Red Rock Canyon: Sunset Horseback Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Horseback trails, canyon light and campfire stories near Las Vegas

You’ll ride horseback through Red Rock Canyon as sunset paints the cliffs, guided by locals who know every twist of the trail. Spot wildlife along the way before gathering around a campfire for a real Western BBQ dinner—steak, chicken or salmon—with s’mores for dessert under desert stars. It’s equal parts adventure and slow-down moment.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the horses seemed to know the trail better than any of us. Someone handed me the reins—can’t remember if it was Jake or Sarah, both wranglers with that sun-worn look—and gave my horse a little pat, called him “Dusty.” The sky over Red Rock Canyon was already starting to shift colors, and you could smell sagebrush in the air. Our group set off just as the heat started to fade, hooves crunching over gravel with this steady rhythm that kind of settles your nerves.

I kept looking for wild burros like they said we might see, but mostly caught jackrabbits darting through the brush—fast little things. The guide pointed out some old petroglyphs scratched into a rock wall (I’d have missed them), and told a story about cowboys riding these same trails a hundred years ago. There’s something about hearing that stuff while you’re actually on horseback, not just reading it somewhere. Also, I didn’t expect how quiet it would get once we were deep in the canyon. Just our horses breathing and someone’s laugh drifting back from up ahead.

We stopped at this spot where you could see all the way down to Las Vegas—the lights just starting to blink on in the distance. Sun was dipping behind those red cliffs, turning everything this weird shade of orange and purple. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic. On the way back, it got cooler fast. The campfire was already going by the time we got there, smoke mixing with grilled steak and corn on the cob smells (I went for chicken though—no regrets). Someone tried to teach me how to make “cowboy s’mores”—marshmallow between chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers—and honestly, I probably made a mess but nobody cared.

By then it was full dark except for firelight and stars overhead. People swapped stories or just listened to the crackling logs. There’s hotel pickup so you don’t have to worry about getting lost out here at night; they really do take care of all that stuff for you. Anyway, if you’ve ever wondered what an evening in Red Rock Canyon feels like—not just looks like—this is probably as close as you’ll get without being born here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback ride and BBQ dinner

• Ride horseback on Red Rock trails
• Watch for desert wildlife
• Stop to view sunset over Las Vegas
• Return to camp by campfire light
• Enjoy western BBQ dinner
• Eat Cowboy S'mores dessert

Top questions

How long is the horseback ride at Red Rock Canyon?

The horseback ride lasts about 90 minutes along scenic trails in Red Rock Canyon.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from select hotels are included with your booking.

What food is served at the campfire BBQ dinner?

You can choose steak, chicken or salmon; plus salad, baked beans, potatoes, corn on the cob and cowboy s’mores for dessert.

Are there vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking.

What wildlife might I see during the ride?

You might spot wild burros, jackrabbits and desert lizards along the trail.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 7 years old; children 17 and under must wear helmets unless parents sign a release for ages 16-17.

What should I bring or wear for this sunset horseback ride?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for riding; helmets are provided upon request.

Can people with health issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your evening includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from select Las Vegas hotels, a 90-minute guided horseback ride through Red Rock Canyon at sunset with experienced wranglers leading the way, plus a full campfire BBQ dinner featuring steak (or chicken or salmon), sides like baked beans and cowboy potatoes, drinks and dessert—all before heading back under desert stars.