HORSEBACK RIDING IN NEVADA

Stepping from the glitter of the lights on the Strip onto a working ranch or trail can give you a true feeling for the history of the original cowboys, experience Nevada as the early explorers did and find the many hidden places that an SUV can't take you.

Closer to Home

Cowboy Trail Rides: Red Rock Camp, 4053 Fossil Ridge Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89161. In the heart of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Miles of riding trails in a magnificent desert setting, a herd of beautiful, well trained & well-kept horses and a staff of professional wrangler-guides beckons to guests who want to leave the city and the 21st Century behind. Rides include a Canyon Rim ride, Sunset Trail ride and BBQ and Red Springs ride that swings behind the mountain then drops down into a narrow gorge. www.cowboytrailrides.com - 702-387-2457

Hunters Edge: 8855 W. Mountains Edge Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89178. Camps are not only geared towards having fun, but also about learning as much as possible about horses and the sport of riding Hunter/Jumpers. Riding lessons are private for all beginners and have a high ratio of counselors to campers. www.huntersedgelv.com - 702-456-9379

Las Vegas Trail Riding: Located near Eldorado Canyon: Silverline Rd., Boulder City, NV 89015. Discover the heart of the old west on horseback with trustworthy horses and knowledgeable guides. These rides can accommodate your schedule based on availability and they match you to the perfect horse with a quick riding lesson for a safe & enjoyable day. https://www.yelp.com/biz/las-vegas-trail-riding-boulder-city - 702-850-1881 (text is best)

Sandy Valley Ranch: 1411 Kingston Rd., Sandy Valley, NV 89019. "45 minutes and 100 years from Las Vegas." If you've always dreamed of "playing Cowboy for Real," this is the right place, horses, cattle, round-ups and cattle drives over the mountains & through the mesquites. They do it all and are always adding new adventures. You can schedule trail rides for just your group. www.sandyvalleyranch.com - 702-242-0955

Horses4Heroes: 4975 N Miller Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89149. Affordable horseback riding programs and activities for the entire family, ages 6 to adult. They cater to first-time, beginner riders and welcome experienced riders too. www.horses4heroes.org - 702-645-8446

Wild West Horseback Adventure: 2470 Chandler Ave #11, Las Vegas, NV 89120. Their seasoned cowhands will help select a horse that best suits your needs and then guide you across the natural, rugged and beautifully scenic landscape for an adventure taking you back in time. All rides include breakfast, lunch or dinner. www.wildwesthorsebackadventures.com - 702-792-5050

Bonnie Springs Ranch: 16395 Bonnie Springs Rd., Las Vegas. Originally built in 1843 as a stopover for the wagon trains going to California along the Old Spanish Trail. Recalls the West's quieter, scenic past! Red Rock Riding Stables is located at the base of the ranch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner rides as well as hourly rides. www.bonniesprings.com - 702-875-4191

Buckaroo Trails: 6000 Elkhorn Rd., Las Vegas. Escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, embark on a rustic cowboy adventure with spectacular desert scenery! Safe for the little buckaroos to the experienced and everyone in-between. Private ride available for two or three riders (approx. 80 minutes). Perfect for a surprise or special day. https://www.yelp.com/biz/buckaroo-trails-las-vegas - 702-592-0714

Worth the Drive (Or Flight)

Cottonwood Guest Ranch: HC 62 Box 1300, ONeil Route, Wells, NV 89835. A working horse and cattle ranch with exciting horse drives, cattle drives, ranch vacations and stunning mountain pack trips. www.cottonwoodguestranch.com - 702-278-0593

Hunewill Guest Ranch: 1110 Hunewill Ranch Rd, Bridgeport, CA 93517. A working cattle ranch offering pecific stays and packages for those who want a vacation strictly geared for cattle work, adults only vacations during the season and weekend getaways, which allows guests to take advantage of three day & regular weekends. www.hunewillranch.com - 760-932-7710

Rancho de los Cabelleros: 1551 S. Vulture Mine Rd., Wickenburg, AZ 85390. Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool city dweller or you've been on horseback your whole life, experienced wranglers will make you feel right in your element. Open October 8th to May 12th. www.ranchodeloscaballeros.com - 800-684-5030

Rockin' R Ranch: 459 N. Main St., Antimony, UT 84712. Experience nature the way it was meant to be enjoyed: on horseback. Whether you're relishing a leisurely ride through the meadows and hills behind the Ranch, galloping after a runaway calf on one of the authentic cattle drives, or trying your hand at barrel racing and pole bending in the riding arena, you'll have a great adventure! www.rockinrranch.com - 801-382-8840

Sierra Adventures: 11 N. Sierra St. #101, Reno, NV 89501. Reno & Lake Tahoe's most trusted & experienced outfitter! With a shout and a thirst for adventure, the first pioneers led their wagons and rode their horses through the Nevada frontier, the beauty of the Sierra Range is www.wildsierra.com - 866-323-8928

Stagecoach Trails: 19985 S. Doc Holliday Rd., Yucca, AZ 86438. A two-hour drive from Vegas, overnight stay includes all meals (always home cooked), horseback riding and other ranch activities. The horseback riding program varies from slow & scenic, to challenging mountain rides and advanced loping rides in sandy washes. There is also lunch rides (seasonal), "cactus" rides and specialty rides. Pricing includes two rides per full day with 3 meals. Heated pool. www.stagecoachtrailsranch.com - 866-444-4471

Zephyr Cove: 760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448. All trails lead to fun! The resort stables guided horseback rides are a great way to experience the area's serenity and beauty. Amble over forested scenic trails you'll enjoy amazing vistas of the crystal clear blue lake and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain. www.zephyrcove.com - 775-589-4907