Trail Rides

Explore the Mojave Desert on a guided horseback ride through mesquite and open country, with our experienced wranglers.

Trail Rides at Sandy Valley Ranch

Step out of the city and into the wide-open Mojave Desert on a guided horseback ride designed to be welcoming, memorable, and uniquely Western. At Sandy Valley Ranch, trail riding isn’t about rushing down a path—it’s about slowing down, connecting with your horse, and experiencing the landscape the way people have for generations.



Each ride is led by experienced wranglers who take the time to match riders with suitable horses and shape the experience around comfort, confidence, and conditions. Whether it’s your first time in the saddle or you’ve ridden before, our rides are designed to feel relaxed, personal, and far from crowded.



You’ll ride through mesquite trees, open desert valleys, and quiet country just 45 minutes and 100 years from Las Vegas. Rides are typically private for your group, with space to enjoy the journey rather than following nose-to-tail. For guests with more riding experience, select rides may include opportunities for a more active pace in designated areas, as appropriate.



Trail rides at Sandy Valley Ranch are about the experience—fresh air, open land, good horses, and a genuine taste of the Old West.

Pony Express Ride

Approx. 3 hours
$300.00

per person

For experienced riders seeking a longer, more adventurous ride

Inspired by the historic Pony Express, this ride offers a longer and more immersive way to explore the open desert. Designed for confident riders, it covers more ground and creates a deeper connection to the landscape.
The pace and activities of this ride are shaped by experience level, conditions, and wrangler guidance.

What to Expect:

  • A longer, more challenging ride for seasoned riders
  • Expansive desert terrain and extended time in the saddle
  • Opportunities for faster riding when appropriate
  • Pace and activities determined by wranglers for safety
Photo by Steve Makowski

Horseback Trail Ride

Approx. 2 hours
$250.00

per person

Ideal for beginners to experienced riders seeking a comfortable pace

Enjoy a relaxed, guided horseback ride through the quiet beauty of the Mojave Desert, riding among mesquite trees, open valleys, and wide desert skies. This experience is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to take in the scenery at a comfortable pace.
Led by experienced wranglers, this ride offers an easy, enjoyable introduction to trail riding and the ranch.

What to Expect:

  • Private rides—just your group and our wranglers
  • A friendly, unhurried pace designed for comfort and confidence
  • Horses selected based on rider experience and comfort level

Little Buckaroo Ride

Approx. 30 minutes
$40.00

per person

A gentle introduction to horseback riding

This calm, guided ride is designed for children and first-time riders who want to experience horseback riding in a relaxed, confidence-building setting. Held in the round pen, it offers a fun and reassuring introduction to being in the saddle.
Led closely by a wrangler, this experience focuses on comfort, smiles, and a positive first connection with a horse.

What to Expect:

  • A wrangler leading the horse throughout the ride
  • A secure round-pen setting
  • Slow, steady walking pace only
  • Ideal for children and nervous or first-time riders

Book Your Ride

FAQs

Have questions? We’ve rounded up the ones our guests ask most often. If
you need anything else, just give us a holler—we’re here to help.

Do I need horseback riding experience to participate in trail rides or the “Cowboy for a Day” experience?

No prior riding experience is required for most activities. Our team provides a basic orientation and general safety guidelines before each ride or ranch experience. Please note that all activities involve inherent risks, and participation is always at the discretion of ranch staff based on safety considerations.
We suggest long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, and clothing appropriate for the weather. Sunscreen and hats are also recommended. Helmets are available and required for guests under 18. Final suitability of attire may be determined by staff for safety reasons.
Group options may be available depending on the size of the group, the activities requested, and the date. We can provide general information and pricing upon request, but all details are finalized only through a written confirmation.

For the safety of our guests and horses, certain age and weight guidelines apply to all riding activities.

The Little Buckaroo Ride (wrangler-led in the round pen) is available for children ages 4 and up. Our trail rides require riders to be at least 10 years old. All riders under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver prior to participation, and a guardian must remain on-site during the activity.

For horse welfare and safety, all riders must weigh 250 pounds or less.

Final participation decisions are made by our wranglers based on rider size, experience, comfort level, and current conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.