Sunset Trails and Saddle Tales: A Horseback Adventure Outside Las Vegas
Las Vegas: the land of neon lights, slot machines, and buffets the size of Texas. What if I told you there’s another side of Sin
City—a quieter, wilder side just begging to be explored? Well, saddle up, friends, because this travel agent decided to trade
the blackjack table for a saddle and experience a sunset horseback ride just outside of Red Rock Canyon. Spoiler alert: it was everything my adventurous heart could have hoped for, with a side of BBQ perfection.
Getting There: From Circus Circus to Cowboy Trail Rides
The adventure began with an easy pick-up from Circus Circus (yes, that Circus Circus). Cowboy Trail Rides Las Vegas offers a convenient shuttle service from select hotels, and trust me, it’s worth the short walk if your hotel isn’t on the list. The driver greeted us with a smile and a good dose of humor, and before I knew it, we were cruising out of the city.
The transition from the hustle of Vegas to the serene open desert is something magical. One minute, you’re dodging traffic and neon lights; the next, the city fades into an endless stretch of land framed by distant mountains. When we turned onto a gravel road leading up to the ranch, I knew we were in for something special.
The ranch itself felt like stepping into a Wild West dream. A fire pit crackled nearby, and a cozy covered dining area awaited for later. But first, it was time to meet my ride—or rather, my mule.
Meeting Millie: The Queen of the Trail
Now, I’ve ridden horses before (let’s not get too excited—it’s been a while), but when they paired me with Millie, a mule who
might as well be a small mountain, I felt a mix of awe and “how on earth do I get up there?” Thankfully, there were steps because this 5’2” girl was felt eye level with that saddle.
Once in the saddle, I guided Millie around the corral to get a feel for her personality. And oh, does she have one. This girl knew exactly where she wanted to be in the line (middle, thank you very much) and made soft mule “chats” as we started down the trail.
Trail Talk: Sunset Magic and Red Rock Views
The ride itself was nose-to-tail, single-file style—perfect for soaking in the scenery without worrying about where to steer. And oh, what scenery! We traversed rocky hills and sandy paths, surrounded by the surreal beauty of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land.
To our left, Red Rock Canyon glowed in hues of crimson and gold, the setting sun painting the cliffs in fiery tones. Joshua trees popped up like quirky desert sentinels, and the wranglers shared stories about the land as we rode.
There’s something almost meditative about seeing the world from the back of a mule. Millie moved steadily, her hooves crunching on gravel, while the rest of the world seemed to fall away. It felt like stepping back in time to an era when trails, not highways, were the way to travel.
Dinner by the Fire
After about two hours, we returned to the ranch, and let me tell you, that BBQ dinner was the cherry on top of an already incredible evening. Choices included chicken, steak, or fish, paired with hearty sides of corn, baked beans, and a fresh salad. Sitting around the fire pit, sharing stories with fellow riders, and enjoying a meal cooked to perfection? Pure bliss.
The team at Cowboy Trail Rides went above and beyond—from the friendly wranglers to the talented chef. And of course, a special shout-out to Millie, my trail buddy and desert guide extraordinaire.
Why You Should Go
If you’re heading to Vegas and looking for something beyond the casinos, this horseback (or mule-back) adventure is a
must. It’s family-friendly, great for beginners, and offers a unique perspective of Nevada’s rugged beauty. Whether you
’re an adventure junkie or just need a break from the city, a sunset ride at Cowboy Trail Rides will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
So, what do you say? Ready to trade the strip for the saddle?
Don’t just visit Las Vegas, explore it. Millie will be waiting.
