Yellowstone. Guests can hike through shaded forests and wildflower-filled meadows, raft or fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking and ski Big Sky Resort’s 5,850 acres of terrain in winter. And the west entrance to the park is a short drive away, with some trailheads closer. https://thewilsonhotel.com/
4. Yellowstone Multisport
Encounter the numerous natural attractions of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks on a six-day tour with Escape Adventures that packs in mountain biking, rafting, hiking and rock climbing. See Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Snake River, the Gros Ventre and Wind River mountains, and more on this unique multisport tour that can be arranged with camping or inn-based accommodations. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/grand-tetons-yellowstone-multi-sport-mountain-bike-tour/
5. Yellowstone Family Riding and Rafting
Families can experience the Yellowstone area like never before on a three-day horseback riding and whitewater rafting package from Flying Pig Adventures. Take in one of nature’s most iconic environments up close by tackling rough terrain near Gardiner, Montana, on horseback and running the class 3 rapids of the Yellowstone River as it flows out of the park and into the Paradise Valley. https://www.flyingpigrafting.com/3-day-yellowstone-adventure
6. Glamping Yellowstone
Nestled in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fireside Resort’s cabins blend the comfort of a luxury hotel suite with the atmosphere of a wooded campground. And while there, nature lovers will find plenty to see and do, from exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks to visiting the National Elk Refuge, relaxing in Granite Hot Springs, and touring museums filled with wildlife art and exhibits on the area’s history. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/
