Step Into Big Bend’s Mining Past
Spend your afternoon exploring Big Bend’s desert heritage on a gentle two-hour horseback ride through the historic Study Butte Mine. With the sun dipping low, follow your wrangler across open terrain and past weathered mine ruins while desert mountains glow in afternoon light. Perfect for beginners and families seeking a relaxed adventure.
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$85 USD
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6
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2 Hours
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Big Bend, Texas
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Terlingua
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- Study Butte Mine History
- Panoramic Desert Views
- Wrangler-Led Donkey Rides
- Scenic Desert Vistas
- Family-Friendly Adventure
- Expert Local Guides
- Comfortable Pace
- Unforgettable Memories
- Safe Instruction
- Old West Storytelling
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- Professional wranglers, horses/mules/donkeys, safety talk, trail instruction
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- Long pants, closed-toe shoes, hat, sunscreen, minimum 2 liters of water
Big Bend Stables – Afternoon Old Mine Tour Features
Historic Mine Exploration
Ride through remnants of the Study Butte Mercury Mine as your wrangler shares stories from the early 1900s mining days that shaped this rugged frontier.
Desert Mountain Vistas
Take in sweeping views of Santa Elena Canyon, Maverick Mountain, and the Chisos Range—panoramas that capture the wild heart of West Texas.
Big Bend Stables – Afternoon Old Mine Tour Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Food & Drink
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Transportation
Highlights
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Study Butte Mine History
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Panoramic Desert Views
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Wrangler-Led Donkey Rides
-
Scenic Desert Vistas
-
Family-Friendly Adventure
-
Expert Local Guides
Description
Discover the spirit of Big Bend on a relaxed afternoon ride through the historic Study Butte Mine. This two-hour guided journey mixes gentle terrain, storytelling, and photo stops with views stretching from Santa Elena Canyon to the Chisos Mountains. A perfect family activity for first-time riders wanting a taste of desert life, safe instruction, and Old West history.
Itinerary
2:30 PM – Check-in near Terlingua (Central Time)
3:00 PM – Safety briefing and riding instruction
3:15 PM – Begin trail ride through Study Butte Mine ruins
3:45 PM – Pause for panoramic views of surrounding peaks
4:15 PM – Continue along Rough Run Creek and desert wash trails
4:45 PM – Return ride toward corrals at relaxed pace
5:00 PM – Arrive back at corral
Price & Availability
Adults $85 per rider; 50 % deposit required at booking.
Food & Drink
No meals included; bring at least 2 liters of water per rider.
Instructions
Arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in and safety briefing.
Restrictions
Weight limit 270 lbs; riders must mount and dismount independently; not recommended for those with balance limitations.
Transportation
Transportation not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experience Big Bend on Horseback
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CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
