I had been to Vegas five previous times before my latest trip. As I’d be alone, I wasn’t going to be gambling or drinking. Instead I wanted to try different things in Las Vegas, as well as a trip outside the Strip. I first looked at Grand Canyon trips, but realized that I didn’t want to do that alone. So when I saw options for horseback riding just outside Las Vegas, I was intrigued. I looked into a variety of options, but decided on a sunset BBQ dinner ride. Mostly because it reminded me of the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs. It was something my family did at least once or more a summer, where cowboys sing to you as you eat. I absolutely hated it growing up, but it burned down a few years ago. And I kept catching myself thinking “Man I really want a cowboy steak and some singing!” before I realized it no longer exist and got sad.
Red Rock Canyon
After some research I decided on Cowboy Trail Rides, purchased through Viator. I went with this option as it was a tad closer to Las Vegas, offered longer riding time, and had smores around a fire for dessert. (As opposed to Wild West Horseback Adventures, also through Viator, which was further away from Vegas, and thus less riding time, and apple pie for dessert.) I also liked that Cowboy Trail Rides was in the Red Rock Canyon area, which I had heard was beautiful.
The tour may seem a bit pricy, but for around $168 you get transportation to/from various hotels (I had to take the tram from Treasure Island to Mirage, but it was so easy and I met some people on the same tour), a 1.5ish horseback ride though gorgeous countryside during the “Golden Hour” to take great photos, and your choice of a steak, chicken, or salmon dinner with all the fixings, plus smores over a fire.
Mula my horse (or Mule as it was.)
I cannot recommend Cowboy Trail Rides enough. The staff were very friendly and helpful (I needed help on/off the horse)Â and they made the experience great.
Now it is an easy ride for beginners. You will ride single file. Mula decided to go slow at her own pace, so I sometimes felt like I was alone.
I was also relieved to remember how to ride a horse, and that they weren’t terrifying like my camel ride in Egypt. Its a nice long ride, and I felt content to hear the quite clippty-clop of the horses as they road through the canyon. Take a look at this video I shot, so relaxing!
There you’ll also find the ranch dog awaiting your pets (and steal fallen marshmallows.)
The dinner was delicious. I opted for the Steak, and it came with salad, beans, potatoes, corn. It was a bit chilly. While everyone did bring a light jacket, we underestimated that the desert gets extremely cold (and windy) at night. But that made the fire and marshmallow roasting that much more fun as it forced everyone to join in.
This tour made me wished I had gotten out of Las Vegas on every trip, as the area is so pretty. I will definitely be doing this again the next time I’m in Vegas!
Every other week Travel Thursday brings you travel tips and information on the amazing sights and activities the world has to offer.
Leave a Reply