Las Vegas: Sunset Horseback Riding Tour with BBQ Dinner

If you’re considering swapping the bright lights of Las Vegas for some mountain air and equestrian fun, this horseback riding tour might catch your eye. It promises a blend of scenic views, a guided ride along Rainbow Gardens trail, and a hearty BBQ dinner afterwards. Our review pulls from real traveler experiences to help you decide if this outing fits your travel style.

What we really like about this tour is how it offers a chance to escape the city’s hustle and see some of Nevada’s beautiful mountain scenery. Plus, the included guide’s knowledge can really enhance the experience, making it more than just a ride. On the flip side, some reviews point out inconsistencies—like the BBQ not always being what you’d expect or the overall atmosphere not quite hitting the mark. Because of that, this experience seems suited best for folks who enjoy nature, don’t mind a bit of unpredictability, and are looking for a relaxed, scenic adventure outside Vegas.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Ride through the Rainbow Gardens trail with mountain and canyon vistas.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides share local stories, adding depth to the experience.
• Meal Quality: BBQ dinner includes ribs and pie, but some reviews mention food quality varies.
• Authenticity & Expectations: Be aware that some aspects, like the sunset or BBQ, might not match the promotional images.
• Tour Duration & Group Size: About 2 hours, with a focus on small-group sharing a laid-back atmosphere.
• Suitability: Not ideal for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Tour Offers and What to Expect

This tour is designed as a relaxing way to enjoy Nevada’s natural beauty outside the neon glow of Las Vegas. It starts with meeting the ranch on East Lake Mead Blvd, where you’ll be introduced to the horses and gear up with helmets and mounting blocks. Once mounted, you’ll ride along the Rainbow Gardens trail, which is praised for its scenic beauty. This trail offers vistas of mountains and canyons—perfect for snapping landscape photos or just soaking in the views.

The ride itself lasts about 2 hours, which is a good length for those new to horseback riding and those looking for a gentle, scenic outing. Expect a laid-back pace, with plenty of stopping opportunities for photos and to listen to your guide’s commentary. Guides are often lauded for their friendliness and local insights—some reviews highlight how they make the experience more engaging.

Scenic Views and Trail Experience

The trail winds through areas that showcase Nevada’s rugged beauty, with panoramic vistas often described as magnificent. Travelers love the chance to get away from the city and breathe in fresh mountain air, which is a marked contrast to the bright Vegas streets. Be sure to bring comfortable clothes, long pants, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a hat—it’s outdoor, after all.

Interaction with Horses and Guides

The horses are described as calm and friendly, making this suitable even if you’re a first-timer. Guides are knowledgeable and take the time to tell stories about the local area, including early pioneers. As one traveler said, “Tour guides were amazing. It was my first time and I really enjoyed it.” This personal touch can truly make a difference if you’re new to horseback riding or just want someone to enrich the experience.

The BBQ Dinner: What’s Served and How It Stands Up

After the ride, you’ll head back to the ranch for dinner. The advertised meal is a hearty BBQ of ribs with all the fixings and pie for dessert. Many reviews note that the food quality can vary—some found the ribs satisfying, while others felt it was a pre-ordered, somewhat basic meal served at a plastic table. One reviewer pointed out, “It was a tray of I don’t know what, nothing appetizing,” which indicates that expectations might not always match reality.

Interestingly, some reviews mention the dinner as being a “to-go box of ribs,” meaning the setup is casual and possibly not the gourmet feast some might hope for. Vegetarian options are available upon request, so if you’re not into ribs, it’s worth asking beforehand. Keep in mind that the dinner is a simple, straightforward part of the experience—it’s more about the social aspect and unwinding after the ride rather than a fine dining occasion.

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Atmosphere and Authenticity

The overall atmosphere at the dinner location appears to be somewhat lacking, according to reviews. One reviewer mentioned that the BBQ was “nothing at all” like the promotional images, and the setting was described as a plastic-table affair. If you’re expecting a cozy outdoor barbecue with sunset views, this tour might not quite deliver that ambiance. However, if you’re simply hungry after a relaxing ride, the meal can serve its purpose.

Practical Details: From Booking to Tips

This tour runs typically in the afternoon, lasting around 2 hours, with the actual timing depending on weather and availability. The price is $120 per person, which seems reasonable considering the guided nature, trail access, and dinner included. However, critics have pointed out that the tour is non-refundable, so you’ll want to be sure about your schedule.

Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to make your way to the ranch on East Lake Mead Blvd. The meeting point isn’t signposted clearly, which some travelers found confusing. It’s advisable to arrive a bit early, wear comfortable closed shoes and long pants, bring water and sunscreen, and prepare for outdoor conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy scenic outdoor activities, are comfortable around horses, and are okay with a more casual, sometimes unpredictable setting. It’s not recommended for children under 6, pregnant women, or people with back problems or animal allergies. Also, there’s a weight limit of 250 lbs, so check that before booking.

What Travelers Are Saying

Looking at reviews, opinions are quite mixed. Some loved the guides and the views—calling it “absolutely wonderful” and “a good experience.” Others, however, felt disappointed, citing poor communication, food quality issues, or misleading advertising. For example, one traveler said, “The ride itself was relaxing… but the BBQ was food ordered out, and there was no sunset,” highlighting a mismatch between expectations and reality.

It’s clear that if you go in with open eyes and flexible expectations, you might enjoy the ride for what it offers—a peaceful escape with pleasant scenery. But if you’re expecting a romantic sunset with a gourmet barbecue, you might be let down.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For those craving a relaxing outdoor activity away from Las Vegas’ hustle, this horseback riding experience offers some lovely mountain views and a chance to connect with nature. The guides can add a lot of value with their local stories and friendly demeanor. If you’re okay with a casual dinner and some variability in the experience, this can be a good value at $120.

However, the inconsistency highlighted by reviews means it’s not for everyone. If you’re someone who values precise advertising and high-quality meals, you might find this experience a bit underwhelming. It’s best suited for travelers who want a laid-back, scenic outing with the bonus of horseback riding and a simple meal—nothing more, nothing less.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really—it’s not recommended for children under 6 years old. The activity involves horses and outdoor conditions that may not be suitable for very young kids.

Can I bring my own drinks or alcohol?
No, alcohol and drugs are not allowed during the tour, and bringing your own drinks isn’t mentioned as permitted.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay comfortable during the outdoor activity.

Is transportation included?
No, you’ll need to make your way to the ranch on East Lake Mead Blvd on your own.

What if I weigh more than 220 lbs?
The tour is not suitable for guests over 250 lbs (113 kg). Be sure to check your weight before booking to ensure you qualify.

Can I request vegetarian food?
Yes, vegetarian options can be provided if you request them in advance.

Final Thoughts

This horseback riding tour outside Las Vegas offers a peaceful way to see some of Nevada’s mountain scenery and enjoy a relaxed ride. The guides tend to be well-liked for their friendliness and local knowledge, which can really enhance the overall experience. The included BBQ dinner is simple and casual, and while some reviews point out inconsistencies, it’s generally considered good value for the price.

If you’re after a scenic, low-key outdoor activity that doesn’t require a lot of riding experience, this could suit you well. It works best for those who appreciate natural beauty, are comfortable in outdoor settings, and aren’t overly concerned about a gourmet meal or sunset spectacle. Keep in mind the possible downsides—like the variability in food quality and the somewhat confusing meeting point—and you’ll be better prepared to decide if this gentle adventure fits your Vegas trip.

Enjoy your ride and the mountain air—sometimes, the simplest experiences turn out to be the most memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: