The 4 Best BBQ Experiences in Las Vegas
Las Vegas might be famous for high-stakes gambling and glitzy shows, but it’s also a surprisingly good place to enjoy authentic BBQ experiences. Far from the neon-lit Strip, some tours let you escape the hustle and get a taste of cowboy life, Nevada’s rugged landscapes, and genuine southern-style cooking. Whether you prefer a sunset horseback ride with a hearty cookout or a scenic canyon adventure, Las Vegas offers memorable ways to combine outdoor activities with delicious BBQ. If you’re craving a more immersive, authentic taste of the American West, these four tours hit the mark with their unique settings, impressive reviews, and value for money.
From guided horseback rides through colorful desert formations to sunset excursions in Red Rock Canyon, each experience gives you a chance to savor Nevada’s wild side. Plus, all include some form of BBQ dinner, making them perfect for those who want a hearty meal after a day of adventure. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, these tours promise a genuine taste of cowboy culture and spectacular scenery.
Quick Overview
Our list features four top-rated BBQ experiences in Las Vegas, each with its own flavor and vibe:
- A desert horseback ride at sunset combined with a cowboy cookout, rated 4.7/5, priced at $160, with 6 hours of adventure. From Las Vegas: Desert Sunset Horseback Ride with BBQ Dinner.
- A shorter, beginner-friendly horseback ride with a BBQ lunch in colorful Rainbow Gardens, costing $125 for approximately 1.5 hours. Horseback Riding with BBQ Lunch in Las Vegas.
- An epic sunset horseback ride in Red Rock Canyon, with a Western-style BBQ dinner, boasting a 5-star rating, at $199 for about 5 hours. Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque Dinner.
- A more casual, shorter ride along Rainbow Gardens trail, with BBQ dinner, priced at $120 and lasting around 2 hours. Las Vegas: Sunset Horseback Riding Tour with BBQ Dinner.
Now, let’s look at each tour in detail to see which one might suit your style.
1. From Las Vegas: Desert Sunset Horseback Ride with BBQ Dinner
This tour offers a full evening of Nevada’s desert scenery, horseback riding, and cowboy cuisine. For around $160, you’ll be picked up from over two dozen locations on the Strip and driven into the Mojave Desert. The highlight? Riding gently trained horses through the stunning landscape as the sunset paints the sky. During this approximately 1.5-hour ride, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the desert horizon, a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.
After riding, you’ll settle around a campfire for a hearty BBQ dinner, featuring traditional cowboy fare. The experience is rated 4.7/5 from over 320 reviews, with many travelers raving about the calm horses, friendly guides, and the magical sunset. One guest said, “We basically lived out a Red Dead Redemption dream,” which sums up how authentic and fun this experience feels. The tour balances adventure with relaxation, making it ideal for couples or small groups wanting a combination of outdoor activity and good food.
Bottom line: This tour excels at delivering a rustic, scenic evening that combines horseback riding, sunset views, and a satisfying cowboy meal. The price reflects the full experience, and the reviews suggest it’s a well-organized trip with attentive guides.
2. Horseback Riding with BBQ Lunch in Las Vegas
If you’re looking for a more laid-back daytime excursion, this horseback ride with BBQ lunch offers a relaxed way to explore Nevada’s natural beauty. For $125, you’ll make your own way to the departure point about 20 minutes from the city, where friendly guides will gear you up with everything needed for the ride. The trail takes you through Rainbow Gardens—a region noted for its colorful rock formations and desert scenery.
During the 1.5-hour ride, novices will appreciate the well-trained horses and clear instructions from your guide. Afterward, sit down for a hearty BBQ meal and drinks, making this a good choice for travelers wanting a combination of light adventure and good food. Reviewers praise the guide Kim, who was “super friendly and helpful,” and mention that the horses are “great for beginners.” Some note the food is less memorable, but overall, most find the experience worthwhile.
Bottom line: This tour is well-suited for beginners or families, offering a gentle ride amid striking scenery, topped with a satisfying BBQ lunch. It provides excellent value, especially if you want a shorter, daytime experience.
3. Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque Dinner
Ranking at the top with a perfect 5-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, this red rock canyon adventure is ideal for those seeking a spectacular landscape combined with a full evening of cowboy hospitality. For $199, you’ll be picked up from select Las Vegas hotels and driven to the canyon for a sunset horseback ride. The experienced wranglers lead you through rugged terrain, past native wildlife and towering rock formations, with plenty of tips for riding along the way.
As the sun sets over the valley, you’ll enjoy a Western-style BBQ dinner by the campfire, with grilled meats, corn, and cowboy s’mores—a true outdoor feast. Reviewers consistently praise the staff’s friendliness and the “beautiful scenery,” with many noting how tame the horses are, making it accessible for most riders. One guest shared, “My wife, not much of a horse person, loved riding Elvis,” emphasizing its suitability for beginners.
Bottom line: This experience offers a combination of stunning scenery, gentle rides, and hearty food—perfect for those wanting a comprehensive cowboy adventure with excellent reviews to back it up.
4. Las Vegas: Sunset Horseback Riding Tour with BBQ Dinner
This shorter, more casual tour offers a 2-hour horseback ride along the Rainbow Gardens trail, with a BBQ dinner at the end. Priced at $120, it’s a good option for travelers on a tighter schedule or those new to horseback riding. The guides are praised for being “amazing,” and the scenic views of mountains and canyons are a highlight.
Most reviews mention that the horses are “well-trained” and that the staff is considerate. The experience is rated 3.2/5, reflecting its more basic nature and shorter duration, but it remains a popular choice for first-timers and those seeking a quick outdoor experience with a tasty meal afterward. Reviewers liked the panoramic photo opportunities and the chance to learn about the local area.
Bottom line: If you’re after a shorter, straightforward horseback ride with a BBQ dinner, this tour provides a relaxed, scenic outing suited for beginners or those with limited time.
How to Choose
When deciding between these Las Vegas BBQ experiences, consider your budget, time constraints, and riding comfort. For a full, immersive evening with sunset views, the From Las Vegas: Desert Sunset Horseback Ride with BBQ Dinner offers great value. If you prefer a daytime, gentle ride with a focus on scenery and a hearty lunch, the Horseback Riding with BBQ Lunch in Las Vegas fits well. For those who want the best scenery and a true cowboy experience, the Red Rock Canyon Sunset Ride is hard to beat, especially with its stellar reviews. Finally, if a shorter, simpler ride is enough, the Las Vegas Sunset Horseback Riding Tour with BBQ Dinner offers a quick, scenic outing.
Booking early is advisable, especially for the popular canyon and sunset rides, to ensure availability and to match your preferred times.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas offers a surprising variety of BBQ adventures beyond its famous casinos—a chance to enjoy Nevada’s natural beauty paired with hearty, authentic food. The top-rated Red Rock Canyon Sunset Ride stands out for its combination of stunning scenery and excellent reviews, perfect for those seeking a full cowboy experience. For a more relaxed, leisurely day, the horseback ride with BBQ lunch provides a gentle introduction into the desert landscape. Meanwhile, shorter rides like the sunset trail ride cater to travelers with limited time or those new to horseback riding.
No matter your choice, these tours promise a memorable blend of outdoor fun, spectacular views, and tasty BBQ. Be sure to book early, especially if you want to catch the sunset or visit during peak season, and get ready for a taste of the wild west right outside Las Vegas.