Lajitas Stables - Saddle and Paddle Combo




Trip Highlights
Sweeping Views into Old Mexico

Well-trained & Surefooted mounts!

A delicious lunch served out on trail!
Sweeping Views into Old Mexico

Well-trained & Surefooted mounts!

A delicious lunch served out on trail!
Sweeping Views into Old Mexico
Description
Itinerary
Tour Info
Why take this tour?
This combo is the best of both worlds -- experiencing the Big Bend on horseback & then gently floating/paddling down the Rio Grande River(the US/Mexico border!) We follow our 1/2 day with lunch riding itinerary before you are picked up at the stables by our river company partners for the river portion of this all day adventure. This trip can be done from our Big Bend Stables for those uncomfortable with the steep trails at our Lajitas location. The river portion is a gentle float/paddle.
- This is a full day of athletic activity. Those who who are athletic and have previous riding experience will enjoy this out of the ordinary ride. Adventurous beginners welcome. -
Included
- We ride horses, donkeys & mules!
- A delicious lunch! Let us know about any restrictions or allergies so we can accomodate you where possible!
- A walking trail ride
- A safety-talk & individual riding instruction
Excluded
- Water -- each rider will need their OWN water for the riding portion. The river company will have water to fill your bottles with after the horse ride
Frequently asked questions
Things to know
Cancellation Policy
Ages
Weight limit
Bring water!
Location!
Riding experience
Required Attire
Time Zone
Cancellation Policy
Ages
Weight limit
Bring water!
Location!
Riding experience
Required Attire
Time Zone
Reviews
Kate Corder
January 17, 2026
Fun ride! The 'adult lunchables' meal in the canyon was delicious. Great staff- very personable.
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.
mandydakin
November 15, 2025
We've ridden in Utah, Montana, Colorado and Wyoming and this was the standout experience. 'Evo' was our guide and beyond making sure we had a proper 'ride' - covering lots of ground - he generated a photo op - took a photo of us looking over a canyon - that will be all time favou…
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Looking for something else adventurous?
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)**
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