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Lajitas Stables - 3 Hour Ride

Trip Highlights

Sweeping views into Mexico

Sweeping views into Mexico

Surefooted, well-trained horses & mules

Surefooted, well-trained horses & mules

Sweeping views into Mexico

Sweeping views into Mexico

Surefooted, well-trained horses & mules

Surefooted, well-trained horses & mules

Sweeping views into Mexico

Sweeping views into Mexico

Surefooted, well-trained horses & mules

Surefooted, well-trained horses & mules

Description

**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!

Itinerary

1
Please prepare ahead of time & be on time, if not a little early! Arriving late and/or unprepared will affect your ride.

Tour Info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
At least 2 people
Price starts at
$97
Meeting Point
LAJITAS STABLES on HWY 170
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Why take this tour?

Take the high road! This ride is long enough to take you somewhere special, short enough to fit comfortably into your Big Bend itinerary. Like all our rides out of our stable in Lajitas, this climbs up rocky trails to an overlook 500 feet above the river. Yee ha!

 

- This is an athletic activity. Those who who have previous riding experience will enjoy this out of the ordinary ride. Adventurous beginners welcome. -

Stay Hydrated in the Desert!

Stay Hydrated in the Desert!

Bring plenty of water and be prepared to be in the sun! There is no shade on this ride. As of March, we're already seeing 100 degrees in the afternoons

Included

  • We ride horses, donkeys, and mules!
  • A walking trail ride
  • A safety-talk & individual riding instruction

Excluded

  • Water -- each rider needs to bring their own!

Frequently asked questions

We can add single adult riders to an existing ride, just give our office a call!
If you consider yourself adventurous and in good shape, then yes! These are scenic & athletic trails. Not recommended for those with vertigo or fear of heights.
Due to the technicality and steepness of our trails and per our insurance, we do not have younger kids on these trails
All of our trails are at a walk. These trails are rocky and rugged

Things to know

Be on Time!

At Lajitas Stables

Cancellation Policy

7 Days. We ride rain or shine

Bring water!

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

Required attire

Long pants & closed-toed shoes! We strongly suggest lightweight long sleeve shirts & a well-fitted hat for sun protection. Our trails are filled with pokey desert flora and fauna.

Age Requirement

12yrs +

Weight Limit

Max: 250 lbs. These trails are quite athletic, so riders should be in good health and be able to mount/dismount with no assistance, and have no problems with balance going up and down these steep trails

Riding Experience

Adventurous beginner friendly, and experienced riders will love these trails!

Location

Lajitas Stables is inside Big Bend Ranch State Park on 170.

Time Zone

Lajitas Stables is on CENTRAL TIME--make sure you are too so you don't miss your ride! Due to our proximity to the border, many devices auto switch to MT

Reviews

28 Verified reviews
Rhoc Rocha
Google Reviews

Rhoc Rocha

January 25, 2026

Had a great ride! Everyone was very friendly. Our guide Javier was very knowledgeable, friendlyand helpful. He made the experience so much better. I will definitely be back again.

ChrisandLoriann
Tripadvisor

ChrisandLoriann

November 28, 2025

Great guided tour through rough terrain. The guide was friendly, the horses were gentle. The trail was often rocky and steep, so a bit jostly. Be prepared to be saddle sore afterwards.

Charmaine Thomae
Google Reviews

Charmaine Thomae

November 26, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — Incredible Experience at Lajitas Stables! We did the 3-hour ride at Lajitas Stables and it was absolutely amazing. Shelby and Makinzie were extremely nice, punctual, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable about the land and its history. They made the entire experi…

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Check Availability

From
$97

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 Adventurous Options

Big Bend Stables - Morning 2HR Old Mine Tour
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
At least 2

Big Bend Stables - Morning 2HR Old Mine Tour

A relaxing ride through the remnants of the Study Butte mine. 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+ Riders over 250lbs will need to call the office for suitability & 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)**

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Big Bend Stables - 2hr Afternoon Old Mine Tour
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
At least 2

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)**

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Big Bend Stables - Desert Sunset Ride
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
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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

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Big Bend Stables - Half Day with Lunch
Duration
4 to 4:30 hours
Group Size
At least 2

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!

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Lajitas Stables - Half Day with Lunch
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Group Size
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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

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Lajitas Stables - Saddle and Paddle Combo
Duration
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Group Size
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**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.

from
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