Trip Planning Questions

What do I pack?

The entire Yellowstone area is very casual. You will want to pack clothes that are easily layered, remembering jeans will take you anywhere you go.

Bring clothing for temperatures going from 30 degrees at night to 70 or 80 degrees during the day, during the summer. You probably want to bring jacket, long pants, and a sweatshirt for the fall season.

In your packing, remember to include a warm jacket for the cool mornings and evenings, some type of rain gear, a swimsuit for the hot tub, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Don't forget insect repellant, sunburn lotion, and a back-up supply of any prescription medicines. We recommend a good pair of sunglasses or eyeshades.

Horseback riders should include: jeans, boots or shoes with heels, gloves, and a lightweight jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt and a hat with stampede strap. A camera, gloves, binoculars or spotting scope are optional.

Fly fishermen need to include: waders, long underwear for possible cold mornings, rain gear and a lightweight jacket. Additionally, a vest for early mornings and evenings may be wise.

What is making me so tired?

West Yellowstone, Montana is situated at an altitude of 6,666 feet and our atmosphere is extremely dry. If you live at a much lower altitude or different climate, we recommend that in the first 24 hours to drink at least 64 oz of water and get plenty of sleep. Most people adjust within the first day. If you plan any mountain trail or high altitude riding or hiking, make sure to bring plenty of water. And, remember with these high altitudes it is easy to sunburn.

Questions about Horseback Riding

What is the age limit?

A child must be 8 years of age or older on the day of the ride. Corral rides are available for younger children.

What is the weight limit?

225 lbs.

How much experience do I need to go on a ride?

We take beginners all the time. Our wranglers are experienced and able to work with all types of ride.

Will a 4-hour ride be more than I can handle?

Probably not. It is pretty laid back. We get down off the horses and stretch a number of times, and we take time for lunch, with plenty of time to meander around a mountain lake. The only people who need to be concerned about the length of this ride are those who have had knee surgery or some other type of knee problems.

Can I bring my own saddle?

You can bring your own saddle but our horses all have fitted saddles, and when we pick your horse, we choose based on your height and weight. Choosing a horse that is appropriate to your height and weight that your saddle also happens to fit may be complicated.

Questions about our surrounding National Forests

Where does the name "Gallatin" come from?

Gallatin, the name given to the national forest as well as many other local features, originates from former Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin. Because Gallatin was instrumental in arranging financing for the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark named one of the rivers for him on their first visit to "the three forks" in 1805

When was the Gallatin National Forest established?

The Gallatin National Forest was established just over 100 years ago - in 1899. By proclamation, President McKinley set aside some 45,000 acres south of Bozeman, Montana which were then interspersed in square-mile sections with railroad grant lands.

Can I bring my dog to the Forest? Can I have my dog off leash?

In many Wilderness Areas, developed campgrounds, picnic areas and day use areas, dogs are required to be on a leash. Most other areas within the National Forests do not require your dog to be on a leash, but they should be under your control at all times. We recommend that you keep your dog on a leash when you are around other forest users.

Questions about Yellowstone Park

When is Yellowstone Park open?

The Park is never entirely closed, although many roads do close for certain periods. The road between the Northwest entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and the Northeast entrance (Cooke City, Montana) is always open in order to serve Cooke City which would otherwise be totally isolated during the winter months. When an entrance opens it remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week (weather conditions permitting).

What time does Old Faithful erupt?

Old Faithful erupts on the average of every 70 minutes. The length and strength of the preceding eruption is used to calculate the next expected eruption. Most public locations within the Upper Geyser Basin (which is where Old Faithful is located) post that time as soon as it has been calculated giving a +/- time within 10 minutes.

Are the animals dangerous?

All animals in Yellowstone National Park are in their home and they treat it as such. We are the visitors. EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD ALWAYS BE USED when animals are near by. Trust us when we say-you can't outrun them! It is considered animal harassment when you approach closer than 25 yards to an elk and 100 yards to a buffalo. Bears, of course, demand even greater distance.

What is the caldera?

Simply described, a caldera is a volcano that has collapsed in part, or wholly. When Yellowstone last erupted, approximately 625,000 years ago, it blew off nearly 100 square miles. By comparison, Mount St. Helen's in Washington blasted about one square mile.

May we feed the animals?

No. The animals are wild and to encourage them to seek food from humans can result in death from inappropriate food or dependency.

Is there a speed limit in the Park?

The maximum speed limit is 45 miles per hour, with many areas posted below that.

How long will it take to see Yellowstone?

Some would say, a lifetime. To give yourself a fair overview of Yellowstone, plan to spend at least two days. One day for touring the Northern Loop and one for touring the Southern Loop. Both are easily accessible from West Yellowstone. See the itineraries in the Planning section.