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    1. Local experiences
    2. /Things to do in Terlingua…
    3. /Land Activities
    4. /Horseback Riding
    5. /3-Hour Contrabando Mesa Horseback Ride
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    3-Hour Contrabando Mesa Horseback Ride

    A rugged mountain ride for confident, athletic riders

    4.9 stars• 318 reviews
    From$110/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    3 Hours

    Includes

    Horse or mule ride, wrangler guide

    Highlights

    Explore Contrabando Mesa on a rugged horseback or mule ride with views toward Old Mexico. This challenging route is designed for riders comfortable with steep, rocky terrain and cliffside trails.

    • Ride a horse or mule on rugged, technical trails above the stables
    • Climb Contrabando Mesa to about 500 feet above the stables
    • Take in views toward the mountains of Old Mexico
    • Follow trail sections along canyon and cliff edges
    • Experience a route designed for adventurous, athletic riders

    Important details

    • Arrive 30 minutes before your ride time; Lajitas Stables operates on Central Time
    • Ages 12+ only
    • Weight limit 250 lbs; riders over 230 lbs require animal availability and suitability
    • Requires athletic fitness, confidence controlling a horse or mule, and comfort on steep, rocky trails
    • Requires mounting your horse or mule unassisted and maintaining balance on uphill and downhill sections
    • Not suitable for riders with a fear of heights or for pregnant riders
    • Wear long sturdy pants and closed-toe shoes; shorts, leggings, bulky shoes, and hiking boots are not allowed
    • Bring 3+ liters of still water in handheld bottles; backpacks and gallon jugs are not allowed
    • Prepare for no shade on the ride and allow extra travel time because cell service and phone maps can be unreliable
    • Minors accompanied by someone other than a parent or legal guardian require a parent or legal guardian waiver before arrival

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel at least 7 days before your ride for a full refund. Receive a full refund if the stables cancel the ride.

    FAQs

    If you consider yourself adventurous and athletic, then yes. These are rugged trails and not recommended for those with vertigo or fear of heights.

    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.

    Meeting details

    Lajitas Stables, 21321 FM 170, Lajitas, TX 79852

    Experience provided by Big Bend / Lajitas Stables

    Related locations

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Reference #CUCT3R

    Adult Rider (18+)

    $110.82

    Ages 18+

    0

    Child Rider (Under 200 lbs)

    $110.82

    6-17

    0

    Child Rider (Over 200 lbs)

    $110.82

    Ages 12-17

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

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      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

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      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    318 reviews•Google Maps
    280
    21
    5
    4
    1

    The guides here are a genuine highlight, with Duck, Evo, Shelby, and McKenzie each earning enthusiastic praise by name. They bring real knowledge of the area's history and landscape, keep things fun and relaxed, and have a knack for making first-timers feel at ease. Families with young kids seem to have a particularly great time, and the horses are consistently described as well-behaved and well-suited for the rugged terrain. The sunset and morning rides draw the most love, with beautiful views and a memorable way to experience the desert landscape. One reviewer noted dusty trail conditions and proximity to an old mercury mine as concerns, so that's worth keeping in mind if those things matter to you. That said, it reads as an outlier against an otherwise overwhelmingly positive track record. If you're passing through the Big Bend area and looking for something beyond hiking, this is the kind of experience people say becomes a trip highlight. Ask about horse availability too, one reviewer was pretty insistent about requesting Tulsa specifically.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    I had such a great time! The view was amazing and it was beginner friendly :)

    Photo of Ariadna Rodulfo

    Ariadna Rodulfo

    June 8, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    I had such a great time! The view was amazing and it was beginner friendly :)

    Photo of Ariadna Rodulfo

    Ariadna Rodulfo

    June 8, 2026

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