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.
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:
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:
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:
per person
Hands-On Cattle Experience
For guests interested in a hands-on ranch activity, a 30-minute cattle experience may be available following select rides. Under wrangler guidance, riders can help move cattle in the arena, offering a glimpse into real working-ranch life. Availability and activities depend on conditions and rider experience.
What to Expect:
per person
Help move cattle across open desert ranch land
Help guide cattle across our 160-acre ranch under the direction of an experienced wrangler. This hands-on experience lets you take part in positioning and moving livestock at a steady, controlled pace—an engaging way to step into authentic ranch life from the saddle.
What to Expect:
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.
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.
