wyoming

Wyoming Rafting: Black Dog Raft Company

Wyoming is the perfect place for outdoor lovers to enjoy nature to the fullest. Countless vistas, miles of terrain for backpacking and hiking and fast-paced rapids make it hard to choose what to do while you’re there.

If you’re having trouble narrowing down your options, you’re not alone! There’s a lot to do and so little time to accomplish it all. One of the most beloved summer activities that you don’t miss out on is guided whitewater rafting trips. A scenic float down the river could be exactly the adventure you’ve been looking for to start your summer off right!

And there’s no better whitewater rafting experience in Jackson, Wyoming to help guide you than Black Dog Raft Company. They’ve been around for quite a while, and know a thing or two about the way the river works. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or you’re just starting this year, Black Dog will ensure that you fully savor the river experience overall. So are you ready to see Yellowstone Country in Wyoming in a whole new way?

What Is Black Dog Raft Company?

BDRC is a locally owned and operated raft company who have been guiding river trips since they opened the doors in 2012. Offering 3 trips a day, you can choose from an assortment of trip types depending on your availability and desired adventure.

There are scenic float trips which span across a 13-mile stretch of the Snake River near Jackson Hole. You’re more than likely to run into a variety of wildlife and feel extremely at ease during the entirety of your trip.

You can also decide if you’d prefer a private trip for an unforgettable adventure that’s relaxing and allows you to fully immerse yourself into nature. Dinner trips are available as well but don’t begin until later in the day (around 4:30 pm). You’ll get the same benefits and at the end, you can share a little grub with your friends or family.

Their passionate and friendly staff are there to help answer all of your questions and each experience will be unique for each group. Your guides will ensure that your safety is a top priority so that you can focus on having a wonderful time!

What Should I Know About My Trip?

tap into nature when you take a trip with black dog raft company in wyoming

Photo Credit: Southern Plains Photography

Traveling down Snake River is a little different than other rivers. You won’t encounter any major rapids, but it will still a fast-paced experience! You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to take photos along the way and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here are a few things to keep in mind prior to booking your trip:

There is a free hotel pickup service, so if you’re unable to drive to the designated parking area this service is key.
Children, as well as grandma and grandpa, will get a kick out of floating the river too! The minimum age for children is 4 and they must be able to sit down for the duration of the trip (2 hours in total)
Morning trips offer light refreshments & noon trips offer a light lunch
Life jackets, rain ponchos, fleece blankets & binoculars are provided but you may bring your own as well

Be sure to pack any additional essential items like sunscreen and hats as those items are not provided. If you have further questions you can always reach out to them directly because it never hurts to be fully prepared for a day out on the water!

Why Should I Choose Black Dog?

In a world where there are a lot of options, it can be tricky making a final decision on things- especially when it comes to your summer activities. But Black Dog Raft Company helps makes your final choice pretty simple for several reasons. For 7 years they have provided their customers with outstanding service and care.

They love what they do and it shows from the moment you book your trip to when it winds down! The team at BDRC are invested in providing the best experience possible and work hard to help all levels of adventurers along the way. Whether you’ve traveled the river many times or are testing out the waters for the first time, BDRC makes will make you feel right at home.

Quality Rafting, Quality Service

Your summer adventure is waiting for you! And the river is the perfect place to have some fun and even make it a yearly activity that you participate in. A trip with Black Dog Raft Company will be relaxing and exciting and is well-suited for the young and young at heart. They not only offer stellar customer service; their trip types are incredibly affordable too!

Any way you look at it you’ll be winning big by starting your summer off right. Choose Black Dog Raft Company for your rafting journey and sit back as their knowledgeable staff take care of the rest.

Whitewater Rafting For The First Time

River rafting for the first time can be an exhilarating adventure. However, it can also be one that makes you a little unsure of yourself, especially if you’re not used to water sports as much. If you decide to head to the river this summer, don’t feel shy about asking as many questions as you want. The more understanding you have about your trip, the more confident you’ll feel and the more fun you will have!

Many people will go into the experience blindly, which is also fine. But if you’re someone who likes to come prepared then it’s best if you brush up on your white water rafting knowledge. That way, you can enjoy your rafting trip to the fullest! Each trip is different, and it’s strongly recommended that you stick with beginner courses at first. The rapids are a little gentler and you can adjust to it a little easier.

Some rafting adventures are also longer than just a few short hours. Many companies offer river trips that expand overall several days (and in some cases up to an entire week!) But for now, let’s stick to the basics so you’re not overwhelmed with the smaller details of whitewater rafting.

Before You Start

There’s a lot to consider before you even book your river journey. First and foremost, people are often concerned when their swimming skills aren’t necessarily up to par. Falling out of a raft can sometimes happen, but it isn’t something that you should fret over too much. Even if you’re not the strongest swimmer, guides will instruct you on what to do prior to boarding the raft.

You’ll also be provided with a life vest and more often than not with a wetsuit. Both of these are tremendously helpful in keeping you afloat and warm. You also don’t need to worry if you’ve never rafted before, because everyone has to start somewhere!

Remember to keep in mind that even on beginner trips you’ll come across rapids! You’ll have to use a little elbow grease to help your group steer through the water- but again, you don’t have to have the strength of 1,000 bodybuilders to do this.

The good news is that you’ll burn off quite a few calories. The bad news is you might be sore the next day but it’ll be well worth it! Your rafting adventure will require you to stay alert but will be a memory you can share with friends and family for life.

What To Bring (Or Not Bring)

Heading out on your first rafting trip will require you to carry a few things from home with you. While other stuff items should stay safely in your car or not be brought at all. It’s important that you follow instructions staff or a rafting website states. The last thing you want is to end up losing valuable items or forgetting something vital. The experience should be an exciting and enjoyable one and not one that leaves a bad taste in your mouth (so to speak).

Things you should definitely bring include:

A water bottle
Sunscreen
Water-resistant clothing or clothing that can get dirty and protects you from the sun
A change of clothes
A towel
A disposable camera or one that will handle constant water being splashed on it (but be warned-more expensive cameras can easily fall into the river so plan accordingly).

Things that might be best left at home:

Jewelry
Money in ALL forms (where are you going to go anyway while you’re on the river?)
Electronics (yes, even your beloved phone)
Purses, wallets, etc.
Tents

Staying Safe On The Water

The biggest priority for any rafting company is to make sure you’re of course comfortable, but that you’re also safe! Both the staff and guides painstakingly and thoroughly try to ensure that each element of your rafting trip is handled well. Many guides also have years of experience on the water and understand the landscape, weather, and surroundings better than anyone else.

The number one rule to follow is that you should take into consideration everything your guide recommends. They will make sure to remind you to reapply sunscreen and drink water for instance. Both are easily forgotten when you’re taking in all that nature has to offer. So be sure to heed what they have to say. They’re the experts and want to help you avoid things that can easily ruin your experience.

Rafting for the first time can be an incredibly thrilling activity, and even more so when you come fully prepared. Set yourself up for success by knowing the basics and ask important questions right off the bat.

You can even ask others who have already gone what it was like for them to give you the inside scoop. Also, stick to Class I or II rapids as well, and mention you’re new to rafting when you check in with the company you’ve chosen.

Find a new way to connect with nature and try out whitewater rafting! You’ll be challenged and left with a sense of wonder and might become more of an outdoor enthusiast than you already were.

What Do Ski Shops Do in the Summer?

One would assume that as soon as the season ends, ski rental shops close their doors until winter sets in again. While that might have been true many seasons ago, the same can’t be said about these shops now. Many resorts have found the benefits of staying open year-round, allowing people the opportunity to experience the mountain as the weather warms up.

You might miss the cold brush of snow hitting your face, but the summer packs just as much fun into its mountain activities as it does in the winter. Over the years, the crowds visiting resorts has increased, and ski rental shops have noticed the trend. It’s led them to provide much-needed summer rentals for all outdoor lovers and keeps them busy at the same time.

Ski shops will rent out gear for mountain biking, paddle boarding, water adventures, hiking, camping and more. The possibilities are seemingly endless! You’ll be covered for almost any of the fun summertime activities you’re itching to try out and you might also get into a new sport you didn’t know you’d enjoy.

It’s safe to say ski shops most certainly are juggling a lot of business even after winter has ended. Maybe this will be the year that you check out your favorite resort in the summer. But first, let us help you discover exactly what you can expect!

Bike Rentals

Biking might be one of the biggest selling points ski rental shops take advantage of. Both serious thrill-junkies and casual outdoor fans love hitting the dirt trails to explore the mountain and get away from the “day-to-day.” It’s a big draw for many families and ski rental shops took that into account.

Shops like Charter Sports in Breckenridge, CO has several options to rent bikes. They also offer some of the best deals on their equipment rental so you can have your adventure without feeling as if you spent far beyond your budget.

Likewise, if you happen to be in the Mammoth Lakes area in California you can head to shops like ASO Mammoth Lakes. At their shop, they have a wide assortment of summer gear waiting for you. You can even rent more than a bike if needed as well! If you need a helmet, bike locks or are interested in snagging an e-bike and trying it out, those options are available for you.

Hiking & Camping

Resorts during the warmer months of the year let you see your favorite areas in a new light. There are green fields that go on forever, while you’re surrounded by a plethora of fragrant flora and roaming wildlife that you normally won’t run into any other time of the year.

Big Sky Resort in Montana is one of those places that is bursting with life no matter what time of year it is. The resort is world-renowned for its jaw-dropping views, fantastic skiing and events abound. But in the summer it might leave you impressed even more! You’ll find several shops in the area eager to help meet your summer needs.

If you’ve been preparing to hike and/or camp then Grizzly Outfitters is the perfect place to go to. They have an array of bikes to choose from, as well as fly fishing gear if you’re interested in catching a little dinner while camping. Camping and hiking also require certain accessories and gear which they also offer! You’ll be entirely outfitted for your outdoor adventure and ready to tackle nature.

Water Sports Galore

A lot of people love their water sports and ski shops like Canyon Sports made sure to stay on top of the demand. Park City offers everything that an outdoor enthusiast could want. And that includes several places to dip your feet in the water. If you plan on going there, you can head to places like Jordanelle Reservoir, Rockport, Deer Creek, East Canyon, or Mirror Lake!

Each area is beautiful in its own right and will provide unique photo ops that are hard to beat. Shops will provide additional gear like life jackets and carry bags so you can enjoy your trip for a few hours or all day long.

A Summer To Remember

When you’re looking for a place to rent your essential summer gear, a ski shop might not be the first place that you go looking. But luckily for you, many of them stay open outside of summer. They follow in the footsteps of their respective resorts, making it easier than ever to set yourself up for success!

While not every location joins in on the festivities, it’s always best to check ahead of time whether ski shops are open in the summer. Calling ahead also gives you the opportunity to ask about any current discounts happening at the shop! And what’s better than saving even more when you’re on vacation?

Stay safe while you’re out exploring and discover a rental ski (or sports) shop near you for an unbelievable summer!

Jackson Wyoming is a River Adventure Paradise

The sharp snow-covered tops of the Tetons shine in the early morning light. Clouds wisp by, kissing the peaks playfully. Their striking reflection sits on the calm waters of Snake River, framed perfectly by lush greenery and pristine azure sky. The stillness and quiet are only enhanced by the soft sounds of the insects and the occasional plunk of a spotted cutthroat trout catching its breakfast. The perfume of damp earth and summer flora float on the cool air. You relax into the fragrant summer morning. Fly in place and the perfect spot claimed, you flick your rod and watch your fly soar through the air on a gossamer thread as you become one with the natural beauty and river surrounding you.

Described by many as a truly magical experience, Jackson Hole fly fishing is a must-do for anglers of every experience level. Whether you want to catch fine-spotted cutthroat or brown trout on the Snake River, big cutthroat on Flat Creek, or enjoy the peaceful experience of Gros Ventre River, Jackson Hole is the place to be. Plan your trip accordingly and make sure you get a fishing license before venturing out on the rivers or lakes. Check Wyoming Game & Fish Department for all the information.

Visit Jackson Hole Wyoming to enjoy any of these legendary fly fishing spots:

Snake River
Green River
Flat Creek
Hoback River
Buffalo River
Pacific Creek
Granite Creek
Gros Ventre River
And many more

Another river adventure is, of course, whitewater rafting! Black Dog Raft Company is dedicated to family-oriented trips and they have a “Safety” first priority. Black Dog Rafting will accommodate you and your family with a free hotel pickup. With experienced guides, Black Dog Rafting ensures that you will have an excellent time on the river. Discounts are available for seniors and groups you can even request a private raft trip. Black Dog Rafting also has Brunch and Dinner trips and a Brewery Tour! Head over to our whitewater rafting page in Wyoming to see what else Black Dog Rafting has to offer you.

To plan the perfect summer river adventure amid the striking beauty of Wyoming, just head over to our Wyoming section on Mountain Resort Coupons. There you will find lodging and whitewater rafting deals! Or contact us here for more details or guidance.

Get Splashed at Dvorak Rafting

For those who live in the west, you know summer is just as incredible as the winter for enjoying the Rocky Mountains. But visitors may not be aware of all the amazing things you can see and do in the Rocky Mountains in the summer. Dvorak Expeditions is one of our partners offering one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences throughout Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

Rafting

Whitewater rafting is the most popular excursion Dvorak Expeditions offers. They offer rafting trips on eight different rivers throughout the region and for groups and individuals of all experience levels. If you are planning a rafting trip with children, beginners, or those that just aren’t a huge fan of adrenaline, Dvorak has several different half-day and full-day trips available. They also have moderate and difficult trips for those who seek more rapids as well as trips that last multiple days.

Photo Courtesy of Dvorak Expeditions

Other Excursions

Dvorak also offers float fishing excursions from half-day excursions up to five-day trips. Let experienced guides take you to the best places to fish and come home with some tasty, fresh fish to eat. For multiple day trips, adventurers are welcome to bring their waders and fish from camp as well.

Dvorak also has multi-sport activity packages where guests can choose from horseback riding, 4×4 tours, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, paddleboarding, and more for a packaged price. You can pick two activities to do in one day, two to three activities to do over two days, and three to four activities over three days. This way you can experience all that your heart desires of the great outdoors without having to worry about gear rental, finding the right places, and wondering if you can find better deals elsewhere.

Deals

At Mountain Resort Coupons we offer exclusive deals with Dvorak for your summer mountain adventures!

3 Easy Steps to Enjoy Your Camping Trip

The noise of the world is getting louder and louder, your senses assaulted from every direction with millions of distractions vying for your complete attention. If there has ever been a time to get away from the rest of the world it most definitely is now.

Has it been so long since you’ve taken the family camping that you can’t even think of the first thing you need to do? First of all, take a deep breath. Remember that all you need to do is pack the essentials, gas up the car, and keep these three tips in mind:

Keep Your Camp Clean

This should be common sense, but your cleaning skills need to approach ninja levels when you’re in the wild. That means cleaning up immediately and taking waste to designated areas sooner rather than later. Organize your camp to maximize its cleanliness. The old saying in scouting and Chief Seattle still applies: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

This will not only prevent your campsite from being infested with any number of foul pests but also probably save you from having to fight off a bear. This scenario is totally avoidable if you simply keep clean!

Bring a Digital Camera/Camping Goods

You’d be surprised how many people make planning a camping trip so stressful that they forget to simply stop and take pictures of awesome and interesting things. Commercial cameras used to require film that could be expensive at times. Families were always sure to use the film in the camera sparingly.

Modern day digital cameras can take literally hundreds, even thousands of photographs (depending on the size of your memory card). Don’t miss a thing! Photograph anything and everything. Just keep an eye on your charge level and be sure to recharge overnight. Don’t let yourself think “When will I ever look at these?” In a few decades, when you’re sharing your best times with the grandkids or just reminiscing with friends, you’ll be glad you took those photos!

You may think you have this covered by just bringing your smartphone, but a digital camera is preferable. If you don’t have a camera just bring your phone but put it on airplane mode. To save battery and so you won’t be charged for roaming.

Not only should you bring some sort of way to capture your moments but maybe just bringing a journal to write down what you have done on your trip. Bring a few outdoor games and a deck of cards is always a great item. Obviously, bring your essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, water, and plenty of warm clothes for night time.

Leave Your Phone Off/Airplane Mode

This will be the most difficult task to carry out during your trip. Our personal and professional lives are now inextricably linked to our smartphones. Leaving the city and camping in the wilderness is an opportunity to tell everyone you’re unavailable, that you’re taking time for yourself and/or your family.

People with adolescent and teenage children will probably have the worst hard time doing this but agree with them to spend most of the time during the camping trip with the cell phones off. Implement designated hours during the trip where the family is together, no phones are out, and that is that.

Stated in the section above the only time the cell phones should be out is when you are taking amazing photos. Other than that disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world we live to actually be in the world we should be living in.