Try something different with a horseback excursion

Horseback excursions into Southern Nevada's scenic outback remain among the most popular outdoor adventures available for both visitors and residents. Guided trail rides explore remote areas away from paved highways. Riders experience the trail on treks lasting from an hour to several hours when combined with meals, such as pack-along box lunches or breakfast or dinner cooked trailside.

Opportunities for trail riding include guided trips in the scenic Red Rock area west of Las Vegas and in historic Eldorado Canyon south of the city off U.S. 93. Sadly, trail rides in the Mount Charleston and Mesquite areas recently shut down for a variety of reasons. However, a local outfitter plans for rides in the Glendale area north of Las Vegas to be available soon, perhaps as early as next month, but more likely by next fall.

Easily accessible from Las Vegas by way of the extension of Charleston Boulevard that junctions with the Pahrump highway, the Red Rock area boasts trail rides at the stables at Bonnie Springs ranch and at the Cowboy Trail Rides stabling area just off the highway near the start of the scenic loop drive. Call Bonnie Springs at 875-4191 or Cowboy Trail Rides at 387-2457. Cowboy Trail Rides also operates the horseback facility in Eldorado Canyon. Riders exploring Eldorado Canyon also may make arrangements by calling the Eldorado Mine Tour operators at 291-0002. The outfitter plans to operate ranch-style rides, roundups and rodeos at Glendale soon.

These adventures are not cheap thrills. The going hourly rate seems to be $50 per person. Expect a ride of five or six hours to cost $150 or more. If you take a sunrise or sunset ride with breakfast or dinner, expect costs to climb. Special kinds of trail packages can be arranged to match your event or occasion, even weddings on horseback.

These kinds of horseback adventures remain very popular offerings by tour companies for groups of visitors. Not long ago, at least 18 recognized outfitters competed for business in Southern Nevada. Just a couple of legitimate operators now dominate the trail riding business locally, though the adventure seems to appeal to as many people as ever before.

Tightly regulated because of concerns for the safety of the riders and the well-being of the riding stock, these outfitters strive to provide a quality experience. To meet standards, trail strings should have at least one wrangler for every six riders. Good guides know their horses. They do their best to match riders to horses, keeping the level of a rider's experience in mind.

Reputable outfitters take good care of their stock, not only because they represent a sizable investment, but because they like horses. Trail strings should be well-fed, well-groomed and well-tended. Saddles, bridles and other equipment should be in good repair. Outfitters may have age or weight limitations on riders.

Some outfits house their riding stock in barns with stalls and turnout enclosures. Others keep them in group corrals, usually with some shade. The animals have access to plenty of water and good quality feed. Though the strings of horses may carry successive riders through a typical day, they have plenty of down time to rest, eat, drink, have a good roll in the dirt and even horse around.

The trail guides plan their routes in loops out from the hitching area into the scenic landscape according to the length of the ride. The experienced trail horses know the routes by heart. Sociable creatures, they often have buddies they love to follow. The horses travel at a leisurely walk.

Riders need not be experienced or specially equipped to enjoy these adventures. From your higher vantage point atop a horse, you'll see more around you. For the sake of comfort, layer your clothing. Wear long pants to minimize chafing from the saddle or scratches from the brush. If you have cowboy boots, wear them, but sturdy, closed footwear will do. Wear a hat with a tie-down and use sun block. Carry loose gear in a small bag or pack. Sit back and enjoy the views the old-fashioned cowboy way, from between the ears of a horse.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.