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    1. Local experiences
    2. /Things to do in Terlingua…
    3. /Land Activities
    4. /Horseback Riding
    5. /Half-Day Horseback Ride in Big Bend Ranch State Park
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    Half-Day Horseback Ride in Big Bend Ranch State Park

    Ride rugged mountain trails to Contrabando Mesa and Lunchbox Canyon

    4.9 stars• 318 reviews
    From$159/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    4 - 4.5hrs

    Includes

    Horse or mule ride, lunch

    Highlights

    Saddle up for a rugged ride through Big Bend Ranch State Park on horses or mules. Climb Contrabando Mesa, follow cliffside trails, and stop for lunch in Lunchbox Canyon.

    • Climb rugged trails rising about 500 feet above the stables
    • Follow mountain routes along cliffs and canyons with Rio Grande views
    • Explore Contrabando Mesa and descend into shady Lunchbox Canyon
    • Ride a horse or mule through steep, rocky terrain

    What's Included

    • Lunch
    • Saddlebag

    Important details

    • Check in by 8:30am Central Time
    • Ages 12+ only
    • Weight limit 250 lbs; riders over 230 lbs require horse availability and suitability approval
    • Requires athleticism, good balance, and confident control of your horse or mule on steep terrain
    • Requires mounting and dismounting without assistance
    • Not suitable for vertigo, fear of heights, or nervous riders
    • Pregnant riders cannot be accommodated
    • Bring at least 3 liters of still water in handheld bottles; gallon jugs and backpacks are not allowed
    • Wear long sturdy pants and closed-toe shoes; shorts, leggings, and bulky or grippy boots are not allowed
    • Complete an electronic waiver before the ride; minors accompanied by someone other than a legal parent or guardian need a parent or guardian waiver completed before arrival
    • Rides operate in most weather, but unsafe weather or trail conditions may cancel the ride

    Cancellation Policy

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

    FAQs

    If you consider yourself adventurous and athletic, then yes. Not recommended for those with vertigo or fear of heights

    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 #XQ8FXS

    Adult Rider (18+)

    $159.95

    Ages 18+

    0

    Child Rider (Under 200 lbs)

    $159.95

    6-17

    0

    Child Rider (Over 200 lbs)

    $159.95

    Ages 12-17

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      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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