You don’t have to travel far to experience the Old West.
Just beyond the Las Vegas Valley, horseback riding companies offer scenic rides through Red Rock Canyon, the Sunrise Mountains and the Mojave Desert. As daytime temperatures hit triple digits, many ranches shift their schedules to the cooler hours of the day.
Here’s where to saddle up near Las Vegas:
Cowboy Trail Rides
cowboytrailrides.com
This family-owned company has been providing horseback and horse-drawn wagon tours since 1996. From their ranch in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the company offers three different types of rides.
The Canyon Rim Ride leaves camp at 8 a.m. in the summer and follows the canyon rim atop Fossil Ridge. Along the trail, which costs $149, riders can see ancient caves and geologic formations.
For a slightly more challenging tour, riders can check out the Red Springs Ride, which costs $109 and leaves camp at 11 a.m. The trail takes riders through a gorge before opening out onto a sandy trail.
The company’s most popular ride, the Sunset Trail Ride and Western BBQ, is offered daily at 6 p.m. For $199, after following a winding trail through the narrows on the canyon floor, riders can enjoy a Western barbecue with s’mores for dessert.
Wild West Horseback Adventures
wildwesthorsebackadventures.com
Wild West Horseback Adventures operates in the Moapa Valley, 45 miles northeast of the Las Vegas Strip.
The company offers pickup from select hotels. The Maverick adventure, which costs $130, starts bright and early and concludes with an authentic Western-style breakfast. Later in the day, for $160, riders can watch the sunset during the Wild West ride. Locals can ride a five-hour tour for $130.
Silver State Horseback Riding Tours
silverstatetour.com
For a less expensive option in the mountains east of the city, check out Silver State Horseback Riding Tours. The company offers a variety of rides through the Sunrise Mountains starting at $70, with the option to add on meals, an afternoon ride for the same price, and a sunset ride for $5 more.
The company can also be booked for filming, photo shoots, birthdays and proposals.
Sandy Valley Ranch
sandyvalleyranch.com
In the Mojave Desert south of Las Vegas, Sandy Valley Ranch offers relaxed scenic rides and more immersive ranch adventures. Visitors can stay at the ranch. Those seeking more than trail rides can step into the life of a Cowboy for a Day, an experience that immerses guests in working ranch life. Participants spend extended time in the saddle and learn the basics of cattle handling.
Horseback trail rides start at $250, with $40 short introduction rides, a $300 ride for those with more experience and add-on cowboy experiences starting at $175.
Contact Sophie Baker at [email protected].