Big Bend Stables - Morning 2HR Old Mine Tour

Trip Highlights
Mountainous views!
Well-trained desert horses & mules
Mountainous views!
Well-trained desert horses & mules
Mountainous views!
Well-trained desert horses & mules
Description
Itinerary
Tour Info
Why take this tour?
- If you like history, our knowledgeable guides will tell you everything they know about the operations of the Study Butte Mine, open approximately 1901-1971. What is Mercury and what was it used for? Why did the mines shutdown? How did the miners live? The mining of this region is a crucial turning point in the discovery of the Big Bend.
- This ride is catered for beginners/first-time riders, older folks, and those with kids as young as 6.
- Our weight limit is 270lbs for safety. Riders above 250lbs will need to call the office for availability & suitability.
- If you are an adventurous beginner or are an experienced rider, check out our rides out of our Lajitas Stables! We think you'd like those trails a lot
Ready to Ride?

Big Bend Stables
Included
- We ride horses, donkeys, and mules!
- A safety-talk & an individual riding lesson
- A walking trail ride
Excluded
- Water -- each rider needs to bring their own!!
Frequently asked questions
Things to know
Be on Time
Time Zone
Bring water!
Required Attire
Weight Limit
Riding Experience
Cancellation
Age requirement
Where We're Located
Be on Time
Time Zone
Bring water!
Required Attire
Weight Limit
Riding Experience
Cancellation
Age requirement
Where We're Located
Reviews
George G
January 7, 2026
Armando and the team did a great job making my family feel comfortable and assured their safety. His details and explanations covered everything to expect. You must ride with out beiafraid. Super experience. Admission about $130, but worth every dollar for the 2 hours. Great ride…
John Sander
December 28, 2025
It’s an excellent way to experience the desert and the Big Bend area. Views of the Mesa, the mountains, and abandoned mines. We were a family of beginners and everyone had an amazing experience. Ask for Makenzie. She took great care of us during our half day ride. She made it fun…
Rob McLellan
December 23, 2025
Had an AMAZING time and mackenzie was so good she made sure to get all of our names and remember us and tell us all stories of the land and made sure to take our pictures and ask for the horse selfie! Definitely would book again.
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Why book with us?
- Book instantly directly with provider
- Get the lowest price guarantee
- Worry-free flexible cancellation policy
Other Big Bend Stables rides
Big Bend Stables - 2hr Afternoon Old Mine Tour
**NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER DUE TO HEAT** This one is all about a gentle relaxing ride thru the desert magic of Big Bend. We will wind past the visible remnants of our mining legacy and abandoned adobe homes. Pioneering here was not for the faint of heart. Our trails wander along the edge of Big Bend National Park. Just enough up and down to be fun without being too scary. Off in the distance, you can see the famous canyon walls of Santa Elena Canyon which lays inside the National Park. Throughout the ride, take in the sweeping vistas of Maverick Mountain, Indian Head, Willow Mountain, Bee Mountain, and the rich history that endures in this remarkable landscape. 6yrs & up Weight Limit 270lbs. If you are over 250lbs, you will need to call the office for suitability and availability **If you are looking for a more rugged & adventurous ride, or have more riding experience, we think you would really enjoy our Lajitas Stables location (Adventurous & Rugged Trails)**

Big Bend Stables - Desert Sunset Ride
**NO AVAILABILITY TILL SEPTEMBER DUE TO HEAT* Saddle up and head into the panoramic Painted Desert created by the setting sun. The colors of the desert truly come to life on this very special ride! This is hands down the best ride for your Big Bend sunsets - you are facing the west looking out over the desert mountains as the sun goes down..... WOW! - this trail is catered to beginners, older folks, and those with kids as young as 6. - weight limit 270lbs for safety (call us if any rider is over 250lbs for availability & suitability) - this trail is the same as our 2HR Ole Mine Tours! This ride is the first to fill up due to the classic dream of riding into the sunset

Big Bend Stables - Half Day with Lunch
**NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER DUE TO HEAT** Combine our 2hr mine tour with our own Ocotillo Mesa trails, ending up at Indian Head for lunch. Wait until you see what a wonderful meal we can pull out of a pair of saddlebags. - this trail is catered to beginners, and those with kids as young as 8. These trails include elevation gain. - If you are an adventurous beginner or are an experienced rider, check out our adventurous rides out of our Lajitas Stables!

Lajitas Stables - 3 Hour Ride
**This ride is in the morning during summertime. Bring extra water, as it gets hot quick!!** 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, there are a lot of hills to go up and down, and will ride alongside the edge of the occasional cliff & canyon on a very sure-footed mount. - Ages 12+. Riders 230lbs & up will need to call the office for availability & suitability for this ride - If you are wanting a more relaxed ride, or are feeling nervous, we recommend a shorter & more relaxed ride out of Big Bend Stables!

Lajitas Stables - Half Day with Lunch
**NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER DUE TO HEAT** Climb to the top of Contrabando Mesa on an adventurous & rugged horseback ride with a delicious lunch in "Lunchbox Canyon". - this ride caters to those who consider themselves athletic, 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, with lots of hills to go up and down, and will ride alongside the edge of the occasional cliff & canyon on a very sure-footed mount. - ages 12+, max weight 250lbs. Riders 230lbs & over will need to call the office for suitability & availability

Lajitas Stables - Saddle and Paddle Combo
**NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER DUE TO HEAT AND WATER LEVELS** Saddle/Paddle: both of best worlds! 1/2 Day in the saddle and an afternoon dark canyon float - 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.