Horseback Ride in Las Vegas with Meal

If you’re considering a horseback riding adventure outside the bright lights of Las Vegas, this Horseback Ride in Las Vegas with Meal might catch your eye. It promises a chance to see Nevada’s dramatic landscapes, enjoy a guided trail ride, and finish with a delicious BBQ meal—all wrapped into about 1.5 hours of fun. We’ve reviewed the details to help you decide if this experience fits your travel plans.

What we love about this tour is its personalized approach and the opportunity to explore scenic canyons and rock formations that are difficult to access from the city. Plus, the inclusion of a meal gives it an extra touch of value, especially if you’re craving a hearty outdoor dinner after riding. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention issues with communication and the food experience, which could be a consideration for those who prioritize seamless service.

This tour is well-suited for travelers looking to escape the Vegas hustle and enjoy Nevada’s landscape in a relaxed, guided setting. It also works well for those who enjoy a combination of outdoor activity and good food, though some guests have experienced less-than-ideal customer service or shorter rides than expected. Overall, if you’re open to minor hiccups and want a genuine outdoor adventure close to Vegas, this could be a memorable choice.

Key Points

• Accessible location just 25 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, with Uber and Lyft options available.
• Private tour options allow for a more personalized and relaxed experience.
• Scenic trail along Rainbow Gardens with colorful canyons and rock formations.
• Includes a meal, often praised for its quality, delivered from a catering company.
• Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, adding value to the overall experience.
• Some reviews mention communication issues or shorter rides, so manage expectations accordingly.

An Honest Breakdown of the Experience

Getting There and Meeting Up

One of the first things to consider is the location. The tour departs from Jerry’s Nugget Casino in North Las Vegas, about 25 minutes from the Strip. Transportation options like Uber and Lyft are available, making it relatively easy to reach if you don’t want to drive yourself.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a friendly guide who will introduce you to the horses. The group size is limited—usually with a maximum of 20 travelers—so it feels intimate enough to get personalized attention, especially if you’re a first-timer. Keep in mind that the tour is not in the middle of a ranch but along a trail in scenic Nevada landscape, which offers a genuine sense of the local terrain.

The Trail Ride: What to Expect

The core of the tour is a 1-hour 30-minute trail ride along the Rainbow Gardens trail. This trail is aptly named for its colorful scenery—purple, burgundy, and yellow rock layers, green plants, and the typical Red Canyon landscape. It’s a relatively easy, guided ride suitable for most beginners, with trained horses that are calm and well-matched to novice riders.

The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, often pointing out geological features like inactive volcanoes and other natural sights. Several reviewers mention how relaxing and scenic the ride is, with some describing it as a “super relaxing and beautiful experience.” It’s a great chance to get close to nature, see desert wildlife—desert tortoises, lizards, wild donkeys, horn sheep—and learn about the area’s history from your guide.

The Guide’s Role and Safety

Guides play a crucial part in making this experience enjoyable. Many reviewers praise guides like Grace, calling her friendly, professional, and informative. They often snap pictures during the ride, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery without worrying about capturing every moment.

Safety is emphasized with the use of helmets, which are provided for all riders under 18, and the horses are trained specifically for beginners. However, some reviews highlight concerns about the trail’s condition and the horses’ feet, especially if you’re sensitive to animal welfare issues. It’s good to note that the horses are equipped with rubber shoes, and the area isn’t particularly rocky.

The Meal: What’s Included and How It’s Perceived

After the ride, most packages include a barbecue meal. The food is delivered from a catering company, and reviews indicate it is generous in portions and often praised for its quality. You might sit at tables set up nearby or take your food to go, depending on the day’s setup.

Reviewers describe the meal as hot and fresh, but a few noted that the presentation can be less than ideal—small styrofoam containers and a somewhat rustic dining setup. While some guests expected a sit-down dinner with tables and lights, the reality is more of a casual outdoor picnic. Still, many find it a pleasant way to wind down, watching the sunset or just chatting about the ride.

Timing and Group Size

The total experience runs about 1.5 hours, but the horseback riding portion itself is about 60-90 minutes depending on your reservation specifics. The group size maxes out at 20, which is reasonable for a guided experience and helps ensure individual attention.

Some reviews mention that the actual ride was shorter than the advertised 90 minutes, or that the dinner was served cold or in styrofoam containers. It’s important to manage expectations—this is a guided trail ride with a casual meal, not a fine dining experience in the desert.

Price and Value

At $115.99 per person, the tour isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it does include quite a bit: a guided ride, use of all riding gear, and a meal. The value really depends on your interest in riding and scenery. If you’re looking for a relaxing outdoor activity close to Las Vegas that balances adventure with a good meal, many guests say it’s worth it.

However, some felt that the shorter ride or the casual meal setup wasn’t quite what they expected, especially given the price. It’s worthwhile to weigh whether the scenic trail, guide expertise, and food are worth the cost for you personally.

What Previous Travelers Are Saying

The positive reviews often highlight the friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and delicious BBQ. For example, one reviewer named Charlie was praised for his expertise and care, and many mention how relaxing and picturesque the ride is, especially at sunset.

On the flip side, some negative reviews point to poor communication, shorter rides than advertised, or issues with food presentation. For instance, one guest felt the dinner was cold and poorly served, and another was frustrated by last-minute location changes and difficulty in communication.

It’s clear that experiences vary, and some travelers are more satisfied than others. If you’re a first-time rider or a nature lover, you’ll likely enjoy the scenery and guides. If you’re expecting a seamless, high-end dinner experience or a longer trail ride, you might find certain aspects lacking.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a laid-back, guided horseback ride close to Las Vegas with a chance to see colorful canyons and desert wildlife, this tour offers a good mix of scenery and fun. The personalized attention from guides and the relaxing atmosphere make it appealing for those who want a break from Vegas’s fast pace.

The inclusion of a meat BBQ meal enhances the experience, especially for travelers who enjoy outdoor dining. That said, it’s best suited for beginners or casual riders—the terrain isn’t particularly challenging, and the horses are trained for comfort.

Keep in mind that some reviews mention shorter rides or less-than-perfect meal setups, so if you’re seeking a luxury experience or longer ride, you might want to explore other options. It’s also important to be flexible with communication and logistical details, as some guests report issues in these areas.

This tour offers a genuinely scenic, friendly, and reasonably priced way to explore Nevada’s landscapes in the company of guides who care. It’s a fun choice for outdoor lovers, first-time riders, or anyone wanting a peaceful break during their Vegas trip.

FAQ

Where is the meeting location for the Sunset Horseback Riding Tour with BBQ Dinner?
The tour departs from Jerry’s Nugget Casino in North Las Vegas, about 25 minutes from the Strip. Exact coordinates and address are provided upon reservation confirmation.

Can I participate if I’ve never ridden a horse before?
Absolutely. The horses are trained for beginners, and guides give instructions before the ride, making it suitable for first-timers.

Are there horses for more experienced riders?
Yes, you can be matched to appropriate horses based on your experience level, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone.

What is the minimum age requirement?
Riders should be at least 6 years old, and children under 18 must wear a helmet while riding.

Is there a weight limit?
Yes, each guest must weigh less than 260 lbs to participate safely.

Can I ride with someone else?
No, double riding isn’t permitted for safety reasons. Each person needs their own horse.

What should I wear for the ride?
Long pants, enclosed shoes or boots (no sandals), and a shirt or blouse are recommended. Sunglasses are useful in summer.

What should I bring along?
Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light snack, and your camera. Backpacks are discouraged, but there are saddlebags for small items.

Is helmet use mandatory?
Helmets are provided free of charge and are required for riders 18 and younger.

What’s the weather policy?
If bad weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience is weather-dependent.

If you’re looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure with friendly guides and scenic views, this horseback ride could be a highlight of your Vegas trip. Just be sure to keep your expectations in check regarding ride length and meal presentation, and you’ll likely have a memorable outing.