Horseback Ride thru Joshua Tree Forest with Buffalo & Lunch

If you’re after a unique way to experience the stunning landscapes near the Grand Canyon, this horseback ride through Joshua Tree Forest might just be your cup of tea. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but from what we gather, it’s a solid adventure that combines nature, history, and a touch of the Old West. For travelers craving a break from typical sightseeing, it offers a chance to get out of the car, saddle up, and really breathe in the scenery.

What really catches our eye are the chance to see buffalo in their natural habitat and the stunning panoramic views from higher elevations. Plus, the inclusion of a Western ranch lunch with a singing cowboy sounds like a fun, immersive experience. On the flip side, you’ll want to consider the duration of six hours, which might feel long if you’re not used to such outings, and the physical requirements like wearing closed-toe shoes and the weight limit.

All in all, this tour seems best suited for those who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, scenic vistas, and a bit of cowboy charm. If you’re into horseback riding, history, or simply want a different perspective of the Arizona highlands, this could be a memorable addition to your trip.

Key Points

• Scenic horseback riding through Joshua Tree Forest with expert guides.
• Buffalo sightings in a natural environment add an authentic wildlife element.
• Elevated views offer a chance to see blossoms and panoramic landscapes.
• Western ranch lunch and cowboy entertainment provide a taste of local culture.
• Small group experience limits to 12 participants for a more personalized trip.
• Duration of around 6 hours makes it a full but manageable half-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of the Tour

This experience kicks off with hotel pick-up from Las Vegas, Laughlin, Kingman, or Lake Havasu City, making it fairly accessible for those based in or near these locations. The trip is run by Desert Wonder Adventures, LLC, and it includes transportation, meaning you won’t have to worry about driving yourself, especially after a day of sightseeing.

The journey to the ranch is about 20 minutes from the Grand Canyon area, so it’s quite centrally located if you’re exploring this region. Once at the ranch, you’ll get to meet your horse, a step that’s often overlooked but crucial to feeling comfortable on your ride. And rest assured, the horses are described as well-cared for and well-behaved, which is key when riding in a new environment.

The Horseback Ride

The main event is a guided trail ride through Joshua Tree’s high elevation areas. Your guide will lead you along a trail where buffalo roam freely, a highlight that adds a wild, authentic feel to the day. One reviewer mentioned the guide’s professionalism and friendliness, which enhances the experience, especially if you’re new to horseback riding. The trail climbs up to a higher elevation, offering views of blossoms that are around 600 years old—a real scenic treat.

The ride is designed to blend nature, wildlife, and panoramic vistas, making it more than just a leisurely trot. Expect to see the unique Joshua Trees and perhaps some desert blossoms, depending on the season.

The Western Ranch and Lunch

After the ride, you’ll stop at a historic Western ranch that was once owned by a bank or train robber—a quirky detail that adds flavor to the experience. Here, you’ll enjoy a Western-style meal, and there’s often live entertainment with a cowboy singing old tunes. Several reviews mention the entertainment factor, with one describing cowboy Dave as funny, entertaining, and a great storyteller. If you’re into Americana and cowboy culture, this part of the tour will probably be a highlight.

Additional Highlights

You’ll get to see the landscape’s beauty at higher elevations and panoramic views that are perfect for photos. Plus, the Bottled water included keeps you hydrated during your ride. The overall experience lasts about 6 hours, so plan your day accordingly.

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What to Expect in Practice

The tour is designed to be quite manageable, with small groups limited to 12, ensuring you get personal attention, especially if you’re new to horseback riding. The pickup is from hotel valet or main entrance, so just be ready 15-30 minutes early, which is a good habit for any organized tour.

What to Bring & What Not to Bring

Bring comfortable shoes (closed-toe shoes are required), a hat for sun protection, and a jacket if you tend to get cold at higher elevations. Sandals or flip-flops are a no-go, and you’ll need to avoid alcohol or drugs to participate.

Fitness & Age Requirements

The tour is suitable for anyone over 9 years old, but it’s not recommended for those over 254 lbs (115 kg). Quite a few reviews mentioned the horses’ well-cared-for nature, but there was a note about one horse, Burrito, appearing injured. The guide’s experience and the well-behaved horses help ensure safety, but animal welfare is worth noting.

The Value of the Experience

At $269 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest activity in the area, but it offers a lot in terms of scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, culture, and a memorable cowboy-themed lunch. The inclusion of hotel pickup, guided riding, lunch, and entertainment makes it a fairly comprehensive package.

Several reviewers praised the professionalism and friendliness of the guides and drivers, emphasizing how they enhanced the trip’s overall quality. When you factor in the chance to see buffalo roaming freely and enjoy stunning views, many might find this a worthwhile splurge for a special day out.

Authenticity and Real-World Insights

From those who’ve experienced it, the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, making the ride informative as well as fun. One reviewer appreciated the history shared by the guide, adding context to the land and animals. The live cowboy singing is a charming touch, bringing the Old West to life for many participants.

However, some pointed out the drive from Vegas takes about two hours, which is something to consider if you’re not keen on long bus rides. One reviewer also mentioned the importance of horse care, hoping injured horses like Burrito are retired from riding, reflecting a genuine concern for animal welfare.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those interested in Western history or wildlife. If you enjoy horseback riding and are okay with a full morning or early afternoon outing, you’ll probably get a lot out of it. It’s also a good pick if you want something different from typical sightseeing, adding a bit of activity and cultural flavor.

While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, older kids who can handle a horseback ride and are comfortable in a group setting should enjoy it. Keep in mind the weight limit and age restrictions.

Final Thoughts

The Horseback Ride thru Joshua Tree Forest with Buffalo & Lunch offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and Western culture. The guided horseback ride through the high-elevation Joshua Tree landscape, with the chance to see buffalo roaming freely, makes for a memorable outdoor adventure. The ranch lunch and cowboy entertainment add a warm, authentic touch that makes the experience stand out.

If you’re looking for a way to experience Arizona beyond just driving through, this tour provides a personable, scenic, and culturally rich option. It’s best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activity, are comfortable around horses, and appreciate a bit of storytelling and music along the way.

Overall, it’s a well-rated experience that many travelers find genuinely worthwhile—just be prepared for a full day’s outing and a reservation that emphasizes comfort, safety, and fun.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is provided from Las Vegas, Laughlin, Kingman, or Lake Havasu City, making it convenient to access the ranch without driving yourself.

What should I wear on the tour?
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are required, along with a hat and a jacket, especially if it’s chilly at higher elevations. Avoid sandals or flip-flops.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 9 and above can join. However, those over 254 lbs (115 kg) are not permitted, so check your weight beforehand.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about 6 hours, including transportation, riding, and the ranch lunch. It’s a substantial but manageable half-day activity.

Are the horses well cared for?
According to reviews, yes. The horses are described as well-behaved and well-cared-for, although there was a note about one horse appearing injured. The guides appear attentive and experienced.

What’s included in the price?
Guided horseback ride, lunch, singing cowboy performance, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is this experience suitable for those who aren’t experienced riders?
While the ride is guided and the horses are well-behaved, some basic comfort with riding is helpful. The guide’s professionalism helps ensure beginners feel safe.

If you’re craving a genuine Western experience with a scenic horseback ride, buffalo sightings, and a hearty ranch lunch, this tour could be a highlight of your Arizona trip. Just be sure it aligns with your comfort level, schedule, and interests!

You can check availability for your dates here: