No better way to see scenic Southern Nevada than by horseback

Westerners claim that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man. Test the truth of that saying on a horseback excursion in the scenic outback of Southern Nevada. Opportunities for trail riding in our region include horseback, wagon and stagecoach adventures near Red Rock, Mount Charleston, the Moapa Paiute Reservation and Mesquite. Guided trail rides explore remote areas away from paved highways, lasting from half an hour for children to half a day or longer when combined with meals served trailside.

Popular for outdoor recreation of all sorts, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area boasts three different horseback trail riding operations along the extension of Charleston Boulevard that provides access from Las Vegas. As you drive south on this highway, a designated Nevada back country byway, watch for the turnoff to the Cowboy Trail Riders stabling area on the left about a half-mile beyond the turnoff to the Bureau of Land Management's visitor center. This outfitter offers a variety of rides and outings starting at $45 per hour for a scenic ride. Their sunset ride with barbecue appeals to many customers. For more information, prices and reservations, call the outfitter at 243-5155. Cowboy Horseback Tours at 948-7061, or visit the Web site at www.cowboytrailrides.com.

Trail rides with this outfitter in the Mount Charleston area cost the same as in Red Rock. The stables, located near mile marker 12 on the Kyle Canyon Road, Highway 157, operate seasonally. Often snow-covered in winter, the mountain trails lend themselves to late spring, summer and autumn rides. Use the same numbers for more information.

The stables at Bonnie Springs Ranch in the heart of the Red Rock area offer rides near the colorful cliffs for the best prices in this region. At the ranch's Red Rock Riding Stables, trail rides start at $35 per hour. Riders choose from a variety of options, including breakfast, lunch or dinner rides. The stables remain open year-round starting at 9 a.m. with rides scheduled frequently until late afternoon, weather permitting. Call the ranch at 875-4191 or visit the Web site at www.bonniespringsranch.com.

Silver State "Old West" Tours operates trail rides from corrals located just off the access road to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park south of Bonnie Springs Ranch. This outfitter's ride start at $45 for an hour on scenic lands adjacent to the state park. For $65, ride one and a half hours to beautiful First Creek. A two and a half hour ride to colorful Oak Creek Canyon costs $120. Explore the options on the company's website at www.silverstatetours.com or call 798-7788.

Sagebrush Ranch offers trail rides on the Moapa River Paiute Reservation north of Las Vegas off Interstate 15. They operate from stables located a couple of miles from exit 80 at Ute. Call the company at 645-9422 to find out prices and schedule a trail ride in advance. For an overview, visit their Web site at www.sagebrush-ranch.com.

Many people staying in Mesquite, 80 miles north of Las Vegas on I-15, explore the area's back country on horseback trips arranged through the Oasis Resort. Riders mount up at Oasis Ranch near Mesquite for any of several kinds of rides of varying lengths, with or without meals. Expect prices commensurate with those charged in the Red Rock area. Call the resort at (800) 621-0187 for information and reservations.

Open to nearly everyone, horseback adventures appeal to a wide audience. Some stables stipulate a few restrictions, such as age or weight limits. Riders need no experience, as the savvy trail horses know the routine. Wranglers match riders to horses keeping the level of experience in mind.

For a comfortable adventure, layer your clothing. Wear long pants to minimize chafing by the saddle and scratches from the brush. If you have boots, wear them, but sturdy shoes will suffice. Wear a snug-fitting hat or one with a tie-down under your chin. Slather on the sun block. Stow loose items in a pack you can wear or tie to the saddle. Then sit back and view the scenery the way the old-time cowboys did, from between the ears of your horse.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.