Climb High & Dine in the Desert
Scale the rugged trails of Contrabando Mesa on a 4½-hour horseback adventure that blends challenge, scenery, and comfort. Ride through cactus-lined canyons and up rocky slopes to panoramic overlooks of the Rio Grande, then unwind with a picnic lunch in a shaded desert canyon before the return descent.
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$140 USD
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12
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4.5 Hours
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Big Bend, Texas
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Redford
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- Contrabando Mesa Views
- Cliffside Canyon Trails
- Gourmet Saddlebag Lunch
- Adventurous Beginner Friendly
- Professional Wranglers
- Unique Desert Scenery
- Panoramic Photo Stops
- Authentic Texas Wilderness
- Unforgettable Ride
- Canyon Picnic Retreat
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- Professional wranglers, horse/mule/donkey, trail ride, safety instruction, saddlebag lunch
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- 3+ liters of water (handheld bottles only), long pants, closed-toe shoes, hat, sunscreen, lightweight long sleeves recommended
Lajitas Stables – Half Day with Lunch Features
Desert Climb & Canyon Views
Start with wide-open desert landscapes and the steady rhythm of your mount climbing toward Contrabando Mesa. Cactus gardens and red-rock ridges frame vast horizons as you gain elevation above the Rio Grande.
Canyon Picnic Retreat
Pause mid-journey for a gourmet saddlebag lunch served beneath towering boulders in “Lunchbox Canyon.” Fresh air, good food, and incredible views make this a highlight of the day.
Lajitas Stables – Half Day with Lunch Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Food & Drink
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Transportation
Highlights
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Contrabando Mesa Views
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Cliffside Canyon Trails
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Gourmet Saddlebag Lunch
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Adventurous Beginner Friendly
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Professional Wranglers
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Unique Desert Scenery
Description
This half-day horseback adventure combines rugged trails, elevated views, and desert serenity. Departing near the Rio Grande, the route climbs 500 feet up Contrabando Mesa before a shaded canyon lunch featuring smoked chicken, cheeses, salads, fruit, and cookies. Your experienced guides share stories of the borderlands and ensure a safe, memorable ride through Big Bend’s spectacular desert terrain.
Itinerary
8:30 AM – Check in at the corral near Lajitas
9:00 AM – Safety talk and riding instruction
9:15 AM – Begin ascent up Contrabando Mesa
10:30 AM – Reach summit overlooks and continue along cliffside trails
11:30 AM – Stop for picnic lunch in shaded canyon
12:30 PM – Return ride with descent and photo stops
1:00–1:30 PM – Arrive back at corral
Price & Availability
$140 per rider; 50% deposit required at booking. Active military discount available.
Food & Drink
Lunch provided: smoked chicken, cheeses, sides, fruit, cookies
Instructions
Check in 30 minutes before departure at the corral on Hwy 170 near Lajitas.
Restrictions
Weight limit 250 lbs; riders must be athletic and able to mount/dismount independently; not suitable for those with vertigo or fear of heights.
Transportation
Transportation not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Climb, Dine & Discover
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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
