Horseback Riding

Only a few activities remain the same as in the real days of the Old West and horseback riding is one of them.

  • You can ride at private ranches, private and public arenas, on local trails and areas of the backcountry.
  • Local outfitters offer a variety of riding options from hourly, half-day or full day rides to multi-day trips.
  • Rental costs and fees for are dependent on the length of your ride.

Overview
The best way to get the “western feel” of the Jackson Hole area is on the back of a horse. Trail riding allows you to enjoy incredible views of Mount Moran, Grand Teton, the Snake River and the thousands of towering cottonwood trees

Walking or trotting on horseback through the mountain trails is a photo opportunity and an experience that you won’t soon forget. Jackson Hole offers horseback riding tours at sunset or during the day, allowing expert and novice riders alike to embrace the opportunity. In fact, several companies offer guided horseback riding tours that can go on for days at a time. Talk about becoming a cowboy!

Where to go Horseback Riding
Dude ranches were once the “bread and butter” of the Jackson Hole area. Many guest ranches still thrive in the valley. Included with these are boarding stables and indoor riding arenas where horsemen and women can learn to ride or improve their abilities. . The public arena at the Teton County Fair Grounds sees plenty of riders and events during the summer, including the hip-hollering rodeo.

For trail riding, it’s simply a matter of pulling out a map and exploring the Jackson Hole area. Trails extend through Grand Teton National Park including the Gros Ventre Range.

The Salt, Wind River, Snake River and Wyoming Ranges are just south of Jackson Hole. The Greys River region and Star Valley are popular for trail riding and equestrian real estate.

Rentals and Fees
In addition to being able to “wrangle” a ride with a guide, experienced riders are able to rent horses and even trailers without a guide from places such as Western Wyoming Horseman in Alpine.

Rental costs and fees are dependent on the length of your ride, from a couple of hours to several days. The usual minimum fee for a short 2 hours trail ride is $40/per person.

Many outfitters and guides also have age restrictions.

Hire a Guide
Several local outfitters offer a wide variety of horseback riding options from hourly, half-day or full day rides to multi-day trips that can be combined with other activities such as hunting, fishing photography and cattle drives.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee Resort in Idaho and Grand Teton National Park have guided operations with half and full-day trips. Private outfitters take riders just about anywhere in their respective regions.

Experienced riders are able to rent horses and even trailers without a guide from some places around the valley including some in Alpine.

Safety Precautions
The basic safety considerations for horseback riding are

  • Ride a suitable horse for your riding skill level.
  • Wear an approved riding helmet.
  • Wear sturdy boots with minimal tread and a 1-inch heel. Alternatively use safety stirrups. If you fall, you could be dragged if your foot slips through a stirrup.
  • Always ride in complete control. As with cars or bikes, the faster you go the faster things can go wrong.
  • Leave a map of your route when riding out on trail and the approximate time you will return. That way the folks back home will know when to start worrying and where to look if you are overdue.
  • Always ride out with a friend. As an extra precaution, carry a cell phone or two-way radio.
  • In a group ride the speed of the least experienced rider.

These are very basic rules. Additional safety considerations would apply in different situations, i.e. arena riding, safe riding during hunting season, roadside riding, safety on multi-use trails.

Check out these related listings:

Phone (866) 505-7007
Jackson Hole Pack Trips and Trail Rides - We offer the finest horseback trail rides in Jackson Hole! Experience spectacular mountain scenery, wildlife, & wildflowers from the back of a horse. Fun for the whole family!
We offer the finest horseback trail rides in Jackson Hole! Experience spectacular mountain scenery, wildlife, & wildflowers from the back of a horse. Fun for the whole family!
Phone (877) 276-3485
Wild mustang tours, women only, mixed groups, clinic lessons. Good Horses, native Wyoming owners guide you. No "nose to tail" & no fences! Weeklong active riding for
Phone (208) 558-8558
Local, knowledgable guides gaurantee a once in a lifetime experience in the Yellowstone, Teton and Bechler areas!
Phone (888) 734-6101
Relive the experiences of early pioneers who expanded our nation's frontiers. Come spend 4 days & 3 nights on the wagon train. Rugged comfort for all!
Phone (307) 733-5171
Ride with Wilderness Trails into some of the most beautiful country on earth! Jackson Hole, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks. Day rides, Pack Trips and Driving Tours.
Phone (307) 733-6556
No gunfights, but Cowboy fun for the entire family! Come join us for a horseback ride through beautiful mountain scenery. One hour, two hour, or three hour horseback rides.
Phone (866) 900-4868
Specializing in summer family-based horseback riding adventures. Full- and partial-day trips ideal for wildlife watchers and fishermen. Come see!
Phone (307) 886-3356
Horse, ATV, and raft rentals. We can keep your family busy for three or four days of your vacation. Experience the adventure of a lifetime!
Phone (307) 733-1617
Take a trip with an experienced wrangler and learn about the geography and history of Jackson Hole. Also offering horseback/trail ride and fly fishing combo trip.
Phone (800) 528-2084
For over 40 years, we have offered safe and enjoyable backcountry pack trips & daily trail rides for families of all ages. Click here to see our photo gallery & rates.
Phone (208) 787-6078
Nestled alongside Moose Creek, at the mouth of Moose Canyon and at the base of Teton Pass in Idaho, this is a true mountain getaway. Horse trail rides right from the ranch!
Phone (208) 547-4062
Family-run, fully equipped pack trips, hunting trips, summer trail rides and backpacking trips. Located in southeastern Idaho, near Palisades Reservoir, 30 miles from Jackson.
Phone (307) 739-2300
1 hr to all-day guided horseback rides from our camp in the Pacific Creek Wilderness on the Northern boundry of Grand Teton National Park. Fun for the whole family!
Phone (866) 807-0744
Whether you have 2-hours to spare, a half-day, or want the adventure of an overnight campout and chuckwagon dinner, we offer adventures inside and outside Yellowstone Park.
Phone (208) 538-7140
Come experience the real cowboy life - herd cattle, ride mountain trails, fish in our 5-acre lake, enjoy Dutch Oven fireside dinners, and western hospitality.
Phone (307) 733-2871
After horseback riding, enjoy a Snake River scenic float trip inside Grand Teton Park. We have more than 30 years experience helping people enjoy nature along the Snake River.

Other Online Resources

  • American Horse Council
    The American Horse Council is an organization that supports the interests of the equestrian community to Congress.
  • Wyoming Cattle Women
    Wyoming Cattle Women promotes and supports the livestock industry.
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