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.
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.
Book with Big Bend / Lajitas Stables
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Big Bend / Lajitas Stables · Redford, Texas
In the rugged expanses of Far West Texas, just outside the town of Redford, Big Bend / Lajitas Stables offers an authentic horseback experience that highlights the region’s dramatic landscape. Their Half Day with Lunch tour takes riders on a journey up Contrabando Mesa, a striking rise that offers panoramic views of the Rio Grande valley. As you saddle up, you'll traverse winding trails carved through resilient desert flora, leading you to vantage points overlooking steep cliff edges and sweeping canyons. The trail’s terrain is a mix of rocky paths and sandy washes, challenging riders while rewarding them with endless vistas of open sky and rugged terrain. This particular route embodies the wild spirit of Big Bend country, where untouched landscapes and ancient geological formations tell stories of millions of years of earth’s history. The highlight, besides the scenic ascent, is a laid-back lunch in the shade of Lunchbox Canyon—an ideal spot to unwind amidst towering rock formations and quiet wilderness.
Big Bend / Lajitas Stables is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in this remote corner of Texas. Their guided horseback rides are perfect for adventure-seekers wanting to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rugged charm of the Big Bend region. With experienced guides and well-cared-for horses, the experience is accessible for riders of varying skill levels, combining adventure with comfort. The opportunity to navigate trail routes that are often too challenging for vehicles makes this a standout mountain experience in the area. Not only does it cater to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, but it also appeals to those looking for an authentic, hands-on way to connect with the landscape’s wild side.
Whether you're savoring a Tex-Mex lunch beneath clear skies or taking in the vistas from lofty heights, this horseback ride provides a chance to step outside the everyday and into the heart of Big Bend’s untamed beauty. It’s an experience that celebrates the region’s history, geology, and unique flora and fauna, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
moderate.
4–5 hours.
Suitable for riders in decent physical condition; no advanced riding skills required
Yes, this ride is designed for riders of all skill levels, with guides providing instruction and support.
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity.
The total adventure lasts about 4 to 5 hours, including the ride and lunch.
No worries—guides tailor the experience to your comfort level, and horses are well-trained for beginners.
Yes, a delicious lunch is included, served in a shaded canyon setting during or after the ride.
You could see deer, wild turkey, and a variety of bird species native to the Big Bend region.
The Contrabando Mesa area has been part of the region’s cattle grazing history and was featured in classic Western films, adding a filmic history to the rugged landscape.
Big Bend / Lajitas Stables emphasizes sustainable practices, including responsible trail routing and minimal environmental impact, ensuring future generations can enjoy this wild terrain.
Big Bend / Lajitas Stables operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Big Bend / Lajitas Stables