How to become a cowboy for the day in Scottsdale Arizona

Since being bestowed the nickname the ‘West’s most Western town’ in the 1940s, Scottsdale in Arizona has become better known for its high-end resorts, spas and golf courses. But peel back the shiny top-layer of this cactus-studded city and you'll soon discover Western roots that run deep into the surrounding Sonoran Desert’s rocky terrain. The cowboy spirit is evident throughout Old Town Scottsdale, in its lively saloons and Western-wear boutiques, as well as surrounding ranches and museums that showcase Scottsdale’s pre- and post-frontier past. From exploring sun-drenched landscapes on horseback to learning to triple-step in a Stetson, here’s how to embrace the cowboy lifestyle in Scottsdale.

Saddle up

Channel your inner John Wayne at the aptly named Arizona Cowboy College, a family-owned working ranch. Guests can pick up basic horseback riding techniques, head out on a trail ride through the Sonoran Desert or commit to a one- to three-day course in real-life ranch work, learning about cattle breeds and pasture rotations.

Beginners and pros alike can also schedule a guided daytime or moonlight ride with a wrangler at MacDonald's Ranch, or with Wild West Horse Adventures at dusk. Thanks to its dry climate, Arizona sunsets paint the skies with strokes of vibrant purples, reds and oranges. One of the most memorable ways to witness it is riding the winding trails along Granite Mountain in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. For those who prefer to explore the frontier on foot, there are more than 200 miles of interconnected trails in the preserve, lined with saguaro cacti, wildflowers and sculpted rock formations.

Look the part

Embrace the essence of the West by dressing for the occasion. Mavericks luxury Western apparel store in Old Town Scottsdale can clothe you from top to toe, starting with a custom-shaped cowboy hat and a black leather bolo necktie. Nearby, Rancher Hat Bar appeals to the Instagram generation with a wall of pastel colour-coordinated cowboy hats to choose from — customisable with letters, feathers, charms or ribbons. The look can be completed at Boot Junky, where the shelves are lined with all manner of cowboy boots, ranging from bedazzled leopard prints to classic embroidered leather. For a wider collection of men’s boots, check out Tecovas, which specialises in handmade Western-style boots and accessories.

Step back in time

Trace the lore of the American West at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, a Smithsonian-affiliated contemporary museum that celebrates the old and the new West. The collection includes both Native American artefacts and vintage cowboy gear, as well as contemporary paintings and sculptures that span from west of the Mississippi to Canada, as well as parts of Northern Mexico, Alaska and even Hawaii.

The petite Scottsdale Rodeo Museum in the Old Town is also worth a stop. Showcasing a collection of rodeo artefacts including bull ropes, saddles and posters, much of the display comes from the city’s annual Parada del Sol Historic Parade and festival. Founded in 1953, the event has evolved into one of the world’s longest horse-drawn parades. Taking place along the streets of Old Town Scottsdale every January, it forms the main event Scottsdale’s Western Week — a celebration of the area's Western past and present.

Chow down

Arizona’s cattle ranching days date back to the 1500s and beef remains king today. At Bourbon & Bones Chophouse, you can’t go wrong with pairing a Kentucky bourbon and a hefty bone-in ribeye. Each meal starts with complimentary bread and thick-cut bacon. While if you prefer a fine cut of fillet with a side of oysters and caviar, reserve a table at Dominick's Steakhouse.

Dinner within the adobe-style walls at Lon's at The Hermosa Inn — the 1930s home and studio of cowboy artist, Lon Megargee — is a chance to step into the Old West. While, modern flavours can be found at FnB Restaurant, helmed by chef Charleen Badman — named the Best Chef of the Southwest by the James Beard Awards in 2019. Badman is known for her seasonal, vegetable-forward menus that transform local farm produce into moreish dishes. These are served alongside a lengthy wine list — including a good selection of Arizonan labels.

Don your boots

Two-step your way into the Rusty Spur Saloon, a country-and-western saloon in the Old Town that first opened its swing doors in 1951. Having welcomed everyone from country music greats like Blake Shelton and the late Toby Keith, to silver screen cowboy Clint Eastwood, kick up your boots to live country music seven days a week.

For those in need of a little direction, Scottsdale barbecue joint Handlebar J offers complimentary line dance lessons every Tuesday evening. Keep the night going at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, an upscale restaurant and bar with live country music, signature cocktails and a bustling dance floor where locals show off their boot scoots and heel-toe taps.