Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch

The best part of the Heart Six Ranch dinner ride is the setting: you follow a river trail with the Grand Tetons rising in the distance, then sit down to a grilled meal beneath the open Wyoming sky. The ride is aimed at ordinary riders, not hard-charging cowboys, and the pace is usually a slow walk.

I like the big mountain views and the chance to ride beside the Buffalo Fork River, away from the most crowded viewpoints around Jackson Hole. I also like the friendly, patient wranglers, especially guides such as Sofie, Lucy, Piper, and Lee, who have helped families and first-time riders feel at ease. The main caution is that group size can change. A small group may feel personal, but a missing wrangler or busy day can produce a much larger, slower ride.

What Makes This Ride Worth Your Afternoon

• Grand Teton views from horseback: The route gives you a different angle on the famous peaks, with photo stops along the way.
• Buffalo Fork River scenery: You ride near the river as it flows toward the Snake River, with forest, wildflowers, and open valley views.
• A real camp-style dinner: Steak, chicken, or a black bean burger is cooked over a mesquite grill, with sides and dessert.
• A slow, family-friendly pace: The horses generally walk, making this a good fit for beginners and rusty riders.
• A maximum of 12 people: That is the intended group limit, though one busy outing became much larger after a wrangler failed to appear.
• An unusual ranch finale: After the ride, you might see the ranch’s large herd being brought toward the river for the night.

Riding Out From Heart Six Ranch at 4:30

Plan to arrive ready to ride at Heart Six Ranch, at 16985 Buffalo Valley Road in Moran. The activity starts at 4:30 p.m. and returns to the same meeting point. Since the ride runs in the evening, it fits nicely after a morning in Grand Teton National Park or a drive through Jackson Hole.

The horses follow one another along the trail, which helps riders who have not been in a saddle for years. Several people who had not ridden for decades found the horses manageable, and children as young as nine handled the route well with adult supervision.

You still need to be comfortable on a horse. This is not a sightseeing wagon tour, and you should expect to spend the ride in the saddle. A moderate level of fitness is required, and riders may not weigh more than 240 pounds. Minors must ride with an adult.

The intended maximum is 12 people. That small size matters because a wrangler can pay more attention to horse behavior, rider confidence, and questions about the area. On a well-staffed outing, guides have helped match riders with horses, steadied nervous children, and handled spunky animals calmly.

But do not assume the group will always feel tiny. One outing was reorganized into a group of 16 after a wrangler did not show up. The result was a very slow, stop-and-go ride with long waits before departure. If a personal, quiet ride is your top priority, ask about the expected group size when you arrive.

Along the Buffalo Fork River

The first major pleasure is simply being outside the traffic of the main park roads. The trail follows the Buffalo Fork River, which flows into the Snake River, and gives you views that feel more open and less staged than a roadside overlook.

Look for the Grand Tetons in the distance as the route moves through the valley. The mountains are the visual anchor, but the ride also includes smaller details: aspen groves, wildflowers in early summer, and local wildlife information from the wranglers. One guide pointed out an eagle’s nest and explained features along the route.

The horses generally walk. That keeps the ride manageable for beginners, but it may disappoint experienced riders hoping for a lively trot or a fast western ride. The slow pace also means frequent stops can feel long, especially if someone needs help or the group stretches out.

Guides usually stop at scenic spots so you can take pictures. Bring a camera, and keep it secure. You should also bring a water bottle, snacks for your saddlebag, and personal care items. The activity information calls the meal a picnic lunch in one place, but the actual experience described is an evening cookout with a grilled main course.

Climbing for the Best Grand Teton Photos

The route does more than trace the river. It also heads higher, offering broad views across the valley toward the Tetons. This is where the ride feels most special for photographers and anyone hoping for a classic Jackson Hole picture.

You may ride over uneven or steeper ground. The route has included downhill and uphill sections that children managed without trouble, but you should still expect a few moments that require balance and attention. Listen closely to the wrangler, keep your feet positioned as instructed, and avoid sudden movements around the horses.

The ride is usually described as peaceful rather than athletic. You will have time to look around, talk with your guide, and enjoy the changing view. If you want a faster pace, say so politely, but understand that the wrangler must keep the full group safe and together.

A larger group can make it harder to hear the guide. Sitting near the front helps, and the important instructions are repeated when needed. The quality of the experience depends heavily on the wrangler leading your group. Sofie received especially strong praise for keeping a mixed-age group relaxed and engaged, while Lucy was noted for patiently answering a child’s steady stream of questions.

The Mesquite-Grilled Dinner Stop

After the trail ride, you reach a campsite with picnic tables and a campfire. The main meal is cooked over a mesquite grill, with steak, chicken, or a black bean burger as the main choice. The steak has been a highlight, though the cut can vary. Some diners found it tender and well cooked, while one person thought the cut could have been better despite good seasoning.

The cookout adds value because it turns a standard horseback ride into a full evening outing. You are not simply returning to the ranch after a trail loop. You stop, dismount, eat outdoors, and have time to enjoy the setting without bouncing in a saddle.

Sides are included, and dessert has included apple pie, cobbler, or s’mores depending on the evening. Bring your own snacks, but do not plan on bringing alcohol as part of the package, since alcohol is not included.

Food service can be uneven when groups arrive together. One large family group found that there was not enough cobbler for everyone at the end of the serving line. If dessert matters to you, it is reasonable to ask how the cookout line works and make sure your group is served before returning for seconds.

After dinner, you mount up for the return to the ranch. A family member who was less comfortable continuing the ride was offered a wagon ride back, though you should not assume this option will always be available. Ask the staff about alternatives if someone in your party has trouble staying in the saddle.

Weather, Horses, and What to Pack

Mountain weather can change quickly. Rain and hail have interrupted return rides, and one group was grateful that rain slickers were available. Another group rode through rain for much of the trip and found the cold hardest on their hands.

Pack a light waterproof layer, warm clothing, and gloves even on a pleasant afternoon. Rain gear may be offered, but it is wiser not to depend on the ranch having a perfectly sized layer for every rider. A water bottle and small snacks belong in your saddlebag, along with sunscreen, personal care items, and your camera.

The horses are generally well behaved, but they have personalities. One horse was described as taking advantage of an inexperienced rider, and another saddle rolled during a ride. The wranglers assisted quickly, and the rider suffered only a scrape, but this is a reminder that horseback riding carries real risks.

The staff’s handling of those moments matters. On the better-run outings, wranglers were attentive, calm, and helpful when a horse became lively or a rider needed assistance. If you are nervous, tell the staff before mounting so they can consider your experience when assigning a horse.

Is $165 a Fair Price?

At $165 per person, this is not a cheap trail ride. You are paying for the horse, wrangler, scenic route, cookout meal, and the convenience of combining several Jackson Hole experiences in one evening.

I think the price makes sense for families and couples who would otherwise book a horseback ride and dinner separately. The mountain setting does much of the work, and the meal makes the outing feel like an occasion. A small group with an excellent guide can feel like a personal ranch experience.

The value drops if your group is merged into a large line, the ride is delayed, or the pace feels like a long walking procession. There is also a required gratuity collected at arrival, according to the experience details provided to riders. This extra charge has surprised some people, especially because questions have been raised about how the money reaches the wranglers.

Ask about the gratuity before you ride so you know the full cost. At $165, plus any required gratuity, this is best viewed as a special evening rather than a casual activity you squeeze into a busy day.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend the ride to:

• Families with children who can follow instructions and are accompanied by adults.
• Couples looking for an outdoor date with dinner included.
• First-time riders or people returning to horseback riding after many years.
• Visitors who value scenery, conversation, and a gentle pace over speed.
• Anyone who wants a meal with a mountain view without planning the cooking themselves.

You may want another option if you are an experienced rider hoping to trot or gallop. The horses generally walk, and a large group can make the ride even slower.

This also may not suit you if you dislike uncertain weather, cannot sit comfortably in a saddle for the full outing, or need a very predictable schedule. The ride is weather dependent, and the group experience can change with staffing.

Booking and Cancellation Details

The activity is offered in English with a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent at booking. It is commonly reserved well ahead of time, with an average booking lead time of about 56 days, so reserve early if your Jackson Hole dates are fixed.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 4:30 p.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the ride, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Should You Book the Heart Six Ranch Dinner Ride?

Book it if you want a gentle horseback outing with strong Grand Teton scenery, a river trail, and dinner in one package. The best version is a small group led by a calm wrangler such as Sofie, Lucy, Piper, or Lee, with time for photos and a relaxed cookout.

Go in with sensible expectations. This is not a fast ranch ride, the weather can turn rough, and a busy day may mean a larger group than planned. Pack for rain and cold, ask about the gratuity and group size, and choose this experience for the setting and shared evening, not for speed.

FAQ

Where does the dinner ride begin?

It begins at Heart Six Ranch, 16985 Buffalo Valley Road, Moran, Wyoming 83013.

What time does the activity start?

The ride starts at 4:30 p.m.

Where does the activity end?

It ends back at Heart Six Ranch, the same place where it begins.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, though individual outings described for this activity have included a longer ride and a dinner stop.

What can I eat at the cookout?

You can choose steak, chicken, or a black bean burger. A dessert is also served, though the specific dessert may vary.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcohol is not included.

How large is the group?

The activity has a maximum of 12 travelers. Group size may vary in practice if staffing problems require groups to be combined.

Is horseback riding experience required?

You should be comfortable riding horses, but the ride is generally slow and has suited beginners and people who have not ridden for many years. A moderate level of fitness is required.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a choice of another date or a full refund.