Lajitas Stables 3-Hour Horseback Ride
Guided ride on rugged desert trails with sweeping canyon and Mexico views
From$98/ rider
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Discover what we've curated for you
Guided ride on rugged desert trails with sweeping canyon and Mexico views
Discover what we've curated for you
3 Hours
Walking ride, Safety instruction
Ride from Lajitas Stables up Contrabando Mesa on a guided, walking horseback tour. Tackle rugged, technical desert trails with sweeping canyon and Mexico views.
Minimum age is 12; maximum weight 250 lbs. You must be athletic and able to mount without assistance; trails are steep, rocky, and along cliff edges with no shade. Bring 2–3 liters of water in handheld bottles, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and arrive 30 minutes early.
I've never ridden before, is this an okay ride?
If you consider yourself adventurous and athletic, then yes. These are rugged trails and not recommended for those with vertigo or fear of heights.
My child is younger than 12. Can they ride?
The trails are technical, steep, and rocky with drop-offs, which may make kids nervous. Every rider must be comfortable controlling their animal up and down the mountain.
Cancel at least 7 days before the ride for a full refund. Full refund if the stables cancels.
LAJITAS STABLES on FM 170 30 min before ride
Big Bend Stables delivers consistently excellent horseback riding experiences, with guests raving about both the well-cared-for horses and the exceptional guides. Mackenzie (sometimes spelled Makinzie) gets mentioned repeatedly for her deep knowledge of the area's history, plants, and trails, while Evo stands out for his humor, safety focus, and photography skills. Javier, Shelby, Bryan, and James also earn praise for making rides enjoyable and engaging. The horses themselves are described as well-behaved, surefooted, and clearly loved by their handlers. Riders of all experience levels seem to find their comfort zone here, from families with beginners to guests in their seventies. The variety of rides, from morning tours to half-day adventures with picnic lunches, showcase beautiful desert landscapes, abandoned mines, and mesa views. What really elevates the experience is how guides share stories about Terlingua's history and local flora while taking plenty of photos, including the popular "horse selfies." The genuine care for both animals and guests shines through in every review, making this a standout addition to any Big Bend trip.
Went horseback riding here while on vacation in Terlingua. Very nice views, cute horses and fun experience overall. We had two awesome young ladies as our tour guides and I wish I could remember their names!! They were very friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining to listen to, and talk to. Would definitely visit again.
D Trevi
February 1, 2026
Went horseback riding here while on vacation in Terlingua. Very nice views, cute horses and fun experience overall. We had two awesome young ladies as our tour guides and I wish I could remember their names!! They were very friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining to listen to, and talk to. Would definitely visit again.
D Trevi
February 1, 2026