* Whitewater Rafting on the Yellowstone River- Of course, I am a big fan of this activity but it’s truly a BLAST and a great activity for a couple or a whole family reunion! We will be introducing River Boarding to the Yellowstone River this July.

* Soaking in the Boiling River and/or Firehole River- Relax in natural hot springs as you take in the sights and sounds of Yellowstone Park.  The Boiling River is located between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner, The North Entrance to YNP. Watch for the two parking lots adjacent to each other. These are the only parking lots between MHS and the NE, you can’t miss them. The Firehole River is close to the Old Faithful Area located on one way road. Parking is limited so getting there early is a good idea.

* The Old West Cookout at Roosevelt Lodge- This is a really great activity for anyone who enjoys sitting by the campfire, listening to live cowboy music and loves an all you can eat steak dinner (vegetarian available as well).  I recommend the two hour cookout ride but there is a one hour ride or the wagons.

* My current favorite hike is Beaver Ponds. This hike starts behind Mammoth Hotel and loops around about 5 miles and ends at the Mammoth Terraces. This hike is gorgeous and not too strenuous and yes, you really do see beavers in a pond.

*An evening drive through Lamar Valley- There are no words to describe the beauty of this valley! Be sure to bring your camera to capture the sights and animals you will see. If you see a group of people with spotting scopes and binoculars be sure to stop, they could be wolf watching.

*Chico Hot Springs Resort – A great family resort that is also a romantic place for couples! Over 100 years old this resort offers a natural hot springs fed swimming pool, a grill, a dining room with fantastic food (reservations recommended), a day spa, hiking, horseback riding and we have an office there as well. We will take you to and from the resort for our river adventures. PET FRIENDLY. www.chicohotsprings.com

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if you would like more information about the area.

Safe travels!

The PAC Crew

Class I or 1- Easy- Waves are small, passages clear; no serious obstacles, perfect for all ages and abilities. This is what our Scenic Float would be rated as.

Class II or 2- Moderate- Rapids of low difficulty with passages clear, no experience needed. A guide is preferable for these rapids.

Class III or 3-Moderate- Waves numerous, rapids with passages clear though narrow requiring a guide for maneuvering and reading the river.

Class IV or 4- Difficult- Long rapids, powerful waves, precise maneuvering by guide is needed for rocks, eddies and reading the river.

Class V or 5- Extremely difficult- large rapids running in succession, obstructions, big rocks, strong currents. This is not a rapid we experience on the Yellowstone.

Class VI or 6- Un-runnable- Don’t think about it, your insurance company would not be impressed! People have been known to run these with kayaks but they are extreme professional athletes.

CFS or Cubic feet per second- A rate of water flow passing a given point, amounting to a volume of one cubic foot (about the size of a basketball) for each second of time.

For our whitewater trips they are typically II-III’s and maybe an occasional IV during run off depending on what Mother Nature gives us. For safety we do not run Yankee Jim Canyon after 18,000 CFS. Fun is always on our agenda but your safety is our #1 concern!!!

June 21st-First Day of Summer

September 24th-National Public Lands Day

As you can imagine this is a busy time for the park, we recommend getting to the entrance gates early. This is a great way to encourage people to get outdoors and spend time with their loved ones in the national parks this year.

While you are in Gardiner stop by our rafting office on Park St. across from the Roosevelt Arch by Out West Tee’s for a great rafting trip on the Yellowstone River. See you then!

Our Guides are anxiously awaiting warm weather as well. They are all great, professional and they have been with us for years. For all of you Real World/Road Rules Challenge Fans you can come meet Abram, he will also be guiding for us again this year.

For whitewater shy people and the little ones in your family we do have our Scenic Float. We by far have the most gorgeous float on the river! Departing from Chico Hot Springs Resort daily you can enjoy a two hour trip on the Yellowstone River in beautiful Paradise Valley. Bring your camera and even a cooler if you would like and meet us at our Chico Office and we will take care of the rest!

We look forward to meeting you!

The PAC Crew