Adventurous & Rugged (Lajitas Stables)

Take the high road! Climb up and onto the top of Contrabando Mesa. To the South, we look across to the ruggedly wild mountains of Old Mexico.
- this ride caters to those who consider themselves very adventurous and are seeking that mountain-top feeling! This ride is beginner friendly, but keep in mind we climb about 500 feet on this ride and will ride alongside the edge of the occasional cliff & canyon on a very sure-footed mount.
- If you are wanting a more relaxed ride, or are feeling nervous, check out our hourly rides out of Big Bend Stables!

**March 2025: DUE TO WATER LEVELS UPSTREAM, we are currently unable to offer Saddle/Paddles. We still have plenty of room on our 1/2 Day Rides and we'd love to have you! If you're still interested in a river trip, PLEASE contact a river company separately as there are still parts of the river that are paddle-able downstream!**
For the adventurous!! This is an athletic activity.
- Our route climbs high into the rugged mountains and mesas that frame the Rio Grande, and the spectacular vistas into Mexico make this an unforgettable ride. Our famous saddlebag lunch (smoked meat, imported cheeses & crackers, fresh fruit, and other goodies) is served in the shade of a hidden canyon. After lunch we wind our way back down the Mesa, enjoying more dramatic views across the Rio Grande.
- When we return to Lajitas Stables, you'll have time to change from jeans and boots to shorts and sandals, before your river guide arrives to shuttle you to the river’s edge. Depending on the water level in the Rio Grande, you will board rafts or canoes for the second half of your all day adventure.

Climb to the top of Contrabando Mesa on an adventurous horseback ride, and enjoy breathtaking views all around, before dropping down into "Lunchbox Canyon" for a lovely picnic we pull out of our saddlebags.
- all of our rides are walking, nose-to-tail trail rides.
- we ride horses, donkeys & mules!
- this ride caters to those who consider themselves very adventurous and are seeking that mountain-top feeling! This ride is beginner friendly, but keep in mind we climb about 500 feet on this ride and will ride alongside the edge of the occasional cliff & canyon on a very sure-footed mount.

Looking for an all-day excursion in the saddle? A chance to explore deeper into the vastness of Big Bend Ranch Ranch State park? This trip is made for you! With no set itinerary or specific trails, this ride offers the freedom to ride cross country.

-offered September - April
-this ride is most comfortable for those who have previous riding experience or currently ride. We can design an all day that is more suited to beginners if requested.

Camp out under the stars with us on a multi-day excursion; a one-of-a-kind ride offered nowhere else in Texas!

Exciting, rugged, steep, adventurous trails for the adventurous!

Since we utilize base camps for these excursions, your personal gear and effects will be delivered to camp before the end of first day riding. While at camp, we do not necessarily "camp or sleep" within the historical structures; we will be 'TENT' camping. At the end of your trip, your personal gear and effects will also be delivered back to the stables and your vehicle.
Participants MUST bring their own sleeping gear. Tents are provided on our camping trips, though many folks simply sleep out under the starry skies.

POST-TRIP TIPS:
On the last day you are done around 4pm. For safety concerns PLEASE do not plan to drive several hours after you leave the stables. We strongly recommend you to reserve accommodations in Terlingua/Alpine. If you want to get back early from the ride to get a head start on the road, we charge an additional $50-$150 for an early exit.

There is no more perfect way to be introduced to the many faces of the Big Bend than this lovely overnight trip. A day of riding through our desert mountains, a night spent camping under our dark skies looking at the stars, and then directly on to a gentle float on the Rio Grande River. Perfect! Just a little taste of some of the best activities we have to offer.

Since we utilize base camps for these excursions, your personal gear and effects will be delivered to camp before the end of first day riding. While at camp, we do not necessarily "camp or sleep" within the historical structures; we will be 'TENT' camping. At the end of your trip, your personal gear and effects will also be delivered back to the stables and your vehicle.
Participants MUST bring their own sleeping gear. Tents are provided on our camping trips, though many folks simply sleep out under the starry skies.