Play Cowboy, Montana-style in Gardiner, North Yellowstone

If you're going to unleash your inner cowboy, do it in scenic North Yellowstone. You can get great views of the park as you tread across the Gallatin National Forest and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness on horseback. Don't worry; the horse is trained to tackle the challenging terrain of the Montana highlands.

Whether you decide to go horseback riding for a few hours or days, there's no other place to look for a stable of capable horses than in the gateway town of Gardiner. For your guide, you'll be trained by real, working Montana cowboys who will also oversee your safety for the entire trip on horseback.

To cap your first night as a cowboy, come to the nightly Cowboy Cookout barbecue dinner and campfire, a cowboy-style feast of food in the company of cowboys of Hell's A-Roarin' Ranch. The ranch doubles as a lodge to provide novice horse riders a comfortable place to stay after a tiring day of riding, sightseeing, and feasting.

To see more wild animals on their natural habitat, head back to Yellowstone National Park, where sightings of bears--both grizzly and black ones--are a guarantee. You can also find other big mammals such as bison, elks, gray wolves and deers in several locations.

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Mini Travel Guide: What to Do in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular parks in America, more popularly known as the first national park in the world. It's large enough to span three states: Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. By its size alone, rest assured that you'll barely run out of things to do among its natural attractions.

You can be sure of an abundance of wildlife when it comes to a national preserve like Yellowstone. Get in touch with your roots by seeing 67 species of mammals, 330 birds, 6 reptiles, and so much more. You get the chance to study or observe wild animals in their natural habitat without the danger of getting lost in the vast wilderness without anyone for miles to hear you.

Fishing has always been one of America's favorite pastimes. If you want to cast your line in Yellowstone, you'll be treated to experiencing at least 16 different species of fish to wrestle with. However, you'll need to plan your fishing trip in the right seasons and weather conditions if you want to relish your catch without putting yourself in dangerous waters.

Speaking of adventures in the water, do you fancy a bit of adrenaline rush? The terrain of Yellowstone makes for some excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting. Look for some dependable guides that can help you stay safe should you want to indulge in an exhilarating day of rafting.

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Essential Equipment for Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is one of the great American pastimes, sometimes dubbed as the “contemplating man's recreation.” This can be done in fresh or saltwater. If you've been to numerous streams in the countryside, chances are you've encountered a few anglers casting their lines. If you're interested in having fun alongside them, make sure you have the proper equipment.

First , you need a study fly rod, a fly reel, and a weighted fly line. Don't be afraid to spend a small sum on all three components, especially if they come from reputable manufacturers. Ask your adventure provider about the most effective flies for the waters in the area and get two of each.

Buy a leader to attach at the end of the fly line to extend the fly out over the water, with a tippet to fix it from time to time. If you have a nymph fly, hook it up to a split shot to get it to the appropriate depth. Set up a strike indicator to let you know when a fish has latched on. Once you catch a fish, put it in a rubber net and use forceps to get the fly out.

Getting all of these items will be more than enough to kickstart your new hobby. It may even be a fun way to get some free food for yourself. 

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Whitewater Rafting in Yellowstone: Safety Basics

In any outdoor adventure, safety always comes first. A tour of the great outdoors may start with that first step into the wild, but it won't end until you return home from it in one piece. Whitewater rafting isn't any different; the churning waters can be a dangerous place. In fact, the safety rules in place today were derived from the costly mistakes whitewater rafters have made over the past several decades.

Even in Class II or III whitewater, life jackets are still a rafter's reliable ally, especially if he's tossed overboard by the surging waters. According to American Whitewater, a non-profit advocate of safety in whitewater rafting, a third of whitewater rafting accidents can be prevented by wearing life jackets. The rapids pose a threat even in the calmest of waters. If the rocks don't pose a threat, drowning does.

In most nature trails like Yellowstone, you'll hardly come across low-head dams, but it pays to keep an eye out for these structures. Past the dam structure is a violent backwash that can pull a person in and make him hit the face of the dam. American Whitewater recommends getting a clear idea of the river and its features before hitting the water. Stay away from these dams as much as possible. 

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Horseback Riding Safety Precautions

Around 2 million people own horses in the US, wherein 238,000 are into breeding, 481,000 into competing, and 1.1 million in other activities. Horseback riding is a popular sport that is both fun and risky. Hence, you need to educate yourself on horseback riding safety before daring to sit on the back of such a magnificent animal.

One of the most important things to remember when riding a horse is to stay alert and attentive. Be aware of the environment and your horse's response to your cues. Wearing an equestrian helmet is also necessary as it helps prevent serious head injuries during falls. Furthermore, you should wear bright colored clothes when riding at night for visibility. Other than your helmet, your footwear is the next most essential component of your riding attire. Opt for boots with about 1 to 1 ½ inch heels and low tread to prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup.

As much as possible, keep little children and dogs away from horses. Energetic dogs that tend to bark and run around can agitate and frighten a horse. Children are also discouraged to go near horses because there is a chance that they might get accidentally trampled. By following these simple rules and preventive measures, horseback riding can be a safe and fun way for you to explore the beauty of nature.

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Packing for a Fun-Filled Yellowstone Visit

When you're getting tired of the hustle and bustle of the city life, there's no better way to forget about the stress than to go back and be one with nature by taking a drive and visiting Yellowstone National Park.

Of course, a trip is best enjoyed when you come prepared. Hence, it's important to know the kinds of things you need to bring with you to Yellowstone, so you won't end up over-packing for your trip or forgetting something important. Before you hop onto the car or board the plane to Wyoming, make sure that you have everything you need.

When picking out clothes to wear when you're there, choose ones that are layered and comfortable as it could get really hot during the day and cold at night. Unless you're hiking and would need boots, sneakers and sandals would be suitable for walking around the park. You could also bring with you a hat and a light jacket.

You could also prepare a picnic basket full of snacks and a cooler filled with drinks, so you don't have to keep on going back to stalls or restaurants to buy food. You should also bring extra batteries for your cameras and a small portable charger for your cellphones.

A quick break from the city is all you'll need to recharge and refresh yourself. As long as you pack and set up your bags well, you can focus more on relaxing and having fun. 

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Learning the Twitch for Trout Fishing

Some days, trout need more than just the perfect fly and a drag-free drift to convince them to bite. When you're trying to catch trout and none of your standard tricks are working, try imparting subtle movement on your fly to get the job done. You can do this by using well-timed rod tip twitches during the drift. These twitches will give your fly a life-like appeal that will tell trout that it is a natural prey and not an impostor.

The goal isn't to pop, skate, or splash your fly on the surface. All you need to do is move it just enough to twitch its rubber legs and make the material of the fly “breathe” in the water. With a little practice, you'll soon get a good feel on exactly how strong or gentle the twitch needs to be, depending on the type of water you're fishing in.

One important tip: this technique works exceptionally well for a fly that imitates big food sources such as a salmon fly, although it has also been proven to be effective for smaller flies. Some anglers particularly like to occasionally twitch their flies when trout fishing in deep or slow moving water. Doing so seems to attract trout in from farther distances more than usual.

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Tips for Safety When Whitewater Rafting

Maneuvering a water vessel across an unforgiving river of roaring waves and treacherous rocks is one of the many adrenaline-pumping activities that so many people are getting hooked on. The amazing scenery and the presence of danger are what makes rafting such an exhilarating experience. When you equip yourself with these simple rules, you can easily stay safe and enjoy at the same time:

Keep your water shoes handy. While you might not need them right in your boat, there will be a time when you will be forced to tread on the water. Not only will the shoes keep your feet insulated while you walk, it will also protect you from any sharp objects lurking in the murky water, thereby keeping your feet safe as you step in or out of the boat.

Class 1 and 2 rivers are pretty tame and mild. For class 3 to 6, however, you'll be needing a helmet and a life vest if you want to be completely safe. Your best bet would be to ask your guide the class of river you will be rafting in and follow his instructions on gearing up.

Whitewater rafting is never a solo activity. It should always involve more than one person in more than one boat. This way, you can be assured that should anything happen to one group, the second one is nearby, ready to give aid and rescue support in case of emergency.

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Gardiner, Montana: The Entrance to Yellowstone

Gardiner, Montana is situated in the Northern border of Yellowstone National Park, and is renowned because it's north entrance to Yellowstone is the only one that's open all-year round. Of all the words that best describes Gardiner, “quaint” seems to be the most appropriate. Indeed, Gardiner exudes many of the qualities that whisper “western.”

During summers, visitors can enjoy exciting activities like fishing trips, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The destination can be explored on foot or via automobile, and these excursions allow visitors to experience and appreciate breathtaking natural sceneries. When the weather permits, white water rafting, biking, and cookouts can add a dimension of wholesomeness to any vacation.

Many tourists look forward to visiting Gardiner and nearby Yellowstone National Park during winters. During the colder months, visitors can engage in wildlife viewing; wolves and other rarely glimpsed endangered species can be seen wandering the area. The scenery assumes a serene, winter wonderland atmosphere, making it ideal for winter activities and sports like snowshoeing and skiing.

In spring, different kinds of animals can be viewed by visitors exploring the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. The sight of big horn sheep, coyotes, elk, bears, and antelope throttling by are an ordinary sight during this season. This modern day wildlife sanctuary is barely a mile away from Yellowstone National Park, where the wonders of nature can be explored. 

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Lodging Options When Staying at Yellowstone

Housing half of the world's geothermal features and covering an area of 3,468.4 square miles, one day is never enough to discover all the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Fortunately, with millions of tourists visiting the park each year, vacation packages and accommodations aren't too hard to find. In fact, here are some of your lodging options as you explore and enjoy Yellowstone's natural beauty:

Small Group

For one to six people, there are several inns with single and double beds. Some lodges even have small living rooms, full bathrooms, and full kitchens. Whether you're celebrating your anniversary or simply enjoying with close friends, there are also cozy log cabins located near the park's entrances.

Big Group

If there's more than seven people in your group, you'd love the affordable lodges that feature three to four separate bedrooms. You could choose to stay in lodges near Yellowstone River or in mountain cottages where you can enjoy utmost peace and privacy.

Multiple Families / Reunion

Your family reunion doesn't always have to be held in banquet halls or grandma's house. Families that wish to spend quality time in Yellowstone can stay in cabins that are located adjacent to one another. With enough negotiation, you may be able to get huge discounts and other perks. 

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Angling in Yellowstone: A Brief Overview

While best known for its geothermal features such as the famous Old Faithful Geyser, the Yellowstone National Park is also host to numerous bodies of water. Due to the park's proximity to a caldera formation, the bodies of water are linked conveniently, providing numerous locations for fish to gather. Where there are fish, there's bound to be sport fishers, and every year from May to November, hundreds of amateur and professional anglers alike come to catch game in Yellowstone.

Various fish species inhabit Yellowstone's waters, but the most prominent are the cutthroat trout, whitefish, and grayling varieties. Sport fishers who catch any of these species are mandated to release them back into the wild, according to park rules. However, the park highly encourages angling enthusiasts to catch and keep invasive species such as rainbow and lake trout, as these varieties are notorious for ruining the park's aquatic ecosystem.

Those planning to angle some game in Yellowstone should remember that aside from fishing restrictions, there are also strict general regulations in place. For example, fishing hooks aren't allowed, and only artificial lures are permitted. Fly fishing is allowed, however, and actively encouraged. Those new to using flies as bait can hire any of the local instructors for guidance on how to best utilize these lures.

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Unpredictable Fun in Yellowstone National Park

When it comes to thrill-seeking adventures, some settle for the predictable fun of extreme theme park rides. You'll know what to expect, but these rides still manage to get your adrenaline pumping each time. Then there are places where you can read about what you can expect to see or experience, but no amount of research can prepare you for the excitement that awaits you.

One such example is the Yellowstone National Park, located right in the heart of Montana. Here, you'll find a plethora of choices for exciting outdoor activities that can offer you fresh experiences each time. If you have a penchant for the great outdoors and don't mind getting a bit dirty, you can go hiking and backpacking and enjoy scenic sights throughout your stay.

If you prefer the kind of adventure that takes place on water, then you can go whitewater rafting down a wild river. With professional guides to help ensure a safe adventure for you and your companions, you can get a real taste of Montana's wet n' wild outdoor scene. After you make your way downstream, you can make a quick stop to dip your hands and feet in relaxing hot spring waters.

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