Saddle Up for the Tetons: A Horseback Ride That Puts You Face-to-Face with Grand Views
A 90-minute saddle-to-sky escape where cowboy trails and alpine views meet
You step from the shade of an aspen grove onto a sunlit ribbon of singletrack and the mountains rearrange themselves: the Tetons, raw and serrated, sit like a cathedral at the edge of the valley. A horse smells the air, takes a soft step, and the rhythm of hooves becomes the natural metronome of the ride. Ninety minutes later you find that the best way to understand Jackson Hole is not from a parking lot viewpoint but from a saddle, moving through the landscape at the same pace predators and cowboys once kept.
Trail Wisdom
Match your experience
Be honest about riding ability when you book so guides can pair you with an appropriate horse and keep the group safe.
Layer for shifting temps
Start cool and shed layers as the sun climbs—mornings can be chilly and afternoons warm quickly at elevation.
Bring water and sunscreen
Carry a small hydration pack and SPF—trail water is limited and the high-desert sun is strong even when it feels cool.
Wildlife etiquette
Remain quiet and follow your guide's instructions if animals appear; do not approach or feed wildlife to avoid stressing animals and spooking horses.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small alpine benches above the main trail with unobstructed Teton sightlines—ask guides for photo stops
- •A short, shaded creekside stretch where elk often graze at dawn
Wildlife
Elk, Moose
Conservation Note
Operators rotate trails and follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize erosion and protect riparian zones; riders should avoid off-trail shortcuts and never feed wildlife.
The Teton Range was uplifted by faulting millions of years ago and later sculpted by glaciers; indigenous tribes including the Shoshone traversed these valleys for seasonal hunting.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower emergence, Elk and mule deer sightings
Challenges: Mud on low-elevation trails, Cool daytime temperatures
Spring brings green-up and migrating wildlife; trails can be soft, so check with the operator on conditions.
summer
Best for: Clear Tetons views, Family-friendly rides, Wildflower meadows
Challenges: Crowds and fully booked slots, Afternoon thunderstorms
Summer is peak season with warm days and long light—book early and favor morning or late-afternoon departures for best conditions.
fall
Best for: Crisp air and changing colors, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Cooling temperatures, Shorter daylight hours
Fall offers brilliant aspens and quieter trails; bring warmer layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
winter
Best for: Scenic, snow-dusted vistas (on special winter programs), Photography of a stark landscape
Challenges: Most regular rides do not operate, Cold and deep snow
Regular guided rides are limited in winter; inquire about special sleigh or winter riding options and always dress for cold exposure.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe boots or paddock bootsEssential
Protects feet and provides grip in the stirrup for safe riding.
Light hydration pack or water bottleEssential
Keeps you hydrated on trail where water access may be limited.
Sun hat and sunscreenEssential
High-elevation sun is strong; protect skin and eyes during exposed sections.
Hard-shell or fleece layer
Useful for cooler mornings and sudden weather shifts in the mountains.
Common Questions
How long is the ride and how far will we travel?
The standard guided option is 90 minutes and typically covers 4–5 miles, with modest elevation gain depending on the route.
Do I need prior riding experience?
No prior experience is required for the basic ride—guides match horses to riders—but you should be comfortable mounting and sitting in a saddle.
Are children allowed on the rides?
Yes; age and weight limits vary by operator. Expect minimum age recommendations and requirements for adult supervision on family rides.
What should I wear for the ride?
Closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, and layered clothing. Avoid loose scarves or items that could flap and spook a horse.
Is wildlife viewing guaranteed?
No—wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed. Guides know where to look and how to minimize disturbance for the best chance of sightings.
Do I need any permits or passes?
For this guided ride, no separate wilderness permit is required; the operator manages access across private and Forest Service lands.
What to Pack
Closed-toe boots for stirrup safety, water bottle or small hydration pack to stay hydrated, layered jacket for morning chill and wind protection, sunscreen and a brimmed hat for strong high-elevation sun
Did You Know
Jackson Hole grew as a gateway for trappers and then tourists; the town square’s elk antler arches are built from antlers shed naturally each year and collected locally.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning slots for clearer views; confirm meeting point and drive time from Jackson; leave valuables locked in your vehicle; tip guides in cash or card for personalized service
Local Flavor
After a ride, head to downtown Jackson Hole for a local elk burger or trout at a ranch-style restaurant, then try craft beers at Snake River Brewing or coffee and pastries at Persephone Bakery—both provide a relaxed counterpoint to the day’s outdoor exertion.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC); Typical drive from downtown Jackson: 10–25 minutes to ranch meeting points; Cell service: reliable in town and patchy on some trails; Permits: none required for the guided ride; Reservations recommended in summer.
Sustainability Note
This activity crosses private and national forest lands—stay on designated trails, carry out waste, avoid feedings, and follow guides' instructions to reduce trampling and disturbance.