Take Kids Fishing in Big Sky

Take the kids fishing in Big Sky Montana.  Fishing with the kids doesn't have to be difficult. Whether you want to fly fish or use bait we can help you with a memorable experience.  Rentals and inexpensive gear to purchase are readily available in Big Sky.

Lake Levinsky offers families the opportunity to catch lots of fish using worms, lures and flyfishing.  The lake is walking distance from most hotels at Big Sky resort.  We also have boat rentals on the lake to make access easier.  Give us a call or email anytime and we will get you into the fish!

http://www.raftmontana.com

Yellowstone Road and Highway Information May 4 2015

do something exhilarating today... May 2015 -  Rafting, Horseback riding and Zipline Adventures are in full swing here at Geyser Whitewater!  We are rafting the Gallatin River in Big Sky Montana everyday.  The closest rafting to West Yellowstone.   The Zipline Adventure Park in West Yellowstone is open on weekends and daily beginning May 9th. raftmontana.com Here is a quick update for Yellowstone Road and Highway Information  Have a great visit! Yellowstone Park Construction: Norris to Golden Gate: Expect traffic delays up to 30 minutes through Oct. 1. The entrance to Norris Campground will be closed, April 18-May 10 for construction activities. Zipline Park  in West Yellowstone Isa Lake Bridge Replacement Bridge: Closed until June 11 at 7:00 a.m. June 11 through September 10: expect traffic delays up to 30 minutes. Call 307-344-2117 for road updates. Yellowstone Road Status: Open: Mammoth to Old Faithful; Madison to West Entrance; Norris to Canyon. Open: Canyon Junction to Lake; Lake to East Entrance (Sylvan Pass). May 8: Lake to South Entrance; Tower Junction to Tower Fall. May 22: Tower Fall to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass); Beartooth Highway. June 11: Old Faithful to West Thumb (Craig Pass). For More info visit: http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm Spending time in West Yellowstone?  Watch this fun video of the brand new Zipline Adventure Park.

Geyser Whitewater: Come raft the lower Gallatin River

Rafting the Gallatin River near Yellowstone with Geyser Whitewater in Bi...

5 Things Not To Miss in West Yellowstone

The Zipline Adventure Park

The brand new Zipline Adventure Park in West Yellowstone is a unique attraction filled with high flying surprises. Located right in West Yellowstone, the park is within walking distances of most hotels. It is open until dark so visiting after dinner or day in Yellowstone is quite possible. This is the most economical of all the zipline attractions near Yellowstone and unlike any other offers unlimited adventure. visit www.yellowstoneparkzipline.com for more info.

The Grizzly Wolf and Discovery Center

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is an AZA accredited Not-for-Profit, wildlife park and educational facility. The Center offers every visitor to Yellowstone a chance to uniquely experience the world of grizzly bears and gray wolves. All the animals at the Center are unable to survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Located right in town, the center is open 8:30 to 8:30 in the summer and costs about ten dollars. Visit http://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.com/ for more info.

Playmill Theater

After nearly fifty years of the "Finest in Family Entertainment," The Playmill Theatre continues the tradition with three popular hits this summer Les Miserables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The Playmill Theatre provides an experience like no other. The moment you arrive you will be greeted and shown to your seat by members of the Playmill Cast. They will personally get to know you and would love to get you any concessions (fudge), programs, or souvenirs, which you will need. As you walk to your seat you will be delighted to hear Playmill Players singing and entertaining on stage. Once the audience is seated, we begin the show with sing-along, and opening number, followed by an audience favorite-- the Playmill Variety show! The featured production will be announced and begin directly after the variety show. http://www.playmill.com/

West Yellowstone Rodeo

Get ready to rodeo! Not the largest rodeo around but this down home spectacle is a family favorite. The rodeo is in the evening so you can visit the park during the day and enjoy the rodeo after. For an added thrill you can even take a horseback ride before and end up at the rodeo. Check out http://www.yellowstonerodeo.com/ for rodeo times and dates.

Swimming in Yellowstone Park

Firehole Canyon Drive is a 2-mile, one-way side road off Yellowstone’s Grand Loop south of Madison Junction.  On the drive you will pass the Firehole River, Firehole Falls, and a natural swimming hole.  The swimming hole in Firehole Canyon is one of two swimming areas inside Yellowstone National Park.  The other area on the Boiling River has no facilities and is only open in late Fall through Winter because of water levels.

There is no parking lot at the Firehole Swimming Area, but there are several locations to park on the side of the road. You can use the changing rooms at the road to put your swimming suits on. Then access the rocky beach area by climbing down wooden stairs. The beach is roomy enough that you can sit and watch the swimmers if you don’t want to swim yourself.

Sorry – it’s not hot. The name “Firehole River” may lead you to believe that this is heated by hot springs, but the swimming area is a cool temperature similar to an unheated swimming pool. Those used to swimming in rivers and lakes will not see any difference in this water temperature.

There is no lifeguard on duty, but the beach is relatively calm and safe. Swim at your own risk. There are many small boulders and rocks in the river, making it fun to explore. To safely maneuver, some type of footwear made for water sports is recommended. Climbing on and jumping from the cliffs is illegal, unsafe and strictly prohibited.

Win a Free Rafting and Zipline Adventure. Enter now!

Enter here to win a free Rafting and Zipline Adventure!

Under the Stars....Where to camp on a Yellowstone Vacation

Camping during your Yellowstone Vacation can be easy but some pre planning is advised. Whether you are visiting Yellowstone or Big Sky you should be available to find all the info you need using the links provided here.

Inside Yellowstone there are 12 campgrounds total.  5 require reservations and 7 are first come first serve.  During July and August, competition for the first come first serve campgrounds can be severe. You will want to arrive early to get your spot.  Typically you can spend up to 14 days in a site and most all have water and restrooms.  Fishing Bridge campground is for hardsided units only and has full hookups.

When we camp in Yellowstone we like to stay at the same campground and use that as our basecamp. Packing up every day or two is a hassel and really no fun for kids.  Our favorite with kids is the Madison Junction Campground.  The river is nearby with open areas for play and hiking.  It is also within 1 hour of most of Yellowstone's highlights.

You can typically have campfires in all the campgrounds but sometimes fire restrictions may be in effect.  Know the rules before building a campfire.  Reservations, rates and further information can be found here.

Outside of of Yellowstone camping is available at both Forest Service and private campgrounds.  In West Yellowstone our favorite private campgrounds are the Grizzly RV Park, located right in West Yellowstone and the Madison Arm Campground, about 8 miles North of West Yellowstone.

Our preferred Forest Service campgrounds are Baker's Hole, just North of West Yellowstone and Red Cliff Campground 4 miles south of Big Sky on the Gallatin River.  Both are suitable for RV's and tenting.  Red Cliff is the best one if you are visiting Big Sky.

Questions?  Call a travel planner at Geyser Whitewater Expeditions for info.  800.914.9031 or email whitewater@rafmontana.com

What to Wear for a Yellowstone Vacation

Welcome to the mountains! You should dress appropriately and be prepared.  While summer time is typically pleasant, you should have some warm clothes and rain gear regardless of the forecast.  Usually if you are visiting July through September, you can expect cool mornings and evenings and warm to hot days.  Most people will want long pants and a sweatshirt or jacket for the mornings and for strolling around in the evenings.   If you are visiting in May, June or October then you should probably bring an extra layer or two, a warm hat and gloves.  It could be sunny and 70 degrees out but snow during these months is anything but uncommon.
If you are rafting, most outfitters will have the gear you need but for extra comfort, we recommend bringing a pair of wool socks and a fleece jacket to wear on the river.
Need to buy some extra layers or just want to shop? In Big Sky, Grizzly Outfitters will have everything you need and in West Yellowstone stop by Freeheel and Wheel.
Have questions?  Give Geyser Whitewater a call or email anytime, we are here to help.