SCOTTSDALE HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Horse‑Drawn Hayride and Sunset Cookout at MacDonald's Ranch, Scottsdale
Spend three hours that begin with a 30‑minute horse‑drawn hayride and end at a sunset dinner, bonfire and s'mores—an evening program tailored to families and groups.
Horse‑Drawn Hayride and Sunset Cookout at MacDonald's Ranch, Scottsdale.
Adventure brief
Horse‑Drawn Hayride and Sunset Cookout at MacDonald's Ranch, Scottsdale
Outside Scottsdale’s city edge, MacDonald's Ranch stages an evening ritual: a 30‑minute horse‑drawn hayride that leads back to a sunset cookout, live entertainment, and a bonfire for s'mores. The packaged outing runs about three hours from arrival and mixes a short, social ride with a sit‑down dinner (steak, chicken or a vegetarian stuffed pepper) and communal dessert.
Escape to the scenic outdoors of Scottsdale, Arizona, with MacDonald's Ranch's private Hayride and Cookout experience. This unique adventure begins with a relaxing 30-minute horse-drawn hayride through beautiful ranch landscapes, offering peaceful views and a chance to connect with nature. As the sun dips below the horizon, guests indulge in a delicious sunset dinner featuring your choice of juicy steak, tender chicken, or a flavorful vegetarian option, all cooked to perfection over an open fire. The evening concludes with a cozy bonfire where you can roast marshmallows and enjoy classic s'mores, creating warm memories perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for an authentic outdoor dining adventure. This experience is especially great for those wanting to unwind in nature without requiring strenuous activity, making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages. With comfortable seating, attentive service, and the tranquil Arizona desert setting, this outing combines rustic charm with modern comfort for a truly memorable evening.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Schematic
A sequence of short, family‑friendly stops charts the evening from arrival through ride, dinner and bonfire.
Check‑in at MacDonald's Ranch
Guests arrive at the ranch for check‑in prior to the scheduled start time; the ranch address is the meeting point for the experience.
30‑minute horse‑drawn hayride
A thirty‑minute horse‑drawn hayride is led as the opening activity and is available to participants of all ages.
Sunset dinner service
Guests return for a sunset dinner offering steak, chicken or a vegetarian stuffed pepper, with sides and rolls; special meal requests can be made ahead.
Bonfire, s'mores and entertainment
The evening closes with a bonfire where guests enjoy s'mores and provided entertainment.
Pregnant guests are not permitted to participate in the horseback ride for safety; operators may adjust staging or sequence as needed and children’s meal options and age pricing apply—refer to booking restrictions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 30‑minute horse‑drawn hayride
The centerpiece is a half‑hour, horse‑drawn hayride that’s offered as part of the evening program and is available for guests of all ages.
Sunset cookout with plated entree choices
Dinner at sunset includes a choice of steak, chicken or a vegetarian stuffed bell pepper, served with sides including cowboy beans, garlic mashed potatoes, garden salad, mac ’n’ cheese and dinner rolls.
Bonfire, s'mores and family entertainment
After dinner the group gathers around a bonfire for s'mores and evening entertainment, rounding out the outdoor dining experience.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
The program unfolds like a short, staged evening: check‑in and a 30‑minute horse‑drawn hayride, then a sunset meal with seated entrees and group sides, finishing around a bonfire with s'mores and entertainment over roughly three hours.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full program is about three hours long; guests should arrive at their booked start time.
Meet at MacDonald's Ranch, 26540 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
If you have dietary restrictions—such as vegan needs—request modifications at the time of reservation (for example, ask for no cheese on the vegetarian/vegan option).
Rates vary by age category and package; a 20% gratuity is added to all bookings.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the experience last?
The full evening program is three hours long; the hayride portion lasts 30 minutes.
Where do I meet for the hayride and cookout?
Meeting location is MacDonald's Ranch at 26540 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Are children allowed on the hayride and are there child prices?
The hayride is available for all ages; child pricing is offered for ages 2–5 and children’s meal choices are provided for those under 5.
What meal options are offered?
Dinner entrees include steak, chicken or a vegetarian bell pepper stuffed with wild rice, zucchini and cheese; sides include cowboy beans, garlic mashed potatoes, garden salad, mac n’ cheese and dinner rolls.
Can I request a vegan meal?
Yes—if you are vegan, request no cheese under dietary restrictions when making your reservation.
Are there restrictions for pregnant guests?
Pregnant guests or those who think they may be pregnant cannot participate in the horseback ride for safety reasons.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:56:45.090Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.