Transfer and Other Options:

Summer:
Average maximum summer temperatures are usually in the 70s (25C) and occasionally in the 80s (30C) in the lower elevations. Nights are cool and temperatures may drop into the 30s and 40s (0-10C). Depending on the elevation, temperatures may even fall into the 20s (-5C) with a light freeze. June can be cool and rainy; July and August tend to be somewhat drier, although afternoon thundershowers and lightning storms are common. During lightning storms get off water or beaches and stay away from ridges, exposed places, and isolated trees. At any time of year, be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather.

Fall:
Autumn weather can be pleasant, although temperatures average 10 to 20 degrees lower than summer readings--highs in the 40s to 60s (5-20C). Over-night temperatures can fall into the teens and single digits (10 to -20C). Snowstorms increase in frequency and intensity as the weeks go by. At any time of year be prepared for sudden changes; unpredictability, more than anything else, characterizes Yellowstone's weather.

Tips...

We recommend always that you bring a warm jacket and rain gear - even in the summer. If you plan to visit Yellowstone during spring or fall, call ahead for current weather and road information since sudden storms may result in sudden cold temperatures, snow and/or temporary road closures. In summer, stop at visitor centers or ranger stations for weather forecasts. Always carry extra clothing when hiking. Good walking shoes and layers of clothing are recommended throughout the year.

Personal Items:
All toiletries should be neutral or unscented as much as possible

_ Shampoo / Conditioner
_ Deodorant
_ Toothbrush / Toothpaste
_ Soap
_ Razor / Shaving Cream
_ Sunscreen
_ Lip Balm
_ Brush / Comb
_ Small Mirror
_ Wash Cloth / Towel
_ Medications
_ Contacts / Glasses
(The West is a very dry climate, if you are wearing contacts, we recommend bringing your glasses as well).

Clothing:

_ Clean T-Shirt, Underwear and Socks for each day of trip
_ 2-3 pair of jeans (1 pair for every 2 days)
_ 1 Long Sleeve / Flannel / Quilted / Sweat Shirt
_ Sweats or Warm Pajamas
_ Swim Wear
_ Spare Pair of Warm Socks
_ Soft / Lightweight Camp Shoes
_ Riding Shoes (Need to have a heel on them and toes covered. Boots are preferred – no tennis shoes!)
_ Hat (Cowboy / Ball Cap / Bucket Style)
_ Rain Gear – absolutely NO PONCHOS; no umbrellas
_ Warm Cold Weather Coat

Sporting Goods (for fishing trips only): Fishing Gear Weight limit is 15 lbs.   ALL FISHING GEAR MUST BE CLEANED AND DRIED BEFORE ENTERING YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK WATERS in order to prevent aquatic contamination. 
 Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit (available at main entrances and ranger stations of YNP)
  Fly Rod (hard case only – pack rod or 4 or 5 piece preferred)
 Waders (lightweight and breathable)
 Wading Shoes or Boots
 Fishing Vest
 Fly box with wet and dry flies
 Spare leader
 Spare tippets (4X ; 5X ; 6X)
 Spare reel

Miscellaneous:
 Camera
 Insect Repellant
 Canteen / Water Bottle
 Leather gloves
 Flashlight
 Sunglasses
 Bear Spray

If there is an item you would like to bring that is not listed please call or email and we will confirm if it is necessary or allowed.  If you would prefer, you may bring your own sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, etc., please contact us though so we can verify size and weight.

What do you do in case of bears?
We take all precautions to avoid bear contact. We start with our camp lay out. The sleeping area is 100 yards or more from the main core camp area where all of the cooking is done. We keep all things with a sweet smelling odor in the core camp, hung 10 feet in the air from the bear pole, where we store all of our food over night. The guides carry bear spray, and are trained for what to do incase of a bear encounter. We rarely have bear encounters due to the fact that bears do not like the large herd of horses that are around our camp.

Do you help fishermen?
We guide fishermen who need help, whether it is their first time casting a fly-line or just help fishing new waters for wily fish. We want to meet your needs.

What should a fisherman bring in fishing gear?
We would first advise you to bring a fishing rod. We prefer pack able rods in a hard case. If you have a 3 or 4 piece rod you can carry it on your own saddle, otherwise we can pack two piece rods on our fishing gear mule. We advise lightweight waders, and wading boots or shoes. A fishing vest or small fishing pack with your basics of fly boxes or lures, spare leaders and tippets, etc is vital. A net is useful but not required. All gear should be lightweight and gent on the fish because most if not all fishing is catch and release. We want our fish to survive for future generations of fishermen and women. We will provide a list of useful flies depending on the area.

Overnights are in tent camps along the way. Well trained guides will prepare delicious meals, see to your comforts, and create a cozy camp atmosphere.
If you have a dietary restriction, we are very willing to change the menu for you or if it is very restrictive we can cook separately just for you. You are our guest and we want you to feel as such.

We set up a sun shower for our guests to shower in a private area, away from streams to prevent soap from contaminating the waters of our favorite national park.

At every camp we set up a latrine where our guest may refresh themselves and use sanitary wipes in a secluded area.
The guest’s tents and gear are100 yards away from the cooking area to help in the avoidance of bear problems. All guests and guides sleep 100 yards away from the cooking area.
All food and scented materials stays in the cooking area where it is hung from a “bear pole” high in the air to keep scents and bear attractants out of reach of the bears and to keep bears away from the guests. Bear problems are rare. Bears do not like large horse herds, or groups of humans. The hanging of the food and the clean kept camp help avoid any bear attractants
Dinner is cooked in the core camp area, where the bear pole is and the food is kept.
Tables and chairs are set up, table cloths and dishes are set, the camp cook prepares his meals in a clean outdoor kitchen and he has been trained in food service and cleanliness.
The food has been transported in dry boxes and coolers. Once meals have been prepared and consumed the guides wash the dishes and discard leftover foods in a separate garbage sack. The guests are entertained around the fire in the evening, and finally prepare for bed by brushing their teeth and washing up in the core camp area to keep all odors in the core camp. Then they go off to bed and sleep in their tents, which have all been set up in a generally close proximity.
Dietary restrictions
If you have a dietary restriction, we are very willing to change the menu for you or if it is very restrictive we can cook separately just for you. You are our guest and we want you to feel as such.

Lodgings before or after the trip: There are hotels, motels, and cabins in most major towns around the Park, as well as in the Park. We would be glad to help you arrange accommodations if you need them.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter, Appaloosa, Morgan, Paint, Mule
Pace:		Walk and trot over mountain terrain. 3 to 5 hrs of riding each day. Ride can be physically tiring. | Walk |
Level:		(1 to 2 out of 5)    All riding levels
Age:		Min 7
Weight:		Max 250 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 8 riders

Can I bring my own horse?
We do not advise our guests to use their own horses. Our herd has a definite routine and pecking order, and does not like to be disrupted. It causes problems on the trail.

Can I bring my own saddle?
You may bring your own saddle provided it fits the horse we have for you to ride. An ill-fitting saddle is very hard on horses who work everyday. Otherwise we are happy to accommodate!

What is the youngest guest you will take?
Age is not our requirement, but maturity. All of our guests need to be able to follow directions and have the stamina and strength to steer and command their own horse. Our horses are well trained and it takes very little strength to steer them. I have had five-year-olds who were able to hand their horses and six year olds who were not able. It depends on the child, their experience and their competency.

How safe are your horses?
These horses have been in the business of carrying guests for quite some time. They are very gentle, and are chosen for this line of work because of their particular gentle temperament. All horses are still to be considered living free thinking animals and must be treated with care and respect for their size, but we do all we can to minimize and trouble between our horses and our guests.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.