Experience The Wild West of Yellowstone
Horses have a long history in Yellowstone as they shuttled guests around the park via stagecoach just a handful of years after the park’s establishment (1883-1916). It’s certainly easy to forget those days in light of current traffic conditions in the park; long lines at the entrances, battles to find parking spaces, and animal jams that can leave cars stuck for hours. A lot has changed over the past 100 years but, luckily, the opportunity to saddle up and get a taste of the old West still exists in Yellowstone.
Corral operations started up as early as the 1930s, offering various rides out of Old Faithful, Canyon, and Mammoth Hot Springs. Old Faithful, at one time, was the largest corral operation with 52 saddle horses and 20 guides guiding guests on horseback around Fern Creek, Mystic Falls, and Mallard Lake. Dudes could even saddle up for a full-day ride out to Shoshone Lake. Roosevelt corrals opened up its doors in the 50s. The Mammoth Corrals only recently closed in 2015 and, today, Roosevelt and Canyon are the remaining outposts for visitors and employees to get a taste of the Old West.
Both corrals offer one and two-hour horse rides, taking passengers across beautiful country. Roosevelt also offers stagecoach rides and its beloved cookout dinner, which can be attended on horseback or wagon. Live music is also part of the evening festivities along with steak and the ever-popular side dish, “Rosie Beans”. Back in ‘59, the cost for an adult was $5.00. Today, the price has inflated to $63 (more if you go on horseback).
By the Numbers (2018):
- Almost 20,000 guests experienced a Roosevelt Cookout (200/nt)
- Another 17,000 went for a horse ride between the two corrals.
- 430,000 lbs of manure was generated
- 860,000 lbs of hay was brought in for feed
- One grizzly and thirteen bison charged riders (no injuries resulting)
All of this is accomplished in just 100 days!
Any of these experiences can be yours for the taking. Employees get 20% off any horse activities booked in advance and can also ride free (space available).