Day Rides | Black Otter Guide Service


Discover Untamed Beauty on Horseback

Experience America’s First National Park Beyond the Boardwalks

Embark on a memorable family adventure through the breathtaking backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. As an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Black Otter Guide Service offers single-day horseback excursions that leave the crowded roadside overlooks behind. Dive into valleys carved by glaciers, witness historic trails, and explore pristine landscapes adjacent to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. 


Whether you are looking to maximize a single day of your Montana vacation or seeking an immersive high-country experience, our expert guides and steady mountain horses ensure an unforgettable frontier journey. 


Looking for multiple day adventures? Visit our summer camps webpage


Choose Your Adventure

We offer two distinct single-day itineraries tailored to perfectly suit your group's schedule, stamina, and preferences**. 


1. Full-Day Backcountry Ride

  • The Experience: A complete immersion into the legendary trails of northern Yellowstone. Spend a full day in the saddle navigating diverse terrain, river valleys, and spectacular mountain view vistas.
  • Duration: Approximately 6 hours (includes a scenic trailside lunch stop).
  • Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours each way (meet at 8 am and get back to our headquarters around 5 pm)
  • Rate: $400 Per Person


2. Half-Day High-Country Ride

  • The Experience: Perfect for families and travelers with a busy itinerary. Experience a high-quality trail ride featuring sweeping alpine views and wildlife sightings.
  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
  • Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours each way (meet at 8 am and get back to our headquarters around 2 pm)
  • Rate: $300 Per Person


**We do not offer hourly rides.

 

Trip Guidelines

To maintain the health and safety of our clients and livestock, all day-ride participants must meet the following standards: 

  • Age Requirements: Participants must be 6 years of age or older. 
  • Weight Limits: To protect our mountain stock, riders must weigh under 265 lbs. 
  • Height Requirements: Riders must be 3 feet 6 inches or taller. 
  • Weather Conditions: Rides operate rain or shine. There are no refunds issued for shifting mountain weather conditions—pack a rain jacket and embrace the true frontier experience! 


What to Take List:

Temperatures in Yellowstone can quickly range from 40° to 90°F in a single afternoon. 

Please arrive at the meeting location prepared with the following personal gear: 

  • Sturdy boots with a distinct heel (no open-toed shoes or sandals allowed).
  • Long trousers or softened blue jeans for comfort in the saddle. 
  • A lightweight fleece, sweater, or windbreaker jacket. 
  • 100% waterproof rain jacket (essential for sudden mountain showers). 
  • A broad-brimmed hat (straw or felt) with a chin strap, plus a pair of sunglasses. 
  • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm. 
  • A 1-liter (or larger) water bottle or canteen to attach to your saddle. 
  • A camera or phone to document your #MontanaMemories. 


Reservation & Cancellation Policy

  • Deposits: A 50% non-refundable deposit is collected at the time of booking to secure your horses and guide. The remaining balance is due prior to departure. 


Permit Notice: Black Otter Guide Service is an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service to serve the public in Yellowstone National Park (Permit #CC-YELL-140). We operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

CALL OR TEXT TO BOOK YOUR DAY RIDE