Jackson Hole Grand Teton National Park Scenic Float Trips are run through the Heart Six Ranch in Moran, WY. My wife and I were among the seven passengers taking this trip in mid-September 2022.
As guests of the Ranch, we were instructed upon check-in to be at the café at 7:45 the morning of our float trip. Our first clue that things weren’t going to be ideal was that we didn’t get going until after 9:00 a.m. without much explanation or communication with the passengers. Once on the water, our guide was curiously non-responsive and almost brusque, never volunteering information about the area and answering guest questions with one or two words. Several guests tried to engage him during the 3-hour trip, but could only elicit the most basic responses. Frankly, it made everything feel a little awkward.
To be fair, our guide had the requisite technical skill, getting us in and out of the float boat without us getting wet, and adeptly and gently turning the boat so that all the passengers could get a clear view of all the beautiful sights along the Snake River. And, he did point out what little wildlife we saw, a bald eagle in a tree and a golden eagle flying overhead. The scenery was enchanting, and the ride itself was quiet and relaxing. It’s just a shame that the most animated and enthusiastic our guide was that day was when I tipped him after the trip; I guess I should at least feel good about him appreciating that gesture.
We really enjoyed much of this float trip; it’s just a shame that an unenthusiastic guide and mediocre communication with guests kept this exceptional opportunity from being anything more than an average experience.
