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Lajitas Stables - Saddle and Paddle Combo

Trip Highlights

Sweeping Views into Old Mexico

Sweeping Views into Old Mexico

Well-trained & Surefooted mounts!

Well-trained & Surefooted mounts!

A delicious lunch served out on trail!

A delicious lunch served out on trail!

Sweeping Views into Old Mexico

Sweeping Views into Old Mexico

Well-trained & Surefooted mounts!

Well-trained & Surefooted mounts!

A delicious lunch served out on trail!

A delicious lunch served out on trail!

Sweeping Views into Old Mexico

Sweeping Views into Old Mexico

Description

**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.

Itinerary

1
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 your ride.
2
Get mounted up and enjoy the delicious lunch we provide
3
You'll have time to change into what you want to wear for the river
4
The river company provides dry bags & water. The river portion is about 3hrs depending on your group and water levels
5
And then you'll be free to go on your merry way!

Tour Info

Duration
6 to 7 hours
Group Size
At least 2 people
Price starts at
$195
Meeting Point
LAJITAS STABLES at 8:30am
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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

All depends on the river level! Usually Winter-Spring you will be in a canoe, as water levels are typically lower
Due to the technicality and steepness of our trails and per our insurance, we do not have younger kids on these trails
Call the office if you are a single adult rider & we can add you to an existing ride
Adventurous & athletic beginners are always welcome--it's a long day of physical activity so be prepared!

Things to know

Cancellation Policy

7 Days. We ride rain or shine!

Ages

12yrs+

Weight limit

250lbs. All riders should be in good health, athletic, and be able to mount/dismount with no assistance! The horses balance themselves while balancing you, so you should have no issues balancing going up and down these steep trails

Bring water!

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

Location!

Lajitas Stables is in Big Bend Ranch State Park on HWY 170. Be aware phone maps & cell service are not reliable out here!

Riding experience

Beginner friendly, but most comfortable for those who consider themselves adventurous & athletic & not scared of heights

Required Attire

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

Time Zone

We are on CENTRAL TIME--make sure you are too!

Reviews

17 Verified reviews
Kate Corder
Google Reviews

Kate Corder

January 17, 2026

Fun ride! The 'adult lunchables' meal in the canyon was delicious. Great staff- very personable.

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.

mandydakin
Tripadvisor

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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$195
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Human support:432-371-3064

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