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Sin City draws people from far and wide; it is one of the premier destinations of the United States and is home to many of the most famous casinos in the world. But a holiday in Nevada is not all about exploring The Strip and all the vices that come along with that. There are plenty of excursions to enjoy outside of the city. One of the excursions to consider is horseback riding in the desert.

Other excursions to consider are exploring a recreation of a lost city under Lake Mead, day tours to the Grand Canyon National Park, hiking in Valley Of Fire State Park, off-roading in the desert, and visiting the only national park in Nevada - Great Basin National Park.

Person on horseback in Lajitas Texas
Photo by Polina Portnaya on Unsplash
A person in shadow on horseback riding in Lajitas Texas

Why Cowboy Trail Rides In Red Rock Canyon Is A Great Choice

One of the companies offering horseback riding trips just out of Las Vegas is Cowboy Trail Rides. They are a family owned and operated horseback riding company. Also offer Western barbeque dinners, parties (for both large and small groups), horseriding lessons for young rides, corporate team-building events, and cowboy entertainment.

The ranch is hidden away in the high desert but only minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. They also offer a chance for visitors to experience an Old West experience while visiting Nevada. The land is in the picturesque Red Rock National Conservation Area with an agreement with the BLM.

Vegetation of the area includes many kinds of yucca, cactuses, Joshua trees, bushes, flowers, and more. Keep an eye out for wild burros, quails, hawks, coyotes, and other desert wildlife.

The wranglers are professionals, while the horses are well-trained.

Wild Horses In The Great Basin Desert

Guests are welcome even if they have little or no riding experience. It is a great option for first-time riders who need some expert coaching and horse riding advice. There is a selection of horseback riding tours to choose from.

Related: Relive The Lives Of The Mongols And Take A Trek Across Mongolia On Horseback

Canyon Rim Horseback Ride

The Canyon Rim Ride follows the Red Rock Canyon and includes a roundtrip shuttle service (many of their horseback riding options have shuttle services from Vegas). It is good for riders aged 7 and over and so it is a great option for the whole family.

  • Start Time: 9.00 am
  • Price: $139
  • Duration: 2 Hours

Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the colorful Red Rock Escarpments and Spring Mountains. See caves, the Red Rock Canyon, and fascinating geologic formations.

Wild horses of Eminence, Missouri
Shutterstock
Wild horses of Eminence, Missouri

Sunset Trail Horseback Ride And Western BBQ

This afternoon trip follows the winding trail through the narrows of the canyon floor and then enjoys Red Rock Canyon under the sunset sky. The shuttle service is also included, as is a Western BBQ back in camp under the stars. Enjoy a thick and juicy steak - or the chicken, salmon, or vegetarian options on advance order. Enjoy potatoes, baked beans, and corn on the cob - the sort of food a cowboy may have enjoyed.

  • Start Time: 2.30 pm
  • Price: $189
  • Duration: 1 Hour & 45 Minutes

Cook old-fashioned marshmallows around the fire while listening to a bit of Western history. Nevada is one of the great places to explore the Old West heritage of the West. Nevada is full of old mining boom towns and some of the most iconic places of the Wild West.

Related: 10 Super Unique Places Where Travelers Can Swim With Horses

Red Springs Ride Horseback Ride

The Red Springs Ride swings around the mountain to the east of the camp before exploring the narrow gorge. As one emerges from the gorge, ride along the sandy trail through Joshua trees and yuccas.

  • Start Time: 12.00 pm
  • Price: $99
  • Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Valley of Fire State Park

This ride is a little more challenging than some other rides - like the Coyote Canyon - but it is still ok even for first-time riders. The wranglers are there to make sure everyone is comfortable and relaxed while in the saddle. They help the riders form a great relationship with their respective horses.

Red Rock Canyon Horseback Ride

No transportation is included in this option, and it is the most affordable of the horseback riding options. The ride goes north down the wash and toward the corral before going through the desert.

  • Start Time: 12.00 pm
  • Price: $79
  • Duration: 1 Hour

See a landscape of cactuses and Joshua trees while circling Overlook Mountains and enjoying views of the Las Vegas Valley. This one-hour ride is a great introduction for people looking for an introduction to backcountry horseback riding.

If it turns out that one likes an hour or two horseback ride enough, then consider taking the adventure up another level. One of the great ways to explore the backcountry is with a multi-day horse pack ride - these tours can last anywhere from two days to two weeks.