Las Vegas and its surrounding area is pretty much all desert. If you’re looking for one of the best ways to experience this beautiful desert environment, it has to be on horseback!

Horseback tours are one of the coolest ways to escape the crowds and high-energy environments of the city, and still has you back in time for any nighttime plans you may have.

However, you need to go on a tour that’s actually worth your time and money. We’ve done our research to bring you the top horseback riding tours in Las Vegas available!

Be sure to see our reviews of Grand Canyon tours, Antelope Canyon tours and Hoover Dam tours.

Best Horseback Riding Tours in Las Vegas

	Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque	Wild West Sunset Horseback Ride with Dinner from Las Vegas	2-Hour Horseback Riding through Red Rock Canyon
Departure Point:	Hotel pickup and drop-off available	Hotel pickup and drop-off included	Hotel pickup and drop-off included
Departure Time:	7:15 AM	Between: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM	Between: 6:45 AM - 8:15 AM
Duration:	5 hours	5 hours	2 hours
Includes:	90-minute horseback ride, BBQ Meal (steak, chicken or salmon), soft drinks and bottled water, dessert	Horseback trail ride, professional wrangler/guide, dinner - vegetarian meals available upon request	2-hour horseback ride, all necessary equipment, professional guide
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Las Vegas Horseback Riding Tours

1. Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque
2. Wild West Sunset Horseback Ride with Dinner from Las Vegas
3. 2-Hour Horseback Riding through Red Rock Canyon
4. Las Vegas Horseback Ride with Meal
5. Morning Maverick Horseback Ride with Breakfast from Las Vegas

Las Vegas Horseback Riding Tour Reviews

1. Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque

Let’s start things off on the right hoof with the Morning Maverick Horseback Ride with Breakfast from Las Vegas tour! You’ll be picked up from your Las Vegas hotel first-thing in the morning so you can be back in time for lunch!

Lasting 5 hours, it’s just the right amount of time for many to get some fresh air, and experience a genuine horseback riding tour with professionals.

Once you’re picked up, you’ll be able to settle in to the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle on the way to the ranch in Moapa, which is about an hour drive. The way there is pretty, and the guides offer interesting commentary about the area, making it seem shorter.

Once you arrive, you’ll meet up with pro wranglers who will prepare the horses and match you with your horse. They’ll then teach you how to treat the horses and how to ride them, as well as offer a safety briefing.

Once you’ve covered all of that, you’ll then follow your guide onto the trails. We found this to be an excellent tour for beginners, as it is single-file, meaning that you’ll just be trotting the entire time.

These are the same horse trails once used by some of the most notorious outlaws of the wild west. The environment is very pretty, with red mountains and the flat desert creating an interesting contrast. You may even spot some local wildlife!

After the horseback ride, you’ll head back to fill up with some delicious, western-style breakfast like hotcakes, bacon, ham, hash browns, eggs, coffee, and more. It’s definitely a great way to refuel after riding around under the sun!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. Wild West Sunset Horseback Ride with Dinner from Las Vegas

While the tour we just covered takes place in the morning, this next one takes place in the afternoon/evening.

The Wild West Sunset Horseback Ride with Dinner from Las Vegas is another 5-hour tour that’s great if you already have plans in the morning. If you’re ready to ride into the sunset like cowboys did back in the day, then this is the way to go.

Once picked up from you Las Vegas Strip hotel, you’ll head out about an hour to the horse ranch! After you arrive, the wranglers will match you with a horse based on your experience level and personality. They know their horses very well, and that was evident.

Once you’re matched with your horse and provided with a safety briefing, along with instructions on how to ride them, you’ll follow the guide out onto the trail.

Due to the small group size, it’s great if you’ve never ridden a horse before and aren’t ready to go faster or have questions. They’re very attentive and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

During the trail ride, you’ll get to see all kinds of beautiful mountains, the unique Joshua trees, and much more. They’re gorgeous at any time of day, but add that into the bright orange sunset setting against them and it adds an extra dimension of beauty.

You may even catch a glimpse of some furry critters running around! Once back at the ranch, you’ll dine on a classic country-style dinner! You can choose either chicken, steak, or a vegetarian option, accompanied by delicious sides and a hot apple pie!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. 2-Hour Horseback Riding through Red Rock Canyon

While Vegas is certainly known for its glitz and glamor, did you know it has wild west beginnings? Located in the literal middle of the desert, there’s so much more to the city than just the hustle and bustle. If you want some insight into the old cowboy origins, check out the 2-Hour Horseback Riding through Red Rock Canyon tour!

This tour lasts a total of 5 hours, taking into account the round-trip transportation to and from your hotel, instructions, and a 2-hour horse ride! Drive about 45 minutes out to the ranch in a comfy, climate-controlled vehicle while the guides narrate the way.

Once you arrive at the ranch, you’ll be greeted by the wranglers and matched up with your horse (or mule!). All of them are very well-experienced, sweet, and a pleasure to be around. Not to mention, you can tell that they’re very well taken care of.

Now, it’s time to listen to the safety briefing, and instructions on how to ride your horse. The staff makes it very easy to do, even if you’ve never ridden one before. This tour is definitely for most ages and skill levels!

As you make your way around the trail, you’ll see all different kinds of scenery, including the iconic red rocks.

The wranglers will share the history and highlights of the area, which makes the ride just that much more interesting! If you want to escape the city for a few hours, get in some fresh air, and have a ton of fun, then this tour is definitely for you!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Las Vegas Horseback Ride with Meal

Next up is the Las Vegas Horseback Ride with Meal. This is yet another tour that lasts 5 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off. If you want to transport yourself into a western adventure and learn some new things, then this is a great option!

You get your choice of either a breakfast ride or a dinner ride, making it a very flexible option that will perfectly fit into a day full of plans!

Once picked up from your hotel on the Strip, you’ll make your way out to the ranch! This could be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and where your hotel is on the Strip.

Once you arrive to the ranch, the wranglers will match you with the horse that you suit best. However, we found all of them to be very friendly and great for any skill level.

The trails you’ll be riding on are the same ones used by the wild west outlaws back in the day. You’ll learn all about this and much more from the wrangler leading the way.

Surrounded by stunning mountains and Joshua trees, you may even get to see some big horn sheep, road runners, jack rabbits, and other critters.

Afterward, you’ll fill up on some delicious food! If you choose the breakfast ride, you’ll enjoy some pancakes, bacon, sausage, or ham, hash browns, eggs, toast, coffee, and orange juice.

If you choose the sunset dinner ride, you’ll have a country-style dinner including corn on the cob, chicken or steak, apple pie, and more.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Morning Maverick Horseback Ride with Breakfast from Las Vegas

Something that we really enjoy is getting up early for an adventure. It feels like you have more of the day to enjoy, and if you’re in Las Vegas, you know that it’s the best time to go outdoors. Get ahead of that blaring sunlight with the Morning Maverick Horseback Ride with Breakfast from Las Vegas tour!

Once you arrive to the horse ranch located about an hour away in Moapa, you’ll meet the professional wranglers who will prepare the horses for the trail ride. Once prepared, you’ll be matched up with the horse that works best with your experience level.

This is a single-file trail ride, so the pace is a bit slower but still very entertaining! This makes it great for all skill levels, and the tame horses make it such a smooth ride. The beautiful desert is filled with life – from jackrabbits and bighorn sheep, to Joshua trees and more!

You may even see some grazing cattle nearby! These trails really are in “the middle of nowhere” and were once used by American west outlaws.

This is such a relaxing ride that really lets your mind just be calm, taking in the fresh air and Mother Nature. The wranglers are very attentive, funny, and just genuinely nice people who you can tell love their jobs.

The guides will tell you all about the history of the area, the geology, the plants, wildlife, and more! By now, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite, so you’ll enjoy a western-style breakfast. This breakfast includes hotcakes, hash browns, eggs, coffee, and more.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Las Vegas Travel Guide

Getting There –

As Las Vegas is such a popular spot for tourists, it’s really convenient getting there (in most cases). It seems like a lot of major airlines offer direct flights to Vegas! American Airlines, Spirit, United, Delta, Southwest, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and many more.

As you can probably imagine, there are certain times throughout the year where flights are more expensive, such as New Year’s. If you can stand the heat, summer usually has the cheapest flights.

If you live in Southern California or Arizona, for example, you may prefer driving. The roads there are usually worth it alone, whether you like natural beauty or are itching to explore some of the various art displays in the middle of the desert.

Getting Around

While it’s very likely you’re going to spend the vast majority of your stay on the Strip, it’s not always as easy as just walking from one end to the other. Not to mention, if you’re going in the summer, that sun is going to be beaming on down on you, hard! Let’s talk about the most convenient ways to get around.

Monorail – Did you know that Las Vegas has a monorail? It sure does! This makes it so much easier for people to get around, from business travelers to tourists. This way, you can get around the Strip in less than 15 minutes! You have different types of fares, depending on how long you’re going to be there and how often you’ll need to move around. The mobile tickets are a breeze to use, too. We recommend the unlimited ride pass!

This system operates at trains every 4-8 minutes, including: MGM Grand, Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo/Caesar’s Palace, Harrah’s/The LINQ, Convention Center, Westgate, and SAHARA.

Taxi – Taxis are still heavily used in Vegas, and have been an iconic part of the city’s history. There are various companies operating in the city, and this is one place you never have to worry about it being “too late” to hail a cab.

Rideshare – If you’re not very keen on taxis, that’s okay. Lyft and Uber do operate here as well, though we feel like Lyft has been more reliable and a bit more affordable in our experience.

Rental Cars – If you didn’t drive to Vegas but you still want to drive, we recommend you grab a rental at the Harry Reid International Airport Rental Car Center. Here, there are a whopping 10 car rental companies in one convenient spot. Not to mention, it literally never closes, and has non-stop shuttle service to and from the airport terminals.

Limos – When in Vegas, right? If you want to go all out and get really flashy, limousines are a fun way to go about getting from point A to point B. There are plenty available at McCarran International Airport, though as they’re more limited than a rental car or taxi, it’s best to make a reservation ahead of time. There are also party limos and those that do Strip tours, too!

Bus – It’s available, but it’s not always the most desirable. The Deuce is Vegas’ public transportation that runs on 2 routes that can take you to the Strip or downtown. Deuce on the Strip makes stops at pretty much every resort located on the Strip, and DVX goes a bit through downtown/Fremont Street area.

Where to Stay –

One of the reasons why Vegas is so appealing, is because there really is something for every budget. From the budget-friendly to ultra-luxury, you’ll find it all here. This can make it difficult to choose where to stay, though, as there is just so much to choose from!

If you didn’t know already, The Strip is basically the very center or heart of Las Vegas. While it’s just 4 miles long, there’s a lot packed in, including endless different resorts. However, as you may imagine, it’s generally more expensive to stay on the Strip. Also, you probably want a hotel that’s located more in the center of the Strip so you aren’t having to make a trek every time just to see other things on the other end.

Budget-Friendly – If you’re really on a tight budget, we recommend taking a look at a hotel off the Strip. The Westgate is a great choice. However, there are also some other options like the STRAT which is located on the north end of the Strip. While certainly impressive in appearance and spacious rooms, it’s not a solid option. However, it’s a bit barren around the hotel, and you’ll have to travel a couple miles to get to the center of the Strip or Fremont Street.

The Luxor, Excalibur, and Circus Circus are a few other notorious hotels on the strip that are more affordable! Speaking of impressive in appearance, the Luxor is literally an enormous pyramid, and the Excalibur, a castle.

Middle Options – If you have a bit more budget, give The Tropicana a try. It has a kind of old-school Miami feel to it, and even houses one of the few original 1950’s casinos inside! We love the Paris Las Vegas, which is just a classic. It’s in a prime location and close to most of the main attractions. With their own versions of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe, it’s kind of like being in Paris! The rooms are a tiny bit dated, but are in good shape. The hotel also has the Chateau nightclub and over a dozen restaurants.

Caesar’s Palace and the Mirage are a couple of other nice selections in this price range.

Higher-End – The Bellagio is always a fine choice when you’re in Vegas. It’s one of the largest on the Strip, and is located right in the center of it. Thanks to the massive fountains in front of it, however, you are still set a bit away from the noisiness of the streets.

The Skylofts at MGM Grand are one of our favorites, and are absolutely impressive. With rooms starting at 1,400 square feet up to 3-bedroom lofts, you can imagine the magnificent vistas of the Strip when you look out your floor-to-ceiling windows!

The Waldorf Astoria (formerly the Mandarin Oriental), is a bit more of a peaceful form of luxury. You can rest assured that whatever you experience in this hotel – from the rooms, to the spas, to the restaurants – will be the ultimate in luxury.

Restaurants and Eating Out –

Oh boy, where to begin? If you’re a foodie (and even if you aren’t), you’re going to love Vegas! Literally everything you can imagine (and things you could never fathom) are here for the eating, at all hours of the day. Just like with hotels, you have options for all budgets. However, we highly recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible (if the restaurant accepts reservations).

Celeb Chef Restaurants – Did you know that Vegas houses the most celebrity chefs in the world (per mile)? That’s right, over 40 of them work on the Strip, offering tourists and locals prime, unique dishes and fun places to dine.

If you’re a sushi fiend, do not miss Nobu Matsuhisa at Caesars Palace and Virgin Hotels. Famous for fusing traditional Japanese with Peruvian ingredients, his dishes are fresh and flavorful. Another great Caesars Palace eat is Guy Savoy’s namesake restaurant.

Serving posh French Cuisine, it’s often dubbed the best restaurant in all of Las Vegas. Who doesn’t love some good Italian food? Paying homage to the Italian-American restaurants of the mid-20^th century, you can expect opulence and unmatched tableside service at Carbone.

Buffets – Did you know that the earliest version of what we currently know as the “buffet” started in Vegas? It makes sense, then, that they’re still masters at the craft. Buffets keep gamblers in the casinos, while still keeping things more affordable than it’d be to keep a full restaurant open all the time.

Garden Court Buffet is located inside Main Street Station, and is one of the best bang for your buck if you’re in Fremont Street. The Buffet at the Golden Nugget is another budget option, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. Not only that, they have a full bar! The Buffet at Wynn is probably the most beautiful buffet in the city, with a whopping 15 live-action cooking stations! You can expect delicious steaks, seafood, and if we may say – fine dining?

First-Time Musts – There are places that you just have to eat at if it’s your first time in Vegas. One of them, is the Golden Steer. This steakhouse originally opened in the late-50’s, with serious legends having dined here, like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, actress Natalie Wood, Nat King Cole, Muhammad Ali, and more.

Tao Asian Bistro is certainly an impressive place, both in taste and appearance. I mean, where else are you going to enjoy flavorful Pan-Asian food in the midst of an enormous Buddha floating over a Japanese Koi pond?

The Paris has a lot to offer, including the Mon Ami Gabi. Located right at the base of their Eiffel Tower, you can grab some yummy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. It’s a prime people-watching spot, and also has some nice views of the Bellagio fountains.

Tacos are always a good idea, but not every taco is good. Tacos El Gordo offers delicious ones, and if you’re just coming out of the club or casino you have to fill up on these delicious ones!

Nightlife and Entertainment –

We simply won’t be able to cover every single excellent option Vegas has in terms of nightlife and entertainment, as it’s what it’s known for and has something new seemingly every month. However, we’re going to do our best to recommend you what we feel is worth your money, along with what’s simply the most popular.

Nightclubs – There are a ton of world-class nightclubs in Vegas. If you’re into electronic music, you’re in for a real treat. Zouk Nightclub is the newest and most high-tech in Vegas, with multiple rooms. You’ll see the biggest artists, like Tiesto, Disclosure, and so on here. XS Las Vegas in the Wynn is maybe the most “elegant” on the Strip, and has different areas that each time is a bit different. Top-notch, mainstream DJs are always here, and it’s always packed.

Omnia inside Caesars Palace is another luxury option, with world-famous DJs, bands, and other musical acts. Hakkasan in the MGM Grand is another great option, with various floors all offering a different genre. However, it’s most well-known for the mainstage area with electronic acts.

Here are some other great options: Drai’s, Drenched at Marquee, Tao, Chateau, Jewel, and Marquee.

Bars and Speakeasys – Vegas is definitely a drinking city, and with that comes a ton of supreme bars and speakeasys.

Downtown Cocktail Room is a swanky speakeasy oozing with elegance. The front door is a bit difficult to find, but it’s absolutely worth it once you’re enjoying a smooth craft cocktail in a velvet chair. The Laundry Roominside Commonwealth is an intimate, small little place marked with a laundry pin outside! With images of iconic Hollywood women such as Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich hanging on the walls, make sure to check the red light outside or text the number to see if space is available.

Frankie’s Tiki Room is a must-see! It’ll transport you to another world, with its kitschy bar decorated with complete tiki vibes. Their cocktails are simply iconic, and the staff is so much fun. If you’re a craft beer buff, you have to check out The Silver Stamp: a 1970s den complete with wood paneling and vintage beer memorabilia.

Shows – We couldn’t leave out one of the biggest entertainment offerings in Las Vegas! Cirque du Soleil is a classic, with 6 different shows in Vegas. “O” by Cirque du Soleil is an aquatic show with the famous acrobats you probably equate with the Cirque du Soleil name. “Michael Jackson ONE” is a must-see for MJ fans, as well as “The Beatles Love” for Beatles fans. “Mystere”, “KA”, and “Mad Apple” are also great options.

David Copperfield is a legendary Vegas show that never fails to wow audiences. Even if you aren’t particularly into magic tricks, it’ll leave you scratching your head over how he pulls some of these illusions off. Other solid magic show options are Criss Angel’s Mindfreak and Mat Franco at The LINQ.

Blue Man Group has been impressing Vegas audiences for years. Their playful miming, use of music, and invented instruments is a blast! Jabbawockeez offers a kind of similar experience, and became famous from winning America’s Best Dance Crew over 10 years ago. If you’re into humor, try checking out Terry Fator’s funny ventriloquist talents.

Casinos – If you’re on the hunt for the biggest, most upscale casinos with the newest games, we recommend heading to The Venetian is a smart move. Not only that, but it has a race and sports book, a very popular poker room, and tons of slots.

If you’re looking for a certain game, then it’s worth searching around online first. Lots of newbie gamblers want to go with a low limit table. You’re not as likely to find these on the Strip, but El Cortez on Fremont Street is an excellent option with many low-limit games and blackjack from a single or double-deck shoe. It’s always fun to play around on the penny and nickel machines here, too. South Point is at the end of Las Vegas Boulevard is a great alternative.

On the other end of the spectrum lies Caesars Palace. High rollers love this place, and the fact that it often shows up in Hollywood movies is just another reason why. Be prepared to spend some serious cash here. The Bellagio is a nice alternative, with luxury and a massive 7,000 square-foot poker room.

Weather

Between March to May and September to November are commonly known as the best times of year for Vegas weather. It is a desert, so you can absolutely count on summers being above 100 degrees. Spring and fall are pretty nice – not too hot, not too cold. Wintertime tends to be pretty cold, so dress accordingly!

Attractions

What else is there to do in Vegas that isn’t gambling, eating, or seeing a show? Let’s take a look!

Fremont Street – Fremont Street is a blast! It’s a little kooky, but reminds us of “old-school” Las Vegas. Located right in downtown, it’s pedestrian-only and comes with a ton of live entertainment, the ultra-fun zipline that goes right over the center of the street, and a light show. Container Park is here, too, with all kinds of little boutique shops and live entertainment.

Statosphere Tower/The STRAT Observation Deck – The tallest freestanding observation deck in the US is located here, too! If you’re already staying at The STRAT, make sure to check out the observation deck! Even if you aren’t staying there, it’s a pretty interesting way to see a 360-view of Vegas.

The Neon Museum – Often a go-to spot for local photographers, The 2.25-acre Neon Museum or Neon Boneyard, keeps old neon signs from the city, making for a fascinating cultural spot to take a stroll away from the crowds.

Drive Your Dream Car – Ever wanted to drive a Lambo, Ferrari, or Aston Martin? You can at Exotics Racing! You can drive up to 130 mph on their race track – don’t forget to take some pics or photos! At the Richard Petty Driving Experience you can join a pro driver on the Las Vegas Speedway, too!

Indoor Skydiving – Are you an adrenaline junkie? Perhaps you want the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of a sketchy old plane? Then head over to Vegas Indoor Skydiving!

Atomic Testing Museum – The US has quite the history of nuclear testing, especially in the Nevada deserts. This museum is educational, entertaining, and even includes an exact replica of the control point where the countdown for each nuclear bomb detonation occurred.

High Roller Observation Wheel – Located at The LINQ, this is the world’s tallest observation wheel! You know Vegas has to do things big! At 550 feet above ground, this is another great way to see the city, 360 degrees.

Roller Coaster – Head over to Adventure Dome for some indoor roller coasters, laser tag, the swinging ship, bumper cars, and more. If you’re bringing kids along, you’re going to score big points with them if you go here.

Helicopter Ride – Until you see the Las Vegas strip with a helicopter tour, you don’t appreciate the beauty of the bright lights on the casinos and the surrounding desert.

Grand Canyon – If you have an extra day be sure to take a tour of the Grand Canyon. It’s well worth the drive to see this spectacular natural attraction.

ATV Tours – Explore the beauty of the the surrounding desert with an ATV tour. These guided trips will be the adventure of a lifetime!

Hoover Dam – Don’t miss the incomparable Hoover Dam. Take a tour of the Hoover Dam to learn it’s history and how it was built!

Antelope & Red Rock Canyon – A tour of Antelope Canyon is not to be missed. These canyons were formed by water and wind erosion and will boggle your mind that they were all created naturally. Red Rock Canyon is one of the most photographed area in the country and when you go there you will know why. The fiery red rocks are stunningly beautiful. Be sure to take a guided tour of Red Rock Canyon is great way to see it, you can get lost in there pretty easily.

Balloon Ride – There is no better way to see the surrounding desert and the strip then floating above it with a hot air balloon ride.

Tips

1. Walking from end-to-end of the Strip is not as easy as it may look. Especially if it’s the middle of the sweltering summer heat. The Strip is filled with people basically at all times, so take your time and try to plan.
2. If you end up getting lost on the Strip (it happens, especially when alcohol is involved!), try to spot the STRAT tower on the north end.
3. Plan for resort fees. These can vary from around $25 to $40 per night, which can add up quickly! These usually are not included in the fees when booking so make sure to read the fine print.
4. Bring comfortable shoes. Yes, we know there’s a lot of glitz and glamour, but at least bring the most comfy heels you have! You’re likely to do a lot of standing and walking, and if you get blisters it can put a bit of a damper on things.
5. Bring sunscreen – even if you don’t think you’ll need it! With the tall, reflective buildings and being in the middle of the desert, the sun can really blast down on you.