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Explore the stunning desert landscape with guided horseback rides through Red Rock Canyon. Choose from morning trail rides or sunset excursions complete with a classic barbecue dinner.
Free Cancellation Explore Red Rock Canyon’s desert trails on horseback followed by a traditional western campfire barbeque.
Free Cancellation Morning horseback ride through Red Rock Canyon and down to the valley floor, led by experienced wranglers.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Red Rock Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Trading the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip for the rugged beauty of the Mojave Desert is an unforgettable experience. On a Red Rock Canyon horseback tour, you will saddle up with local wranglers to explore towering sandstone formations, ancient canyon floors, and vibrant desert ecosystems at a relaxed pace.
Ride through the heart of the Mojave Desert, surrounded by dramatic red and cream sandstone cliffs, Joshua trees, and scrub brush.
Keep an eye out for the area's native inhabitants. It is common to spot wild burros, jackrabbits, and lizards darting among the rocks.
Follow experienced local guides who know the canyon's winding trails perfectly and provide a safe, enjoyable ride for all skill levels.
Evening tours often conclude with a classic Western barbecue, featuring steak, chicken, or salmon served as the sun dips below the canyon walls.
Navigate the narrow washes and paths of the canyon floor, getting an up-close look at the unique geology of the Aztec Sandstone.
Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation, with pickups and drop-offs offered directly from select Las Vegas hotels.
Before you saddle up for your desert adventure, there are a few important details to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
You can choose between a crisp 2-hour morning ride to beat the heat, or a 90-minute sunset ride that includes a full barbecue dinner. Both options typically last about 5 hours total when factoring in hotel transit.
While these rides are suitable for all physical fitness levels and require no prior equestrian experience, they are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.
The minimum age to ride is 7 years old. All children 17 and under are required to wear a safety helmet, though parents of 16- and 17-year-olds can sign a waiver to opt out. Helmets are available upon request for adults.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended to protect your feet from sharp rocks and cactus spines. Dress in layers, as desert temperatures can fluctuate drastically between the warm afternoons and chilly evenings.
You will need to provide the body weight of each traveler at the time of booking so the wranglers can pair you with the appropriate horse. If booking the sunset tour, you must also specify your dinner preference (steak, chicken, or salmon).
Tours include pickup and drop-off from select Las Vegas hotels, usually 1 to 2 hours prior to the ride's start time. If your specific hotel isn't listed, you will be directed to the nearest designated pickup location.
Most horseback tours offer a generous cancellation policy. You can typically cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure time to receive a full refund.
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| Morning Horseback Ride | Sunset Ride & BBQ Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 hours (2 hours riding) | 5 hours (90 mins riding) |
| Best for | Early risers and beating the desert heat | Couples, families, and evening entertainment |
| Includes | Professional guide, equipment, hotel pickup/drop-off | BBQ dinner, dessert, drinks, guide, hotel pickup/drop-off |
| Price from | $149 | $199 |
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If you plan to explore Red Rock Canyon on your own before or after a tour, note that the 13-mile Scenic Drive opens daily at 6 a.m. year-round. However, closing times vary by season:
The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, both the Scenic Drive and the Visitor Center close early at 12 p.m. (noon).
Red Rock Canyon is located about 17 miles (27 km) west of the Las Vegas Strip. The drive takes roughly 30 minutes via Charleston Boulevard (State Route 159).
Important Transit Note: There is no public transportation to the canyon. While you can technically take a ride-share like Uber or Lyft to the Visitor Center, it is highly discouraged. There is zero cell phone service inside the park, making it nearly impossible to call for a return ride. Because of this, booking a guided tour with hotel pickup or renting your own car are the best ways to visit.
The prime time to visit Red Rock Canyon is from October through April. During these months, the Mojave Desert weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for horseback riding, hiking, and rock climbing.
Summer months (June through August) should be avoided for strenuous outdoor activities. Temperatures frequently exceed 90 degrees and can reach dangerous extremes, posing a severe risk of heat exhaustion. In fact, the park's campground completely closes from Memorial Day to Labor Day due to the heat.
While horseback riding requires a certain level of mobility and is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Red Rock Canyon itself offers several excellent accessible options for visitors.
The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is a LEED-certified facility featuring interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits, a bookstore, and a live desert tortoise habitat.
Food and Water: There are no food vendors, restaurants, or gas stations inside the conservation area. The Visitor Center is the only location in the park with safe drinking water and refill stations. If you are not on a catered tour, you must bring your own food and plenty of water (at least 1-2 liters per person).
Camping: The Red Rock Canyon Campground offers 53 standard sites and 6 RV sites, located 2 miles east of the Visitor Center (open September 1 to June 1).
When visiting the conservation area, several strict regulations are in place to protect the fragile desert ecosystem:
No prior experience is necessary. The tours are designed to be suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the local wranglers will guide you at a safe, comfortable pace.
Yes, when you book a commercial horseback tour, the park entrance fees and necessary commercial permits are included in your ticket price. You do not need to worry about booking a separate timed entry reservation.
You should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from the stirrups, rocks, and desert cacti. It is also highly recommended to dress in layers, as the desert temperatures can change quickly, especially during evening rides.
Yes, children can join the ride, but the minimum age requirement is 7 years old. All children aged 17 and under must wear a safety helmet, though parents of 16- and 17-year-olds can sign a liability release to allow them to ride without one.
Yes, both the morning and sunset horseback tours include pickup and drop-off from select Las Vegas hotels. Pickups generally occur 1 to 2 hours before the ride begins.
Travelers must provide their body weight at checkout so the wranglers can safely and comfortably match each rider with an appropriately sized horse.
It is very common to spot native Mojave Desert wildlife while on the trail. Keep an eye out for wild burros, jackrabbits, and lizards hiding among the rocks and brush.
The sunset tour includes a hearty barbecue meal where you can choose between steak, chicken, or salmon. The meal also comes with dessert, soft drinks, and bottled water. You must select your protein preference at the time of booking.
No, horseback riding is not recommended for pregnant travelers. It is also not recommended for individuals with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to the nature of the activity.
The tours offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the ride are typically non-refundable.
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This ride takes you through the narrows of Red Rock Canyon, following a winding trail across the canyon floor. Led by local wranglers, you'll move through the desert landscape where it’s common to spot wild burros, jackrabbits, and lizards among the rocks and brush. After the ride, the group gathers around a campfire for a traditional western-style barbeque. It’s a relaxed meal in the open air, offering a chance to wind down and eat after your time on the trail.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Start the day with a guided horseback ride through the trails of Red Rock Canyon. Led by local wranglers, you will navigate the desert terrain and follow the paths down toward the valley floor. The morning timing allows you to see the canyon's natural rock formations and desert landscape in the early light. This tour is designed to accommodate riders of all levels, from first-timers to those with more experience. The wranglers provide basic instruction and safety guidance before heading out to ensure everyone feels comfortable on their horse. It is a straightforward way to explore the desert scenery at a relaxed pace.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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