Full Day Grand Canyon Trip With Horseback Ride From Las Vegas

Exploring the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. This full-day tour offers a chance to take in the canyon’s stunning natural beauty, with the option to experience it from the back of a horse or in a classic Western-style wagon. The day also includes a hearty barbecue lunch at a historic ranch, where visitors can interact with authentic cowboys and witness a resident buffalo herd. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply awe-inspiring views, this comprehensive excursion promises to leave a lasting impression. The only question is, what part of the experience are you most intrigued by?

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Full-Day Tours In Las Vegas.

Key Points

• Offers a full-day small-group tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Western Ranch, including guided horseback or wagon ride and barbecue lunch.
• Explores the Mormon Trail through a Joshua Tree forest, providing an opportunity to view a buffalo herd and meet cowboys.
• Features round-trip shared transfer in a luxury van with door-to-door pickup from select Las Vegas hotels.
• Provides a unique and immersive Western-style experience, with a maximum of 15 travelers for an intimate adventure.
• Includes accessibility options and moderate physical fitness requirements, catering to diverse travelers seeking a distinctive Grand Canyon excursion.

Tour Overview and Inclusions

This full-day small-group tour takes guests from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Western Ranch.

The tour includes a guided horseback or wagon ride through the area, as well as a barbecue lunch on the historic ranch. Visitors will have the chance to meet real cowboys and see a buffalo herd.

The tour also explores the Mormon Trail through a Joshua Tree forest, providing a unique alternative to traditional Grand Canyon sightseeing.

Transportation is provided via round-trip shared transfer in a luxury van, and the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Additional inclusions are coffee/tea, local tax, and resort fees.

Transportation and Pickup Locations

Door-to-door transport from select Las Vegas hotels is provided for this tour. Guests can choose to be picked up from their hotel or drive themselves to the Grand Canyon Western Ranch. The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am, so it’s recommended to allow enough time for transportation.

Pickup Location	Start Time
Select Las Vegas Hotels	8:00 am
Grand Canyon Western Ranch	8:00 am
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 hours before

The tour uses a round-trip shared transfer in a luxury van, with a maximum of 15 travelers per tour. Guests are advised to be ready at their pickup location on time to ensure a smooth start to their Grand Canyon adventure.

Horseback Riding and Wagon Ride

The horseback or wagon ride is the highlight of the Grand Canyon tour experience. Guests have the option to take a 45-minute guided ride through the stunning landscape.

For those who choose the horseback riding, they’ll get to meet real cowboys and see a buffalo herd up close. The wagon ride offers a more relaxed alternative, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the views.

Both experiences provide a unique way to explore the area and get a taste of the Old West. With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, the ride ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

Western-Style Barbecue Lunch

After the horseback or wagon ride, guests are treated to a western-style barbecue lunch on the historic ranch.

The meal features classic barbecue favorites like juicy grilled meats, tangy sauces, and hearty sides. Guests can enjoy their barbecue feast in the rustic ranch setting, surrounded by the stunning desert landscape.

The lunch provides a chance to refuel and recharge before continuing the day’s exploration. Coffee and tea are also provided to complement the meal.

This authentic ranch experience adds to the overall immersive nature of the Grand Canyon adventure from Las Vegas.

Exploring the Mormon Trail

Following the barbecue lunch, guests venture out to explore the Mormon Trail that winds its way through the Joshua Tree forest.

The trail offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history, as it was once used by Mormon pioneers on their journey westward. Guests can marvel at the iconic Joshua trees that dot the landscape, their uniquely shaped branches reaching towards the sky.

The trail is well-maintained, allowing for easy exploration, and the guide provides insightful commentary on the cultural and natural significance of the area.

This portion of the tour offers a peaceful respite from the day’s activities, immersing guests in the serene beauty of the desert landscape.

Viewing the Buffalo Herd

One highlight of the tour is the opportunity to view the resident buffalo herd on the ranch. Guests can observe these majestic creatures up close as they graze on the vast open pastures.

The ranch is home to a well-established herd, allowing visitors a rare chance to see these iconic American symbols in their natural setting. The guide provides information about the buffalo’s history and significance, adding depth to the experience.

Witnessing the buffalo herd roaming freely is a memorable and unique aspect of this Grand Canyon adventure, offering a glimpse into the rugged Western landscape. This encounter with wildlife is sure to leave a lasting impression on tour participants.

Accessibility and Requirements

The tour is accessible to a wide range of guests. Wheelchair-accessible transportation and surfaces are provided. A minimum of 2 people per booking is required, with a minimum age of 9 years for horseback riding. Strollers and service animals are allowed, and infants must sit on laps with infant seats available.

Additionally:

• The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level.
• Guests with any mobility concerns should consult with the tour operator prior to booking.
• Families with young children can enjoy the ranch experience and other on-site activities.
• The tour’s flexibility caters to a diverse group of travelers seeking a unique Grand Canyon adventure.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Guests have provided a mix of feedback on the tour, with an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews.

Some guests felt misled about the location of the horseback riding in relation to the Grand Canyon.

However, there were positive comments on the ranch experience, the knowledgeable driver, and the overall enjoyment of the tour.

Guests also noted the availability of additional activities like helicopter rides on-site.

Despite the mixed reviews, the tour offers a unique alternative to traditional Grand Canyon sightseeing experiences, with the opportunity to meet real cowboys and see a buffalo herd.

Recap

This full-day excursion from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon offers a unique experience with horseback or wagon rides, a western-style lunch, and the chance to explore the historic Mormon Trail and observe a buffalo herd. With comfortable transportation and a small-group setting, it’s an ideal way to take in the stunning natural beauty of the Grand Canyon region.