SAFARI TO SADDLE EXCURTION

From dawn’s first light to mountain heights—wildlife, wilderness, and the ride of a lifetime!

Safari to Saddle is a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines early morning wildlife viewing with a backcountry horseback ride into the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness. The journey begins at first light, as you set out on a private sunrise safari through Lamar Valley, one of the best places to see bison, elk, wolves, and bears as they start their day. With an expert guide and high-powered spotting scopes, you'll experience Yellowstone’s wildlife in its most active hours. After an unforgettable morning of wildlife watching, trade four wheels for four hooves and set out on horseback ride into Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness with Skyline Guest Ranch and Guide Service. Ride through open meadows, forested trails, and rugged terrain, taking in the same breathtaking landscapes that early explorers once traveled. Stop at an alpine lake for lunch before returning to civilization. This expedition offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty, adventure, and Western tradition, giving you a new perspective on Yellowstone’s wild spaces.

DURATION

8-10 Hours

PICK-UP

Cooke City, MT

GROUP SIZE

Private Safari
(up to 5 guests)

SEASON

July-September

WILDLIFE AT DAWN, WILDERNESS BEYOND.

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FROM SAFARI TO SADDLE: A YELLOWSTONE ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER

Your Safari to Saddle experience begins before the sun peeks over the horizon, when Yellowstone’s wildlife is at its most active. With an expert naturalist guide leading the way, you'll embark on a private sunrise safari through Lamar Valley, often called the "Serengeti of North America" for its abundant wildlife and sweeping grasslands. Using high-powered spotting scopes, you’ll observe bison grazing in the golden light, watch pronghorn antelope—the fastest land mammals in North America—move gracefully across the valley, and keep an eye out for elusive predators like wolves and grizzly bears. You may even spot a red fox trotting through the sagebrush or a bald eagle soaring overhead.

After an awe-inspiring morning of wildlife watching, it’s time to switch gears—from four wheels to four hooves. You’ll head to Skyline Guest Ranch, located just outside of Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance in Cooke City, Montana, where your horse awaits for a half-day backcountry ride into the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness. Ride through alpine meadows, towering pines, and rocky ridges, tracing the paths once traveled by explorers and frontiersmen. The trail leads to a stunning high-country lake, where you’ll take a break and enjoy a scenic picnic surrounded by untouched wilderness.

With unmatched photo opportunities and a true taste of the West, Safari to Saddle is more than just a tour—it’s an adventure that lets you experience the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's wild spaces from two incredible perspectives.

Includes:

Private sunrise wildlife safari through Lamar Valley, the "Serengeti of North America"
Expert naturalist guide with high-powered spotting scopes for exceptional wildlife viewing
Chance to see bison, wolves, grizzly bears, foxes, bald eagles, and pronghorn antelope
Half-day horseback ride into the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness with Skyline Guest Ranch
Scenic picnic lunch by a high-country alpine lake (sack lunch provided)
Light breakfast snacks to start your morning adventure
Hot and cold beverages available throughout the experience
Breathtaking views of Yellowstone’s rugged backcountry and diverse wildlife
Unforgettable photo opportunities throughout the journey

MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONS

Guests will meet their guide at Skyline Guest Ranch (31 Kersey Lake Road, Cooke City, Montana) or at a predetermined location in Cooke City or Silver Gate, Montana. If you’re staying in another region of Yellowstone and are interested in booking this excursion, please fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of the page. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request. For tours running July through September, the standard departure time is 5:30 AM, unless otherwise requested or arranged with the guide in advance.
WHAT KIND OF WILDLIFE CAN YOU SEE IN YELLOWSTONE?

Yellowstone National Park is home to one of the most diverse and intact ecosystems in North America. Thanks to its long history of protection, the park offers a rare chance to see wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. From bison roaming the valleys to grizzly bears foraging along the hillsides, Yellowstone’s landscapes are teeming with life. You may also spot wolves moving through the sagebrush, elk grazing near rivers, or bighorn sheep navigating steep cliffs. Beyond the large mammals, the park is also home to foxes, otters, bald eagles, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. While wildlife is abundant, knowing where and when to look is key. However, it's important to remember that wildlife is unpredictable, and factors like weather, temperature, and time of day all play a role in animal activity. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but a guided tour significantly improves your chances by taking you to prime locations at the best times. With expert insight into animal behavior and the park’s delicate ecosystem, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Yellowstone’s wild inhabitants—whether they choose to make an appearance or not.
WHAT FOOD AND DRINKS ARE INCLUDED ON THE TOUR?

Full-Day Tours & Experiences: All full-day tours include a hearty sack lunch packed with everything you need to stay energized. Lunches feature a meat and cheese sandwich, chips, fresh fruit, homemade cookies, nuts/trail mix, and more—we promise you won’t go hungry! Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Hot and cold beverages are provided throughout the experience. Sunrise Tours: For early morning adventures, guests will enjoy an assortment of fresh fruit and breakfast snacks, along with a homemade pastry to start the day right. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water will also be available. If you have specific dietary needs, let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!
ARE SAFARIS & TOURS PRIVATE?

Yes! All safaris and tours are completely private and limited to a maximum of 5 guests to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. If you have a group larger than 5, please submit an inquiry, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
DO I NEED RIDING EXPERIENCE TO PARTICIPATE?

No prior riding experience is necessary! All riding levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced riders. Our knowledgeable guides tailor each ride to match your comfort level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for adventure or a first-timer eager to explore the West on horseback, we’ll make sure you feel confident in the saddle. Please note: All participants must be able to mount and dismount their horses without the use of a mounting block.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?

All experiences operate rain or shine, but safety is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, we will communicate any necessary adjustments or cancellations. Refunds will not be issued for client cancellations due to weather unless the conditions are officially deemed unsafe by our team.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR THE TOUR?

Dress in layers, as mornings can be chilly, even in summer. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain. A rain jacket is highly recommended, as mountain weather can change quickly. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended. For those sensitive to cold, lightweight gloves may be appreciated, especially while holding binoculars. A small pack can be useful for carrying personal items like a camera, extra layers, and your sack lunch if participating in any hiking. If participating in the Safari to Saddle Excursion, closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for safety and comfort.
HOW LONG DOES THE EXPERIENCE LAST?

All full-day safaris and tours last approximately 8–10 hours. Half-day experiences, such as the Sunrise Safari in Lamar Valley and the Beartooth Pass Guided Scenic Drive, last approximately 4–5 hours.