Castagno Outfitters: Trail Rides & Chuckwagon Cookouts in Jackson Hole

If you are looking for a traditional Western experience that feels more like a working ranch than a polished resort activity, Castagno Outfitters is a strong option. They operate out of the Buffalo Valley near Moran Junction, which gets you away from the immediate crowds of Jackson and into a quieter, more expansive part of the valley. They handle a wide range of activities, from trail rides and chuckwagon dinners to multi-day pack trips and hunting camps, all run with a straightforward, old-school approach.

The Core Experiences

They split their trail rides between two locations. The Spring Creek Stables rides are located just outside downtown Jackson, making them highly convenient if you are staying in town and want a quick ride with views of the Tetons. For a more remote feel, their Buffalo Valley rides take you along the Buffalo River through lodgepole pines and open meadows. These range from two-hour loops to all-day rides, and they offer a much quieter trail experience than the options closer to town.

The Chuckwagon Advantage

One of the more distinctive things they offer is their Grand Teton Chuckwagon Cookout. You take a twenty-minute ride in a horse-drawn covered wagon to a private aspen grove in the Buffalo Valley. The setup is simple and authentic: a rib-eye steak dinner cooked over an open fire, accompanied by live cowboy music. They keep the groups relatively small, which makes the evening feel more personal than some of the larger, high-volume dinner shows in the area.

Local Context and Tradeoffs

Because they operate primarily out of the Buffalo Valley, you need to factor in the drive time if you are staying in Jackson or Teton Village. It is about a forty-five minute drive from town to their Moran location. This is a benefit if you want to escape the crowds, but it requires more logistical planning than booking an activity right in town. Their operation is also decidedly traditional. If you are looking for luxury amenities or highly polished facilities, this might not be the right fit. If you want capable guides, well-cared-for horses, and a genuine atmosphere, they deliver exactly that.

Who Should Book This

• Good fit for families wanting tradition: The chuckwagon dinner is a classic Jackson Hole experience that works well for mixed generations.
• Good fit for visitors staying north: If you are staying near Moran or the north entrance of Grand Teton National Park, their Buffalo Valley location is highly convenient.
• More approachable for casual riders: They have gentle horses and options for short, scenic rides that do not require prior equestrian experience.
• Not ideal for those wanting a quick town activity: Unless you book their specific Spring Creek Stables location, you will need to commit to the drive north.

Castagno Outfitters: Authentic, Unpretentious Western Experience

Castagno Outfitters provides a reliable, unpretentious way to get on a horse or enjoy a cowboy dinner in Jackson Hole. Their Buffalo Valley location offers a quieter alternative to the busy southern end of the valley. For visitors who want a straightforward Western experience run by people who know the terrain, this is a solid choice.