Jackson Hole: Horseback Ride & Lunch in Bridger Teton

Summary

Horseback trails, river crossings and ranch lunch in the Tetons

You’ll ride through Jackson Hole’s Bridger-Teton forest on horseback with a local guide, cross rivers and open meadows with mountain views all around, then share a hot ranch lunch with your group. It’s not fancy—just honest trail dust, laughter, and those moments where you forget about your phone completely.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if horses actually like the smell of sagebrush? I found myself thinking that as we saddled up just outside Jackson Hole, boots already dusty before we’d even started. Our guide, Sam (he’s lived here his whole life), handed me the reins and grinned—said my horse was called Daisy and “she’s stubborn but sweet.” The Bridger-Teton National Forest felt huge, even before we left the corral. You could hear nothing but wind in the aspens and this faint clinking from someone’s stirrups behind me. I kept glancing back to see if anyone else was nervous; turns out, most of us were just quietly soaking it all in.

The trail wound through these open meadows where the grass brushed my boots, then dipped down by the Buffalo Fork River. There was this moment where Daisy stopped to sniff at something (maybe just ignoring me?) and I caught this sharp, green scent from the water mixed with pine needles. Sam pointed out tracks in the mud—elk, he said—and told us about winters when everything is buried under snow. He talked like he knew every tree. Sometimes you’d catch a glimpse of the Teton range ahead—honestly, it looked painted on. My legs got sore after an hour but I didn’t really care; there was this quiet between everyone that felt good.

Lunch at Trails End back at the ranch tasted better than it probably should have after two hours in that air—burger for me, lemonade so cold it hurt my teeth. Everyone sat together swapping stories about their horses (someone’s horse apparently tried to eat her hat). I still think about that view over my shoulder as we rode back—the kind of thing you don’t get from a car window. And yeah, I’d do it again just for that feeling of being small out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding and lunch in Bridger Teton

• Arrive 15 minutes before ride
• Sign acknowledgement of risk
• Wear long pants and closed shoes
• Enjoy 2-hour horseback ride
• Return to ranch
• Have lunch at Trails End restaurant

Top questions

How long is the Jackson Hole horseback riding tour?

The horseback ride lasts about 2 hours, plus time for lunch at Trails End restaurant.

Is lunch included on this horseback riding tour?

Yes, one entrée and a non-alcoholic drink are included for each person at Trails End restaurant.

What time does the horseback ride start?

You can choose from three times: 8:45 am (lunch at 11 am), 11:45 am (lunch at 2 pm), or 2:45 pm (lunch at 1:30 pm before your ride).

Are there age or weight restrictions for riders?

Riders must be at least 9 years old and under 250 pounds.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

You should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; helmets are available upon request.

Where does the horseback ride take place?

The ride takes place in Bridger-Teton National Forest near Jackson Hole.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you need to arrive at the ranch 15 minutes before your start time.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour guided horseback ride through Bridger-Teton National Forest near Jackson Hole with all gear provided (helmets available if you want), plus one entrée and a non-alcoholic drink per person for lunch at Trails End ranch restaurant before or after your ride depending on your chosen time slot.