Conquer Contrabando Mesa
Climb onto Contrabando Mesa for a rugged horseback ride with panoramic views into Mexico. This 3-hour trail is ideal for adventurous beginners and experienced riders alike, offering steep climbs, cliffside paths, and unforgettable desert scenery.
-
$97 USD
-
12
-
3 Hours
-
Big Bend, Texas
-
Redford
-
- Contrabando Mesa Ascent
- Rio Grande & Mexico Views
- Cliffside & Canyon Trails
- Experienced Local Wranglers
- Beginner Friendly Adventure
- Rugged Desert Scenery
- Panoramic Photo Stops
- Real Texas Wilderness
- Authentic Desert Experience
- Unforgettable Views
-
- Professional wrangler guides, horse/mule/donkey, safety instruction, helmet if requested
-
- Long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, hat, lightweight long sleeves, at least 3 liters of water
Lajitas Stables – 3 Hour Ride Features
Desert Vistas & Vast Horizons
Start your journey across wide-open desert landscapes where the Rio Grande carves the borderlands. The trail winds through cactus-studded canyons and dry riverbeds before climbing toward the mesa, revealing a horizon that seems to stretch forever.
Sure-Footed Horses on the Trail
Ride sturdy, well-trained mounts along rocky terrain and narrow paths overlooking the Rio Grande. Your experienced guide ensures safety and steady pacing so you can focus on the incredible desert views and the thrill of real adventure.
Lajitas Stables – 3 Hour Ride Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Food & Drink
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Transportation
Highlights
-
Contrabando Mesa Ascent
-
Rio Grande & Mexico Views
-
Cliffside & Canyon Trails
-
Experienced Local Wranglers
-
Beginner Friendly Adventure
-
Rugged Desert Scenery
Description
This adventurous 3-hour ride departs near the Rio Grande and climbs 500 feet up rocky desert trails to the summit of Contrabando Mesa. Riders are rewarded with sweeping vistas of Mexico’s mountains and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Along the way, guides share the history and geology of the borderlands while ensuring safe passage across cliffside paths. Athletic beginners and seasoned riders alike will find this tour a perfect mix of challenge, beauty, and tranquility—an authentic taste of the wild Texas desert.
Itinerary
Check in at the corral 30 minutes prior
8:00 AM – Safety talk and riding orientation
8:30 AM – Begin trail ride through desert foothills
9:15 AM – Ascend Contrabando Mesa with scenic overlooks
10:00 AM – Pause at the summit for photos and water break
10:15 AM – Return along canyon paths to base
11:00 AM – Arrive back at stables
Price & Availability
From $97 per rider. A 50% deposit required at booking; active military discounts available.
Food & Drink
No meals included; riders must bring their own water (minimum 3L recommended).
Instructions
Arrive 30 minutes early at the corral near Lajitas along Hwy 170 for check-in.
Restrictions
Weight limit 250 lbs; riders must be in good health, athletic, and able to mount/dismount unassisted. Not suitable for those with vertigo or fear of heights.
Transportation
Transportation not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adventure Above the Desert
-
Big Bend Stables – Morning Old Mine Tour
Beginner-friendly horseback ride through the historic Study Butte... More
- 2 Hours • Terlingua TX
- Great for Beginners & Kids
- Gentle Desert Trails
- Historic Mine Ruins
-
Big Bend Stables – Desert Sunset Ride
Beginner-friendly sunset horseback ride near Big Bend.... More
- 2 Hours • Terlingua TX
- Perfect for Families & Beginners
- Painted Desert Sunset
- Ride Under Twilight Skies
-
Big Bend Stables – Half Day with Lunch
Relaxed half-day horseback ride with picnic lunch in Big Bend’s... More
- 4.5 Hours • Terlingua TX
- Ideal for Beginners & Families
- Shaded Picnic at Indian Head
- Wrangler-Led Desert Trails
CONTACT US
-
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
