Guided rides from Big Bend Stables and Lajitas Stables — sunset rides, mine tours, lunch rides, all-day challenges and overnight camps.
Choose from beginner-friendly half-day rides to rugged all-day and overnight expeditions across Big Bend landscapes.
land-adventures · Terlingua
Experience a scenic horseback ride to Indian Head in Big Bend with a relaxing lunch stop. Perfect for beginners and families, this half-day adventure offers incredible mountain views and peaceful moments in nature.
Big Bend / Lajitas Stables operates guided horseback and mule rides from Terlingua, Texas, on the edges of Big Bend National Park. The operation includes Big Bend Stables and Lajitas Stables, offering a variety of guided experiences for families, beginners, and experienced riders.
Trips include half-day rides with lunch, morning and afternoon two-hour Old Mine tours that visit the Study Butte Mercury Mine ruins, desert sunset rides, three-hour and all-day rides across Contrabando Mesa and Big Bend Ranch State Park, and multi-day overnight trips that camp at Rios Ranch. Guests can expect to ride horses, donkeys, and mules on trails that vary from gentle beginner paths to steep, rugged terrain for experienced riders.
Wranglers guide each tour and provide local knowledge of landmarks like Indian Head, Lunchbox Canyon, and Contrabando Mesa. Safety briefings, route information, and appropriate pacing for different skill levels are part of the guided experience. Lunch or meals are included on specific half-day and overnight trips as described in each trip listing.
The operation emphasizes authentic western riding experiences and scenic views of the Chisos Mountains, Rio Grande, and the Chihuahuan Desert. Located in Terlingua, the stables serve visitors to Big Bend and Big Bend Ranch State Park who seek horseback access to remote desert landscapes. Reservations are recommended for popular time slots like sunset and weekend trips. Booking in advance helps secure experienced wranglers and saddles; guests should check seasonal availability and trail suitability for age and riding ability before reserving. Bring water and sunscreen today.
“Every outing is organized with local river knowledge, basic safety instruction, and equipment checks before departure.”
Gateway to Big Bend adventures
Half-day to overnight options
Options for all skill levels
Family-friendly and advanced rides
Open the individual experience guide to confirm current availability, pricing, policies, conditions, and inclusions before booking.
The operator provides clear meeting points, departure times, and destination coordinates for all outings.
Personal flotation devices, emergency protocols, equipment checks, and paddling orientations are provided before departure.
Recommended layering, water shoes, sunscreen, and dry bags are detailed in each experience guide.
Guides share rich knowledge of regional flora, fauna, scenic landmarks, and river navigation.
A glimpse into the experiences, natural landscapes, and adventures waiting on your next trip.
Images supplied on the current Big Bend / Lajitas Stables listing.
Big Bend / Lajitas Stables offers a variety of guided outdoor excursions, scenic routes, rentals, and custom itineraries tailored for families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts.
Yes. Most trips feature comprehensive safety orientations, equipment fittings, and calm routes suited for first-time adventurers. Check the details on individual experience guides for specific age and skill requirements.
Standard safety equipment (such as certified life vests and essential gear) is supplied for each booking. Detailed checklists regarding weather-appropriate attire and personal items are provided prior to departure.
Check availability for half-day lunches, Old Mine tours, sunset rides, all-day challenges, or overnight camping trips — book early to secure preferred time slots.
land-adventures · Terlingua
Saddle up for a gentle sunset ride through Big Bend's stunning desert landscape in Terlingua, Texas. Perfect for families and beginner riders, this adventure invites you to unwind and savor breathtaking views on horses, donkeys, or mules.
land-adventures · Terlingua
Enjoy a family-friendly two-hour riding tour exploring historic mercury mine ruins in Big Bend Stables. Perfect for beginners, this gentle trail ride offers scenic views and stories from local wranglers.
land-adventures · Terlingua
Explore the historic quicksilver mine ruins on horseback in this easy 2-hour morning tour from Terlingua. Perfect for families and beginners seeking a memorable Big Bend experience.
land-adventures · Terlingua
Ride across rugged Big Bend landscapes and camp under the stars on an unforgettable overnight horseback trip with Lajitas Stables. Perfect for experienced riders seeking adventure in West Texas.
land-adventures · Redford
Join Big Bend / Lajitas Stables for an unforgettable all-day horseback ride through the dramatic landscapes of Big Bend Ranch State Park. Discover rugged trails, stunning desert vistas, and a slice of Texas history on a guided adventure perfect for experienced riders seeking a true outdoor challenge.
land-adventures · Redford
Discover the sweeping vistas and rugged beauty of Texas on a horseback ride at Lajitas Stables. Perfect for riders of all experience levels, this adventure offers stunning canyon views and a taste of Western heritage in the Big Bend region.
land-adventures · Redford
Combine horseback riding and river paddling in one unforgettable day at Big Bend / Lajitas Stables. Discover breathtaking vistas and aquatic scenes that showcase the rugged beauty of Texas' Big Bend region.
land-adventures · Redford
Discover the rugged beauty of Big Bend by horseback with a half-day ride up Contrabando Mesa, culminating in a delicious lunch amid sweeping desert views. Perfect for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, this experience offers a true taste of West Texas’s wild side.
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