Big Bend Stables – Half Day with Lunch
Trip Highlights
A delicious lunch -- no sandwiches here!
Well-trained & surefooted mules and horses!
Mountainous Views!
Description
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!
Through October, be advised to high temperatures! This beautiful desert ride does not have shade except for the lunch spot, and temps can climb very quickly. Bring EXTRA water, stay hydrated, and think sun protection when you get dressed for the ride!
Specific instructions also included in confirmation
Itinerary
This time is for paperwork, a safety talk, and getting a brief individual riding lesson. Please prepare ahead of time & be on time, if not a little early! Arriving late and/or unprepared will affect the length your ride.
Tour Info
BIG BEND STABLES at 8:30am
Big Bend Stables
Why take this tour?
Take our Ole Mine Trail and climb up onto what we affectionately call "Ocotillo Mesa", and walk across above Rough Run Creek over to Indian Head for lunch. Larger than life boulders offer some cool shady spots for lunch...smoked chicken, imported cheeses, "cowboy caviar", etc...
- This ride is catered for beginners/first-time riders, and those with kids as young as 8. This ride includes elevation gain.
- If you are an adventurous beginner or are a rider with previous experience, check out our half-day ride out of our Lajitas Stables!
- Please let us know any dietary restrictions so we can prepare the right amount of food
Included
We rides horses, donkeys, & mules!
A safety-talk & individual riding lesson
A walking trail ride
Excluded
Water -- each rider needs to bring their own!
Frequently asked questions
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
Long pants & closed toed shoes
Required!! We recommend lightweight longsleeves for sun protection. Our trails are filled with pokey desert flora and fauna
Required!! We recommend lightweight longsleeves for sun protection. Our trails are filled with pokey desert flora and fauna
Age Requirement
8yrs & up
8yrs & up
Location, location, location!
Big Bend Stables is at the junction of HWY 118 & 170, near the Alon Gas Station
Big Bend Stables is at the junction of HWY 118 & 170, near the Alon Gas Station
Riding Exp
Beginner friendly, no experience needed!
Beginner friendly, no experience needed!
Weight
270lbs max. 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!
270lbs max. 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!
Time Zone
Big Bend Stables is on Central Time--make sure you are too so you don't miss you ride. Many phones auto switch to MT down here due to our proximity to the border
Big Bend Stables is on Central Time--make sure you are too so you don't miss you ride. Many phones auto switch to MT down here due to our proximity to the border
Reviews
17 Verified reviews
Dan H
12th September 2025
MSE
30th June 2025
Marnie T
1st May 2025
Dean Peterson
20th March 2025
Lauren S
17th March 2025
Kirsty
8th March 2025
Meander21627216858
7th December 2024
Jackie
15th November 2024
Explorer63171396337
12th November 2024
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 - 2hr Afternoon 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.
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)**
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)