Las Vegas: Sunset Horseback Riding Tour with BBQ Dinner

If you’re craving a break from the bright lights and busy streets of Las Vegas, this horseback riding tour might just be what you need. For $120 per person, you’ll spend about two hours exploring the Rainbow Gardens trail outside the city, with a guide leading the way through mountain scenery and canyons. Afterwards, a BBQ dinner awaits, featuring ribs and all the trimmings.

What we love about this experience are two main aspects. First, the scenic views along the trail offer a refreshing perspective that’s quite different from Vegas’s bustling urban vibe. Second, the knowledgeable guides really help bring the landscape to life with stories and insights about local history and the area’s pioneers, making the journey more meaningful.

A possible consideration is that some reviewers have found the dinner experience less authentic than expected. Several mention that the BBQ was pre-ordered and served on plastic tables, which might take away some of the rustic charm. Also, the sunset aspect appears to be a bit of a misnomer—some visitors did not see the sunset as advertised.

This tour suits those who enjoy guided outdoor activities, are happy to spend a couple of hours on horseback, and appreciate good mountain scenery. It’s especially suited for first-timers, families with children over six, and travelers looking for a nature break without straying far from the city.

Key Points

• Scenic Mountain Views: Ride through the Rainbow Gardens trail with impressive vistas of mountains and canyons.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to share local stories, adding depth to the experience.
• Relaxing Ride: The ride itself is described as relaxing, suitable for beginners or those wanting a gentle adventure.
• Food Quality & Experience: The BBQ dinner is generally hearty, but some found it less authentic and more of a pre-ordered takeaway.
• Expectations vs. Reality: Noted discrepancies include the absence of a sunset or a traditional BBQ, as some reviews highlight.
• Accessibility & Restrictions: The activity is best suited for those over 6 and under 250 lbs, with vegetarian options available upon request.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and How to Prepare

The tour begins at a ranch on East Lake Mead Blvd, a location that may pose some challenges if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Make sure to wear comfortable closed toe shoes and long pants—these are recommended for safety and comfort on horseback. Bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat is also advised, especially as you’ll be outdoors for about two hours.

The check-in process is straightforward, but some reviews note that the meeting point can be tricky to find or not clearly signposted. Arriving a little early ensures you won’t feel rushed, and you’ll have time to chat with guides beforehand.

What the Ride Looks Like: Trails and Views

Once mounted on your calm, well-behaved horse, you’ll set off along the Rainbow Gardens trail. This path is praised for its picturesque vistas—a mixture of mountains, canyons, and desert vegetation. The scenery provides excellent opportunities for panoramic photos, so pack your camera or smartphone.

Guides like Michelle or John (name pulled from reviews) are often highlighted for their friendly demeanor and depth of local knowledge. They’ll share interesting tidbits about pioneers and the area’s history, adding context to the natural beauty around you. We found that this storytelling aspect greatly enhanced the ride, making it more than just a scenic walk.

However, some reviews mention that the pace can be slow, especially if you’re used to more vigorous riding. The emphasis is on relaxation and taking in the views, making it perfect for beginners or those seeking a peaceful experience.

Authenticity and Tour Experience

One of the most debated aspects is the dinner following the ride. According to the tour description, you should expect a BBQ dinner, but multiple reviews point out that this was not as advertised. Several mention receiving a pre-ordered tray of ribs served at a plastic table, rather than a traditional outdoor feast. One reviewer summed it up: “It was nothing to what it was made out to be.”

Despite that, the food itself was often described as hearty and satisfying, especially if you enjoy barbecue ribs. Vegetarian options are available on request, which is good to know if you don’t eat meat. The pie for dessert was a small but pleasant finish for some.

Another element that some found disappointing was the absence of the sunset. A few guests were expecting to see vivid evening colors but left without much visual spectacle. It seems that the timing of the tour may not always align with sunset hours, especially if weather conditions change or schedules shift.

The Realities of the Tour from the Reviews

Authentic opinions from past travelers shed light on what to expect. For instance, a GetYourGuide traveler from the U.S. lamented, “There was no BBQ, it was food ordered out,” highlighting that the experience might feel less rustic than advertised. Conversely, some guests, like Dasia from the U.S., praised the guides’ professionalism and scenic beauty, calling it a “wonderful” outing.

The group size tends to be manageable, often small enough to allow for personal interaction but large enough to feel lively. The duration of two hours fits well with most travelers’ plans, leaving room for other activities afterward.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This horseback ride is ideal for beginners or those seeking a peaceful escape. It’s especially good for families with children over 6, as some reviews mention. If you’re interested in learning about local history and taking photos of the desert mountain landscape, this tour delivers.

However, if your priority is a lively, authentic outdoor barbecue or catching a beautiful sunset, you might find this tour falls short. The discrepancies between the ad and the actual experience, especially regarding the dinner and sunset, are worth considering.

Cost and Value Considerations

At $120 per person, the price covers a guided horse ride, equipment, and dinner. When you factor in the scenic views and expert guidance, many would say it’s a fair deal — provided the expectations are aligned. Keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, which could add cost or logistical planning for visitors.

Some reviews suggest that the value hinges on what you’re hoping for: a relaxing ride with beautiful scenery and a casual BBQ can be quite enjoyable, but don’t expect a gourmet meal or a sunset spectacle.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you want a peaceful outdoor activity that allows you to see Nevada’s mountain vistas without strenuous effort, this is a solid choice. The guides’ local knowledge and the scenic trail are definite plus points. It suits first-timers or families seeking a gentle adventure.

However, if you’re looking for an authentic western barbecue experience or hoping to see a spectacular sunset, you might want to explore other options. The discrepancies between the advertising and the actual experience, especially regarding food and timing, are notable.

This tour offers a relaxing ride through beautiful terrain, with the benefit of guided commentary and a casual dinner — ideal for those who prioritize scenery and gentle adventure over gourmet food or sunset views.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to the ranch on East Lake Mead Blvd is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own arrival.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable long pants and closed-toe shoes, as well as sun protection like sunscreen and a hat.

Can children participate?
Yes, but children must be over 6 years old to join the ride.

What if I weigh more than 220 lbs?
Guests over 220 lbs are asked to inform the tour provider ahead of time, and those over 250 lbs are generally not suitable for the activity.

Is vegetarian dinner available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be provided on request.

Will I see the sunset?
Not guaranteed. Some reviews indicate that the advertised sunset didn’t occur or wasn’t visible during the tour.

In summary, this horseback riding tour near Las Vegas offers a peaceful escape to enjoy Nevada’s mountain scenery with professional guides, at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for those seeking a gentle outdoor experience with some storytelling and good photos, but manage expectations around the dinner and sunset. If you’re after an authentic western experience or upscale dining, you might want to look elsewhere. For a relaxing, scenic ride with friendly guides and a casual BBQ, this tour fits the bill well.

You can check availability for your dates here: