Big Bend Stables – 2hr Afternoon Old Mine Tour
Trip Highlights
Mountainous Views!
Well-Trained Desert Horses & Mules
Description
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 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)**
Itinerary
Please prepare ahead of time & do your best to be on time, if not a little early! Arriving late and/or unprepared will affect your ride.
Tour Info
BIG BEND STABLES
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, older folks, 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
Excluded
Water -- each rider needs to bring their own!
Frequently asked questions
Things to know
Weight Limit
Max 270 lbs. Riders must be able to mount/dismount with little to no assistance. Riders should be in good health & be able to balance properly in the saddle going up and downhill. Your horse/mule is balancing themselves while also balancing you!
Max 270 lbs. Riders must be able to mount/dismount with little to no assistance. Riders should be in good health & be able to balance properly in the saddle going up and downhill. Your horse/mule is balancing themselves while also balancing you!
Riding Experience
Beginner friendly, no experience needed!
Beginner friendly, no experience needed!
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
Cancellation Policy
7 Days. We ride rain or shine
7 Days. We ride rain or shine
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.
Time Zone
Big Bend Stables is on CENTRAL TIME -- make sure you are too so you don't miss your ride; many phones switch to MT in the Big Bend.
Big Bend Stables is on CENTRAL TIME -- make sure you are too so you don't miss your ride; many phones switch to MT in the Big Bend.
Reviews
23 Verified reviews
John Sander
28th December 2025
Jedi Dad
25th November 2025
MSE
30th June 2025
Alexis E
21st June 2025
C M
30th May 2025
Marnie T
1st May 2025
Dean Peterson
20th March 2025
Donald T
18th March 2025
Kirsty
8th March 2025
Why book with us?
- Book instantly directly with provider
- Get the lowest price guarantee
- Worry-free flexible cancellation policy
Human support: 432-371-3064
Other Big Bend Stables rides
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.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.
Ages 6+
Weight Limit 270lbs
**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
**Our most popular ride!!*
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 before booking if someone in your group is over 270)
Big Bend Stables - Half Day with Lunch
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!