Escape the neon nights of Las Vegas with a horseback adventure into the desert – here are some of the best.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
There is much more to Las Vegas than bars, clubs and casino tables. For anyone who has had their fill of the more night time activities in the Nevada city there are plenty of great adventures to be had, from intriguing museums to skiing (Lee Canyon ski resort is just 45 minutes from the Las Vegas strip). One of the best activities the area has to offer, however, is horseback tours, ranging from one-hour excursions to going full cowboy with rides at sunset and a BBQ thrown in. For anyone wanting to get out of Vegas and see the natural wonders of Nevada on horseback, here are some unique experiences to consider.
From Las Vegas: Desert Sunset Horseback Ride with BBQ Dinner
This tour offers the chance to be a cowboy for the night, with a six-hour adventure into the Mojave desert. As you ride the sun comes down over this arid landscape, with unique views across the horizon – it couldn’t be more different from an evening on the Las Vegas Strip. The tour starts with a pickup ride to a ranch just outside the city, where the friendly staff help you get acquainted with your trusty steed, before getting saddled up and heading out into the great outdoors. All this cowboying can build up an appetite – luckily the evening ends with a barbecue dinner around the campfire, with steak mesquite grilled chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob, and a slice of real American apple pie. From €148.10.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Ranch Tour with Horseback/Wagon Ride
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
The destination for this tour is the Grand Canyon Western Ranch, once owned by a genuine cowboy outlaw in the 1880s, so say the organisers. The tour begins with a comfy transfer from Las Vegas to the ranch, with a stop for a photo at the Hoover Dam on the way. What makes this trip a little different is that it’s also open for anyone who doesn’t fancy jumping on a horse too – so the whole family can come along. There is an option of either taking a horse – suitable for anyone nine or over – or pony – for eight or under – or, if you’d prefer, just climbing aboard a covered wagon drawn by two beautiful Belgian Draft Horses. Whatever you choose it will be a fun seven-hour excursion, taking a historic trail to Buffalo Point, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Spirit and Iron Mountain, as well as seeing the iconic buffalo roaming the plains. Lunch is also included in the price. From €208.88.
Book at Getyourguide.com
2-Hour Horseback Riding through Red Rock Canyon
At two hours long this is a slightly shorter horseback tour, setting off for the spectacular Red Rock Canyon, an area about 15 miles west of Vegas and designated as Nevada’s first National Conservation Area. This is a rugged land of desert valleys and ravines – but while the landscape is epic, you don’t need to be a professional cowboy to take part. The experience is designed for anyone from first timers to experienced riders, with a friendly cowboy wrangler to lead the way. This is a really nice taster and a great way to get out of Vegas without losing too much time – perfect for anyone who only has a long weekend in the city. From €139.91.
Book at Viator.com
Horseback Riding Las Vegas – 1 Hour
(Photo: Adrenaline.com)
This is an even shorter trip and probably one of the quickest and cheapest ways to get saddled up while visiting Vegas – that is apart from a mechanical bull in a sports bar. The trail is located near Lake Mead – just a 30-minute drive from the Strip – and features untouched desert scenery, with red rocks towering on the horizon. The horses are relaxed and steady and the staff will pair you to an animal that suits your ability. There is a run through on how to mount and dismount like a cowboy and for anyone who’s never been on a horse, a mini lesson before heading out on the trail. From €64.50.
Book at Adrenaline.com
Las Vegas: Horseback Riding with Breakfast
Hitting the desert trail in the morning with a hearty cowboy breakfast is just the right combination. For novices there is good instruction on how to ride, mount and dismount and the horses are well-trained and matched to your skill level. Once you’ve completed a horseback tour through the desert – with a chance to spot local wildlife like coyotes, foxes, geckos, falcons, and hawks – you’ll finish with a legit cowboy breakfast. We’re talking cheese omelet, potatoes, and banana bread, accompanied by water, coffee and orange juice. And for all those vegetarian cowboys, a meat-free version is also available. From €111.08.
Book at Getyourguide.com