Best Rafting Yellowstone vs Grand Tetons
- Eric Beuning
- May 19
- 7 min read
Updated: May 23
I would argue that rafting experiences go with a Yellowstone and Grand Tetons adventure like peanut butter goes with jelly. I would also forgive you if you struggled to decide whether it was better to do a scenic float of the Snake River in the Grand Tetons or a whitewater rafting experience on a Yellowstone vacation.
I've had a few of these experiences over the last 40 years. So, I thought I’d take a closer look at what I think are the best scenic float and whitewater rafting near Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.
What’s the Best Time of Year for Rafting Yellowstone?
I think late June through the end of August is the best time of year for whitewater on the Yellowstone River. This is when the water is the warmest, and the debris from winter snowmelt has passed through and cleared all the best rafting areas.
In my experience, the Yellowstone River is the best rafting tour experience in the area. The water is fast, but not dangerously fast. The rapids are dramatic, and the expert guides know how to get you safely through them.
What’s the Best Time of Year for Rafting Near Grand Tetons?
I think early June through the first week of September is the best time for a rafting trip on the Snake River near the Grand Tetons. The elevation is a little lower than Yellowstone, allowing the water to warm up sooner. I also think that the Snake River offers the best scenic float experience of the two National Parks.
The Best Snake River Rafting Experiences
One of the things I love about the Snake River of the Grand Tetons is the wide variety of rafting, scenic float, and white-water experiences. It arguably has more family-friendly, comfortable rafting experiences, and the chance to even snap a few pics of wildlife with a waterproof camera.
If you want something more thrilling, there are serious class 2 and class 3 whitewater rafting trips. They tackle rapids with iconic names like Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter.
Best For: People who want a comfortable scenic float with wildlife views near the Grand Tetons.
If you only do one western rafting trip in your entire life, this Snake River Scenic Float of the Grand Tetons is the one. It’s a leisurely float experience that takes you on a 3.5-hour scenic tour. And believe it or not, the chairs thing really matters, as your back will thank you for it about halfway through the trip.
My late father took this tour at age 62 and raved about how great it was. There are tons of great wildlife viewing opportunities including moose, elk, and bald eagles. It's a peaceful way to connect with nature without the need for paddling.
PRO TIP: This tour books up fast, so I’d recommend setting up your reservation early, and you can build other experiences around it. I did a morning float, and I felt like there were more animals out and about.
Best for: Families who want a mildly exciting scenic float with kids near the Grand Tetons.
If you're looking for an adventure the whole family can enjoy, this tour is my top fantastic pick. I love that it combines the thrill of being out in nature with a pace that’s relaxed and kid friendly. It had just enough to action to keep my daughter thrilled, without being overwhelmed!
You won’t be rushing from one place to the next. Instead, you’ll have time to soak up the scenery, spot wildlife together, and ask your guide questions along the way. The smaller group size makes it feel more personal, and the guides are great at keeping both kids and adults engaged.
Best for: Small groups and families who want a mildly exciting whitewater rafting experience in the Grand Tetons.
If you're looking for an adventure that's both exhilarating and family friendly, I can't recommend the Snake River whitewater rafting trip enough. I think it strikes the perfect balance between thrilling rapids and moments of calm, making it ideal for kids as young as six years old.
You get to experience the excitement of navigating through Class II–III rapids yet there are also stretches where you can relax and take in the stunning canyon scenery. The guides are masters of the water, and I think they do a fantastic job of making sure everyone's safe and comfortable.
Best For: Adults and teenagers who want a thrilling whitewater rafting experience near the Grand Tetons.
If you’re looking for an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience in the Grand Tetons, this Snake River rafting tour is it. What I loved about this tour is that it’s the perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty.
You get to tackle iconic rapids like Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter, which provide just the right amount of thrill without being overwhelming. The 8-mile journey through the Snake River Canyon offers stunning views and the chance to spot wildlife like eagles and otters. It's an ideal experience for teens and adults looking to add some adrenaline to their trip while still feeling safe and guided by experienced professionals.
Best Yellowstone Rafting Tours
The Yellowstone River offers slightly more adventurous whitewater rafting and scenic float trips. There are some family-friendly scenic floats and modestly exciting whitewater rafting adventures suitable for families with kids. Then there are also some rough and tumble whitewater rafting experiences on the Yellowstone River, if you’re looking for an expert-guided challenge.
Best for: Families and small groups who want a scenic float on the Yellowstone River, but don’t want the intensity of whitewater rafting.
This scenic raft float out of Gardiner is a great way to build a connection with the Yellowstone River. It’s more of a relaxed outing with a gentle pace and the chance to spot wildlife such as elk, bison, and bald eagles.
I also appreciated how knowledgeable the guides were. They gave us some great insights into the region's ecology and history. It was a great introduction and whetted my appetite for a vigorous whitewater rafting experience.
👉 Book the Scenic Raft Float on the Yellowstone River
Best for: Someone who wants a modestly thrilling whitewater rafting experience on the Yellowstone River, rather than a scenic float.
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River with this half-day adventure. What I enjoyed about this tour was the combination of exciting rapids and the opportunity to witness the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape.
I also appreciated the certified safety guides, who gave us all the instructions we needed. This was one of my earliest whitewater rafting experiences and I think it’s a perfect first step up in intensity from a scenic float.
Best for: Small groups who want a full-day whitewater rafting adventure on the Yellowstone River.
If you want a truly immersive whitewater rafting experience on the Yellowstone River, this full-day rafting tour needs to be at the top of your list. This is an 18-mile Odyssey river adventure. and a riverside lunch.
I could tell you that I liked how offered a deeper immersion into the Yellowstone River's diverse landscapes. How I loved the serene stretches and exhilarating rapids. Yet what I really loved about this full-day rafting trip was the connection I felt with the other rafters. Sitting at the riverbank eating lunch, we felt like a band of brothers. Like I miss those guys and I wonder what their lives are like back in Tallahassee!
👉 Book the Full-Day Raft Trip on the Yellowstone River
Final Thoughts on Rafting Experiences in Yellowstone & Grand Tetons
Whether you're seeking the adrenaline rush of whitewater rapids on the Yellowstone River or the serene beauty of a scenic float down the Snake River with the Grand Tetons in the background, these tours offer a range of experiences to suit your preferences.
If you’re new to rafting, I think the Snake River Scenic Float Tour with Chairs is the most comfortable option. It’s low-intensity, yet packed with great scenery, and your back will thank you for the seating by the end of the trip!
If you’re staying in the Grand Tetons and you want a vigorous whitewater rafting adventure, the 4-Hour Small Boat Snake River Whitewater Rafting out of Jackson and the Snake River Class 2-3 Whitewater Rafting Adventure won’t disappoint. Both offer you the chance to experience iconic rapids like the Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter.
If you want a Yellowstone River whitewater rafting adventure, the best options are out of Gardiner. The Yellowstone River Half-Day Whitewater Rafting is a great option for families and couples who want to add an afternoon of whitewater rafting to their Yellowstone vacation. If you want something more immersive, the Full-Day Raft Trip on the Yellowstone River with Lunch will give you a new perspective on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
If you want to learn more about Yellowstone and other outdoor adventures, you should follow Eric Beuning's Author Page.
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