Many people are surprised to learn that Las Vegas has a large and thriving equestrian community. From the top of the city, to the bottom, and beyond you can find barns, boarding, event arenas, and much more to enjoy. Parks and trail riding are one of the equestrian highlights of Vegas that many riders are unaware of. If you’re looking for a new adventure for you and your horse, here are six places to go.
Bradley Bridle Park:
This park is located at the top of Las Vegas near Tule Springs. Featuring enclosed arenas, corrals, trailer parking, bathrooms, covered sitting, water fountains, and more, Bradley Bridle Park is a fun afternoon activity to do with your horse. While on the smaller side and centered amongst residential neighborhoods, this park is well kept and equestrian friendly for any time of day. It is first come, first serve, for this shared space. If you’re looking for an easy trip not far from home, this is a good option.
Buckskin Cliff Shadows Trail:
Located near Lone Mountain and in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Buckskin Cliff Shadows is a great network of trails that’s more out in the open than a park. The trails are easily marked with plenty of parking. There are bathrooms and plenty of variety of trail type, with a designated equestrian area and a picnic area as well. You’ll be sharing the trails with bikers and hikers. ATV’s and other off road vehicles are not permitted. Be aware that there isn’t much shade out on the trails, so prepare. 
Eagles Nest Trail:
Located in the Kyle Canyon area, this trail is a 2.75 mile loop that starts at the Fletcher Canyon Trailhead. A beautiful place to ride with lots of pine trees among the desert brush, this loop won’t feel like typical Vegas. This hike is moderately trafficked, so you’ll likely run into other hikers, bikers, or riders. Bring lots of water and enjoy the change in scenery.
Floyd Lamb Tule Springs Park Trail:
Up at the top of Vegas is Floyd Lamb Park. There are places to fish, bird watching, BBQ, covered picnic areas, bathrooms, and benches along with plenty of places to stroll on foot. With your horse there is the park’s trail which is fairly short, at a 1.4 km loop. The scenery is beautiful with lots of wildlife, water, and greenery. For a simple trip, this park is great for an easy ride and beautiful view.
South Oak Creek Trail:
This trail is located in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, between Bonnie Springs and the Red Rock Canyon Overlook. This route is used by some trail riding companies, so you’ll see other riders out and about. There are plenty of wildlife, wildflowers, desert wilderness and sun on this ride. Bring lots of water and enjoy the gorgeous coloring and rock formations of the mountains.
La Madre Cabin Trail:
This route is considered to be a little trickier, located in the La Madre Spring Trail and Wilderness Area. The best parts start when you reach the pond at the end of the trail. You will eventually reach a stone cabin with a log roof, which is where the name comes from. This cabin was built and used by miners in the 1920’s. The trail is filled with natural vegetation, plenty of trees, springs, and even a 15 foot waterfall. There are also some caves and tunnels to explore on foot.
There are plenty of other horseback riding friendly trails in Vegas that you can explore with your horse. Such as: The Upper and Lower Bristlecone Loop in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, the Blue Diamond Hill Trail in Red Rock, The Slots in Lower Kyle Canyon, Brownstone Canyon in Red Rock, Sandstone Springs Via First Creek Trail in Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, and more. There are so many trails in the wilderness of Las Vegas that interconnect and contain some of the greatest natural beauty. The more remote and longer the trail, the more peace and isolation you’ll find on your adventures. From easy to hard, it’s a perfect city to find your kind of riding.