There is a whole different side to Las Vegas when you are a fan of the Old Wild West. It’s not casinos and swank nightclubs that you are there to see. No, it’s something completely different. What you are there for is a the opportunity to relive the old cowboy experience on one of it’s historic trails, or at one of it’s desert ranches. Las Vegas horseback tours are the perfect opportunity to saddle-up and let your Wild West fantasy come true.

One local ranch that seek to provide visitors with that genuine cowboy experience, is the Bonnie Springs Ranch. Situated about a half-hour’s drive from the city, it offers a number of riding-tours along trails located inside the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The rides take place several times a day, in order to suit a variety of tastes and schedules. Most include a cowboy-style meal either before or after the ride. There is even an authentically recreated replica of an 1880’s mining town that provides some light entertainment to go along with the ride.

The breakfast ride allows you to experience the desert just as it is waking up. As you ride in the coolness of the morning, you can watch as it comes to life in before your eyes. After a ride lasting about an hour and a half, you return to the ranch where you are served breakfast. If you would like to have your breakfast before heading out, there is always the possibility of going on a later ride.

Those people wanting to see the desert when its colors are at their most vibrant should take a mid-day lunch ride. It is at this time of the day that the rich redness from which Red Rock Canyon takes its name is most pronounced. You will also get to experience the stillness that is characteristic of the desert during the peak of the day.

Dinner rides take you out into Red Rock Canyon during mid-afternoon. Aside from the spectacular scenery, you will get to see the beauty of a desert sky as sunset approaches. A western dinner at the ranch follows the ride.

After your day on the trails is done, you can head over to Old Nevada for some Old West-style fun. The mining town-replica stages simulated melodramas at the local saloon, as well as gunfights and hangings. Children will have a great time at the petting zoo, while on holidays and weekends there is a mock posse that they can take part in. Sights in the village include a wax museum and a wedding chapel. There’s also plenty of shopping for those visitors wanting to take home souvenirs.

The Sandy Valley Ranch, situated about forty-five minutes from the city, offers another unique horseback riding opportunity to Old West aficionados. Cowboy enthusiasts can become a ‘cowboy for a day’ here. But they had best be prepared, because they are going to be put to work doing some real cowboy-things. The day will start off with a ride along the Mojave Desert trails, after which a light lunch is served. The afternoon is reserved for a cattle-drive in the desert, followed by some rough and tumble cowboy games. Next it’s time for a spectacular sunset ride. Your day isn’t over yet, though. There is still the matter of penning the cattle before getting your big, authentic western-style barbecue dinner.

Anyone wanting to combine a little romance with their cowboy experience can opt for a sunset ride and barbecue, followed by a sleepover in a covered wagon. In the morning, you get to collect your own breakfast-eggs.

Anyone looking for the Old West is going to find it on Las Vegas horseback tours. They are certain to bring the cowboy out in even the most reticent person.

Have fun with Las Vegas Horseback Tours . Get the low down now in our comprehensive fab Things to do in Las Vegas review.

Tags: Horses