Horseback Riding Joshua Tree Forest: Buffalo & Singing Cowboy

Saddle up through ancient desert forest and ride to Buffalo Point

A 5- to 6-hour horseback riding tour through Joshua Tree Forest and the Historic Western Ranch, departing from Las Vegas with hotel pickup included. You'll follow a cowboy guide on gentle, well-trained horses along the Mormon Trail, climb to higher elevation where Joshua Trees over 600 years old stand, and reach Buffalo Point to photograph wild buffalo and mountain views. The ride ends at the rustic ranch restaurant with lunch, cool drinks and entertainment from a singing cowboy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride through Joshua Tree forest

• Ride western horse on desert trails
• Follow guide through Joshua Tree forest
• Photograph wild buffalo and mountain views
• Climb to higher elevation for scenery
• Enjoy lunch and singing cowboy entertainment

The experience

Five to six hours in the saddle takes you from the ranch through Joshua Trees lining the historic Mormon Trail and up to Buffalo Point, where you can photograph wild buffalo and panoramic views of Spirit and Iron Mountain. The horses are gentle and well-trained, suitable for beginners. You'll sit in an authentic Western saddle and follow your guide. As you climb to higher elevation, the Joshua Trees, some over 600 years old, open into a forest that becomes more striking the further you go.

The Historic Western Ranch itself has its own story: it once belonged to a notorious 19th-century bank and train robber and sits on a secluded cattle ranch 10 miles from the rim of the Grand Canyon and 2 hours from Las Vegas. Hotel pickup from Las Vegas is included, and an air-conditioned vehicle brings you to the ranch. Your guide is a live English-speaking cowboy who leads the entire ride.

Lunch and bottled water are included in the price, served at the rustic ranch restaurant where you'll also catch entertainment from the singing cowboy. All fees and taxes are covered. The tour is designed for ages 9 and older. Riders must wear pants and closed-toe shoes.

What’s included

• Horseback ride through Joshua Tree Forest.
• lunch and bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport from Las Vegas.
• hotel pickup.
• hand sanitizer.
• live English-speaking cowboy guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Desert Wonder Tours

Is this one for you?The ride runs 5 to 6 hours in the saddle, so you're mounted for most of the day. Choose this if you're comfortable spending that time on a horse and want the full climb through the Joshua Trees to Buffalo Point rather than a shorter introductory ride.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Joshua Trees like on this ride?

Joshua Trees line the historic Mormon Trail where you'll ride, and as you climb to higher elevation, they form a forest with some specimens over 600 years old. The trees become more prominent and striking as the elevation increases during the ride.

Will I see buffalo on this horseback ride?

Yes. Buffalo Point is a stop on the ride where you'll have the opportunity to photograph wild buffalo roaming in their natural environment, along with panoramic views of Spirit and Iron Mountain.

How experienced do I need to be to ride?

All the horses are designed for beginners and are gentle and well-trained. You'll sit in an authentic Western saddle and follow your guide's lead. The ride suits all physical fitness levels as long as you're 9 or older and can wear pants and closed-toe shoes.

What happens after the ride ends?

You'll finish at the rustic ranch restaurant where lunch and cool drinks are included. Entertainment from a singing cowboy is part of the experience at the ranch.

Does the price include getting to the ranch from Las Vegas?

Yes. Hotel pickup from Las Vegas is included, along with an air-conditioned vehicle to bring you to the Historic Western Ranch. The drive is about 2 hours from the city.