SCOTTSDALE HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Sunset Saddle and S'mores: A Scottsdale Horseback Ride That Ends in a Bonfire Cookout
A guided 1-hour horseback ride followed by a sunset dinner, bonfire and entertainment—this guide distills what to expect, who can attend, and the essentials to plan for the 3.5-hour evening at MacDonald's Ranch.
Sunset Saddle and S'mores: A Scottsdale Horseback Ride That Ends in a Bonfire Cookout.
Out on the desert edge of Scottsdale, MacDonald's Ranch stages an old-west evening: a one-hour guided ride across Sonoran foothills that culminates in a sunset cookout, a multi-course dinner and a communal bonfire with s'mores and entertainment for all ages.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An easy, guided hour in the desert
The core of the outing is a one-hour guided horseback ride that precedes the evening meal, giving riders of a variety of abilities a chance to move through desert terrain as the sun begins to sink.
Sunset dinner with classic ranch fare
Dinner at sunset offers guests a choice of steak, chicken or a vegetarian stuffed bell pepper, served with cowboy beans, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, mac ’n’ cheese and rolls—finished with s'mores around the bonfire.
Bonfire, desserts and evening entertainment
After the meal the group gathers at a bonfire for s'mores and entertainment, a social close to the evening that turns a simple ride into a shared, memorable cookout.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
The program unfolds as a compact evening: arrive at your reserved check-in time, mount for a guided 1-hour trail ride through desert scrub and low ridgelines, then reconvene for a sunset dinner, sides and a communal bonfire where the night is capped with s'mores and entertainment.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full experience runs about 3.5 hours; guests should check in at their reserved time to begin the sequence of ride then dinner.
Dinner options include steak, chicken or a vegetarian stuffed bell pepper; entrees are served with cowboy beans, garlic mashed potatoes, garden salad, mac n cheese and rolls, and the evening ends with s'mores around the bonfire. Vegan guests should request no cheese under dietary restrictions when reserving.
Both adult (13+) and child (6–12) horseback ride & dinner rates are listed at $140, and a 20% gratuity is added to all bookings.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Horseback Ride and Cookout experience?
The full program is approximately 3.5 hours, which includes a one-hour guided horseback ride and the subsequent dinner and bonfire; guests should check in at their reserved time.
What menu choices are offered for dinner?
Dinner choices include steak, chicken or a vegetarian stuffed bell pepper (wild rice, zucchini and cheese); all entrees come with cowboy beans, garlic mashed potatoes, garden salad, mac n cheese and dinner rolls, and the evening ends with s'mores.
Who can participate in the horseback ride and how are children priced?
Horseback rides are available for guests age 6 and older; pricing for the Horseback Ride & Dinner is $140 for adults (13+) and $140 for children (6–12).
Is there a weight limit for riders?
Yes—there is a firm weight limit of 230 pounds for riders.
Can pregnant guests ride?
No—if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant you will not be able to participate in the horseback ride for safety reasons.
Where do participants meet for the experience?
The meeting location is MacDonald's Ranch at 26540 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.