Jackson: Chuck Wagon Cookout and Live Show

If you’re heading to Jackson Hole and eager to get a taste of Old West charm, this Chuck Wagon Cookout and Live Show offers a memorable slice of cowboy life. For about $70 per person, you’ll spend roughly three hours enjoying a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride, a hearty all-you-can-eat dinner, and lively entertainment—all under the Wyoming sky. The experience is as much about storytelling and camaraderie as it is about the food and scenery.

What we love most about this tour is how authentic it feels. The guided wagon ride through Cache Creek Canyon immerses you in the landscape, with knowledgeable guides sharing stories that bring the Old West to life. Plus, the Dutch oven dinner is plentiful and flavorful, giving you a real cowboy-style meal that’s hard to beat in value. A second highlight is the live music by the Bar T 5 Band, which plays lively Western tunes that keep the atmosphere fun and engaging.

One thing to consider is that this is a rain or shine event, so you’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather. Also, if you’re expecting a gourmet meal or a polished performance, be aware that some reviews mention the entertainment as “corny” or the sound system as less than perfect. But for most travelers, these small quirks are part of the charm.

This tour is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures, genuine Western hospitality, and hearty food in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. It’s especially suitable if you appreciate storytelling, live music, and scenic rides that allow you to unwind after a day exploring Jackson Hole.

Key Points

• Authentic Old West Atmosphere: The combination of scenic wagon rides, hearty Western cuisine, and lively music creates a true cowboy experience.
• Great Value for Money: With all-you-can-eat food, scenic travel, and live entertainment, the $70 price tag offers substantial value.
• Family-Friendly and Accessible: The tour is suitable for most ages and offers wheelchair accessibility, making it a good choice for families and mobility-challenged travelers.
• Authentic Food and Hospitality: Many reviews praise the plentiful, flavorful food and friendly staff, making you feel welcomed and well-cared-for.
• Memorable Scenery: Traveling through Cache Creek Canyon at sunset provides stunning views and a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.
• Authentic Entertainment: The band and skits add a lively Western flavor, although some find the humor a bit hokey.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Unpacking the Experience

Starting with the basics, this tour is designed to whisk you away from the modern world into a slice of the Old West. The meeting point at the Bar T-5 Corral is conveniently located just 1.5 miles southeast of downtown Jackson, with ample free parking. From there, you’ll hop into a horse-drawn covered wagon, which is itself a highlight. The sight of strong draft horses pulling the wagons immediately sets the tone—authentic, rustic, and a little bit nostalgic.

As you leave Jackson behind, your wagon glides along the trail toward Cache Creek Canyon. The guides, often praised for their knowledge and storytelling, keep the ride lively with tales that evoke the spirit of the Old West. We loved how guides like Lily or Kylie were personable, making the journey informative and friendly. The views along the trail are worth savoring, especially as the sun begins to set—this is a scenic ride that offers peaceful moments and photo opportunities.

What Makes the Wagon Ride Special

The wagon ride itself is more than just transportation; it’s an integral part of the experience. Many reviews mention how long or informative it is—longer than expected—and how the horses, like Butch and Cassidy, are impressive and strong. The sound of hooves and the gentle sway of the wagon create a calming rhythm as your guide shares stories, jokes, or history snippets.

One reviewer noted that the ride was dusty and bumpy, which is typical in such outdoor excursions, but they found it part of the fun. The opportunity to see the landscape from a traditional cowboy perspective makes it a genuine addition to your Jackson Hole visit.

Dinner: A Hearty Cowboy Feast

Arriving at camp, the aroma of Dutch oven cooking instantly makes your mouth water. The hosts and cooks put the finishing touches on a traditional cowboy-style buffet. The food is plentiful—all-you-can-eat BBQ pork or chicken, roasted beef, baked beans, corn, and freshly baked rolls are standard fare. Many reviews highlight the generous portions, with some calling the food “better than some Jackson restaurants.”

The meal is served family-style, encouraging camaraderie among guests. Drinks like lemonade, water, coffee, or hot chocolate are included, but alcohol isn’t available onsite (since it’s a dry camp). If you’re hoping for wine or beer, plan ahead.

The quality of the food seems to vary slightly—some found it very good, others thought it was simply decent—yet most agree it’s hearty, satisfying, and offers excellent value given the amount served. As one reviewer put it, they could fill up on roast beef, which is a big plus for carnivores.

Live Entertainment and Atmosphere

Post-dinner, the fun continues with the live show by the Bar T 5 Band. Their rendition of Western tunes, combined with some playful skits and jokes, keeps the energy high. Many guests comment that the entertainment is “fun,” “hilarious,” and adds a lively authentic Western flavor. However, a few found the jokes a bit “corny” or the sound system sometimes hard to understand.

Reviews describe the atmosphere as friendly, welcoming, and relaxed. The band’s lively music encourages singing along and group participation. The performers clearly enjoy their roles, making the evening feel more like a family gathering than a stiff performance.

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Sunset Ride Back Into Jackson

As the night winds down, you’ll hop back into the wagons for the mellow ride back down the canyon. The fading light creates a perfect backdrop for reflection on the day’s adventure. Many reviews mention the beautiful sunset and the peaceful sound of hooves clopping on the trail—an almost meditative conclusion to your Western evening.

Practical Details and Considerations

The entire experience lasts about three hours, usually scheduled in the late afternoon or evening. It’s suitable for most mobility levels, as the tour is wheelchair accessible. The ticket price of $70 includes the wagon ride, the hearty Dutch oven dinner, and drinks.

It’s worth noting that no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so you’ll need to drive yourself or arrange transportation. Since the event is rain or shine, dress in weather-appropriate clothing. The wagons and pavilion are covered but expect outdoor elements.

If you have dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or vegetarian needs, it’s advised to contact the provider in advance. Also, pets are not allowed, and alcohol is prohibited.

Authentic, Fun, and Worth It

From the glowing reviews—most rating 5 out of 5—it’s clear that this tour delivers a genuine taste of Western hospitality and adventure. Guests consistently mention the friendly staff, quality food, and entertaining guides as highlights. Several reviewers described it as the highlight of their trip or a bucket-list activity.

While some found the show a little “corny” or the sound system less than perfect, these are minor quibbles compared to the overall authenticity and warmth of the experience. The scenery and atmosphere stand out as the real draw—quiet, beautiful, and steeped in history.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those craving outdoor adventure with a touch of history and fun. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a relaxed way to enjoy Jackson Hole’s natural beauty and cowboy spirit. If you enjoy hearty food and lively entertainment, you’ll find plenty to like here.

It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate authentic storytelling and scenic views, and who aren’t expecting a high-end dinner or polished theatrical performance. If you want to connect with the Western landscape in a relaxed, friendly setting, this tour hits the mark.

The Jackson: Chuck Wagon Cookout and Live Show offers a genuinely fun evening that combines scenic riding, hearty food, and lively entertainment. Its friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and authentic Western atmosphere make it a memorable addition to your Jackson Hole trip. While not a perfect, polished show, the charm and warmth of the experience are what keep guests coming back.

If you’re after a family-friendly, immersive taste of cowboy life—complete with storytelling, good food, and stunning views—this tour is a top choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who value authenticity and hospitality over perfection.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about three hours, typically in the late afternoon or evening, including the wagon ride, dinner, and entertainment.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most guests with mobility challenges.

What should I wear?
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. It can be chilly in the evening, especially if it’s windy or rainy. The wagons are covered, but outdoor elements are unavoidable.

Are drinks included?
Yes, lemonade, water, coffee, and hot chocolate are included in the price. Alcoholic beverages are not available, as it’s a dry camp.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
If you have special dietary needs like gluten-free or vegetarian options, it’s best to contact the provider ahead of time for arrangements.

What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine. The wagons and pavilion are covered, but you should be prepared for outdoor conditions.

Is the food good?
Most reviews say the food is plentiful and flavorful, with some comparing it favorably to local restaurants. It’s hearty cowboy fare, perfect after a day outdoors.

This tour is a welcoming, authentic slice of the Old West, offering scenic views, good food, and lively entertainment—well worth considering if you’re looking to add a bit of cowboy spirit to your Jackson Hole visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: