Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch

Planning a visit to Jackson Hole and craving something more than just the usual sightseeing? The Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch promises a blend of horseback riding, stunning scenery, and a tasty meal, all wrapped into around 1.5 hours of outdoor adventure. It’s booked well in advance—typically 47 days ahead—and for good reason, offering a unique way to experience Wyoming’s rugged beauty.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, it’s led by one of the few authorized Yellowstone concessionaires — Heart Six Ranch — renowned for their expertise in backcountry riding. Plus, it features breathtaking views of the Grand Tetons and the nearby Buffalo Fork River, which is perfect for capturing those iconic landscape photos. The combination of scenic riding and a hearty cookout makes for an engaging, family-friendly outing.

However, it’s worth noting that this experience is best suited for those comfortable on horseback and with moderate physical fitness. The riding involves some steep terrain, and the group sizes are small—maxing at 12 travelers—to ensure a personalized experience. If you’re after an authentic, outdoor adventure with good scenery and a delicious meal, this could be a memorable highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Wyoming horseback experience led by expert guides from a reputable concessionaire
• Stunning mountain views of the Grand Tetons and river landscapes perfect for photos
• Hearty outdoor meal cooked over mesquite grill, with options like steak, chicken, or black bean burgers
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere
• Great for families or couples who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic adventures
• Book well in advance as the tour is popular and tends to fill up about a month and a half ahead

What to Expect from the Dinner Cookout Ride

Meeting Point and Timing

Your adventure begins at Heart Six Ranch, located at 16985 Buffalo Valley Road in Moran, Wyoming. The tour kicks off promptly at 4:30 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy both the ride and the scenery. As the ride lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, it’s an ideal late-afternoon activity, wrapping up before sunset—perfect for those wanting to maximize their day.

The Scenic Ride Along Buffalo Fork River

Once mounted, you’ll set off along the river trail, which runs just outside Grand Teton National Park. The guides, like Piper (who gets high praise from reviewers), lead the group along the buffalo fork river — a route that offers spectacular views of the Tetons. Expect to see the river flowing into the Snake River, with the towering peaks making a dramatic backdrop.

Travelers have expressed how these views are genuinely unforgettable. One reviewer described the ride as “fabulous,” especially highlighting the “amazing views” and their guide’s engaging commentary. The scenery is the main star here, with many noting how ideal the landscape is for photos, especially when you reach higher points along the trail.

The Ride Itself: Terrain and Experience

The ride is designed to be enjoyable for most riders who are comfortable on horseback. The terrain includes some steep sections, which may challenge less experienced riders, but the horses are well taken care of, and the guides seem adept at managing varying skill levels. One reviewer mentioned that “the horses wanted to follow one another,” and the group was relaxed, even with some steep terrain.

The small group size (up to 12 people) ensures personalized attention, and many guests appreciated the relaxed, conversational style of guides like Piper. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself riding solo or with just a couple of others, which feels more like a private adventure.

Reaching the Campsite and the Cookout

After the ride, you’ll arrive at a beautiful campsite where the meal is prepared over a mesquite grill. The menu offers a range of tasty options—steak, chicken, or black bean burgers—catering to different tastes. Reviewers have raved about the quality of the food, describing the steaks as “very tasty” and the sides as “generous and delicious,” with one reviewer even mentioning finishing with apple pie.

The setting is rustic but charming, allowing you to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy your meal in the fresh mountain air. Many reviews highlight the quality of the food, noting that it provides a satisfying end to a scenic ride.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes the dinner and a picnic lunch to keep you energized during the ride. You should bring along snacks, a water bottle, and your camera to capture the views. Alcohol isn’t included, so if you want wine or beer, you’ll need to bring your own.

Guests should be prepared with comfortable clothing, and those with a moderate fitness level will find the ride manageable. Riders are expected to be comfortable on horseback and not weigh over 240 pounds. The activity is suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an outdoor adventure.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Booking is flexible—full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Weather can affect the tour, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. This policy ensures you won’t lose out if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

Authentic Experiences and Review Insights

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially mentioning Piper, who made the trip enjoyable with interesting commentary and friendly interaction. One noted how “talking with the wrangler” added to the experience, making the whole outing feel more personal.

The views are probably the biggest draw—stunning mountain peaks and river scenery that seem to go on forever. One guest described the ride as “absolutely stunning,” highlighting the “beautiful 2-hour ride around the mountains,” which included some steep terrain but was accessible even for those with a family of kids aged 9 and 11.

The meal also gets high marks, with many reviewers emphasizing the generous portions and delicious taste of the grilled steak and sides. The ambiance at the campsite, paired with the excellent views, makes the meal feel like a real Wyoming adventure.

Some minor criticisms include the condition of the barn and paddock area, which one reviewer described as “really poor,” with debris lying around. While this doesn’t impact the ride itself significantly, it’s worth noting if you’re particular about facilities.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This ride offers a good balance of adventure, scenery, and a hearty meal — perfect for those who want an authentic cowboy experience without spending hours in the saddle. It’s especially ideal for families with kids, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone who appreciates good views and good food.

The personalized, small-group approach means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the knowledgeable guides help make the ride informative and fun. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic horseback adventure with a taste of the Wild West, this tour hits all those points well.

However, if you’re not comfortable on horseback or have mobility issues, it might be worth considering other options. Similarly, those seeking a longer or more vigorous riding experience may find this a bit on the shorter side.

Final Thoughts

The Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch offers a genuine taste of Wyoming’s scenic beauty and cowboy culture. With outstanding views of the Grand Tetons, expert guides, and a delicious grilled meal, it provides a well-rounded outdoor experience for travelers wanting more than just sightseeing.

The small-group setting and emphasis on scenic photography make it feel intimate and special. It’s a great choice for those who want to combine an outdoor adventure with a tasty, well-cooked dinner in the wilderness.

While it’s not the cheapest activity, the value lies in the experience itself—capturing unforgettable mountain views, enjoying authentic cowboy hospitality, and creating lasting memories. If these elements resonate with you, this tour could be a highlight of your Jackson Hole visit.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially since reviews mention children aged 9 and 11 riding comfortably. Just ensure they are comfortable on horseback and have moderate physical fitness.

What should I bring?
Bring snacks, a water bottle, personal care items, and your camera. The tour provides a picnic lunch and dinner, but extra snacks are advisable for longer outings or if you have specific dietary needs.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?
Guests should be comfortable riding horses and not weigh over 240 pounds. The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Will I have enough time to take photos?
Absolutely. The ride includes scenic stops, especially at higher viewpoints with stunning views of the Tetons, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Is alcohol included?
No, alcohol is not included. You are encouraged to bring your own if you wish to enjoy some drinks with your meal.

To sum it up, the Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch combines natural beauty, expert guiding, and hearty food into a memorable outdoor Wyoming experience. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy horseback riding, stunning mountain scenery, and relaxed outdoor dining—an excellent way to learn about the Wild West landscape.