It's An Epic Western Adventure Riding Horseback To A Picnic Lunch In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 29, 2024
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
In my opinion, there are few images more stereotypically Texan than a person on horseback wearing a cowboy hat. Western culture is embedded in our roots, and you can embrace it at Lajitas Stables near Big Bend Ranch State Park. Take a horseback ride in Texas through the rugged desert landscape, and even enjoy a nice picnic lunch if you want!
If it's on your bucket list to ride through the desert on a horse with no name, look no further than Lajitas Stables. Located near Big Bend in West Texas, this horseback riding outfitter offers several different adventures that showcase the rugged landscape as you've never seen it before.
The shortest ride lasts three hours and begins in the afternoon (the exact start time varies). You'll climb up to the tip-top of a ridge known as Controbando Mesa and admire the mountains of Mexico in the distance.
Personally, I would go with the half-day ride because it includes a picnic lunch. This excursion begins just like the three-hour ride - with a trek up Controbando Mesa - but instead of turning back from there, riders will continue down into a canyon aptly named "Lunchbox Canyon."
Lunch includes a delicious spread of things like cheese, summer sausage, bean salads, and other hearty bites to keep you fueled up for the ride back out. No sad sandwiches here!
Oh, and even don't get me started on the views. You'll enjoy beautiful scenery year-round, but if you ever get a chance to go in the spring, you really can't beat the bluebonnet fields that seem to extend for eternity in all directions.
If you're looking for a longer trip, the stables also offer a full-day ride that takes you along the meandering trails of Big Bend Ranch State Park. Just keep in mind that previous riding experience is recommended for this one!
For those who are really looking for a challenge, take a two or three-day overnight trip and enjoy a true wilderness escape. There's no cell service here - just a lot of stargazing and admiring the beautiful Rio Grande.
Visit the Lajitas Stables website or the Lajitas Stables Facebook page for more information. You can also book a ride online.
Have you ever taken a horseback ride in Texas at Lajitas Stables? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section. Check out our previous article below to learn more about Big Bend Ranch State Park. Also, don’t forget to check out our Amazon storefront for any travel essentials you may need.
