Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon Horseback Ride & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Red Rock Canyon desert ride with wranglers hotel pickup included

You’ll ride through Red Rock Canyon on horseback with real cowboy wranglers guiding you, starting with hotel pickup from Las Vegas. Feel the desert air, learn riding basics (even if you’ve never tried before), and take in those wild canyon views while your horse leads the way. Expect a few laughs, some quiet moments, and memories that stick around longer than dust on your boots.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to feel so small out in Red Rock Canyon — but the moment we pulled up and I saw those cliffs glowing orange in the morning, I kind of forgot about everything else. Our guide, Mike (he called himself a “cowboy, not a tour guide”), handed me a helmet and joked that my horse was “the boss today.” The leather saddle was stiff and creaked when I climbed up. There was this dry sage smell everywhere, and you could hear nothing but the horses snorting and little pebbles crunching under their hooves.

We set off in a slow line, just six of us plus two wranglers. Mike pointed out some old petroglyphs — I squinted but honestly couldn’t see them until he traced them in the air with his finger. He told stories about wild burros and how sometimes you’ll spot them if you’re lucky (we weren’t). The sun kept shifting behind clouds and then coming back out so bright it made the red rocks almost too much to look at. My horse kept trying to stop for every patch of grass, which made me laugh after a while. Guess even horses get snacky out here.

The best part? There’s this quiet that settles in once everyone stops talking. Just wind and distant birds — nothing like Las Vegas at all. Two hours went by faster than I thought they would. When we got back to the stables, my legs felt weirdly wobbly (no one warns you about that), but Mike said that means you did it right. I still think about that view looking down into the valley — kind of makes you want to stay longer next time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding in Red Rock Canyon

• Travel from Las Vegas to Red Rock Stables
• Receive riding instructions from wranglers
• Mount horse and begin canyon ride
• Enjoy desert views and learn history
• Ride back down to valley floor

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour in Red Rock Canyon?

The horseback riding portion lasts about 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop off from select Las Vegas hotels are included.

Do I need experience to join this horseback ride?

No experience is needed; beginners and experienced riders are welcome.

What age can children join this tour?

The minimum age is 7 years old.

Are helmets required for kids?

All children 17 and under must wear a safety helmet unless parents sign a release for ages 16-17.

How far is Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas?

The drive takes about 45 minutes from Las Vegas to the stables.

Is lunch or food included on this horseback tour?

No meals are included; only the guided ride and equipment are provided.

What should I wear for horseback riding in Red Rock Canyon?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for riding; boots are recommended if possible.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup and drop-off from select Las Vegas hotels, all necessary riding equipment including helmets if needed, guidance from experienced cowboy wranglers, and a two-hour horseback ride through Red Rock Canyon before returning to town.