Big Bend Stables – 2hr Afternoon Old Mine Tour

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Trip Highlights

Description

Stroll by the remnants of the historic Study Butte Mercury Mine and traverse Rough Run Creek to experience the pioneering essence that once thrived in this region. As you ride along, you'll encounter the remnants of mining structures and the bustling buildings that formed the bustling community of Study Butte. 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

**If you are looking for a more rugged & adventurous, or have more riding experience, we think you would really enjoy our Lajitas Stables location (Adventurous & Rugged Trails)**

Itinerary

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This time is for paperwork, a safety talk, and getting a brief individual riding lesson. Please be on time!

 

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
At least 2
Price starts at
$85
Meeting Point

BIG BEND STABLES 30 minutes before your ride!

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Dropoff location

BIG BEND STABLES 30 minutes before your ride!

BIG BEND STABLES

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, and those with kids as young as 6.

  • 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

Included

  • We ride horses, donkeys, & mules!

  • A safety-talk & an individual riding lesson

  • A walking trail ride

Frequently asked questions

Call the office if you are a single adult rider & we can add you to an existing ride
This is a very beginner friendly trail. Our horses and mules are very well trained!
No; horseback outfitters are not allowed to operate in the National Park, but our trails do border the National Park fence

Things to know

Cancellation Policy

7 Days. We ride rain or shine

7 Days. We ride rain or shine

Bring water!

Each rider is responsible for bringing their own water on this DESERT ride

Each rider is responsible for bringing their own water on this DESERT ride

Required Attire

Long pants & closed toed shoes. We strongly recommend lightweight long-sleeves shirts. Our trails are filled with pokey desert flora and fauna

Long pants & closed toed shoes. We strongly recommend lightweight long-sleeves shirts. Our trails are filled with pokey desert flora and fauna

Age Requirement

6yrs & up; 6yr olds will be led by a wrangler on a donkey.

6yrs & up; 6yr olds will be led by a wrangler on a donkey.

Where We're Located

Big Bend Stables is at the junction of HWY 118 & 170, near the Alon Gas Station, and just a few miles outside of Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend Stables is at the junction of HWY 118 & 170, near the Alon Gas Station, and just a few miles outside of Big Bend National Park.

Weight Limit

Max 270 lbs. You must be able to mount/dismount with little to no assistance

Max 270 lbs. You must be able to mount/dismount with little to no assistance

Riding Experience

Beginner friendly, no experience needed!

Beginner friendly, no experience needed!

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From $85

4.9
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Why book with us?

  • Book instantly directly with provider
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  • Worry-free flexible cancellation policy

Human support: 432-371-3064

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Big Bend Stables - Morning 2HR Old Mine Tour

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.

Ages 6+
**If you are looking for a more rugged & adventurous, or have more riding experience, we think you would really enjoy our Lajitas Stables location (Adventurous & Rugged Trails)**

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- this trail is catered to beginners, older folks, and those with kids as young as 6.

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Big Bend Stables - Half Day with Lunch

Combine our 2hr mine tour with our own Ocotillo Mesa trails, ending up at the 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!

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