Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Horseback Riding
Few images are more iconic than a cowboy on horseback riding across an open plain, but
in this big ol' state you can also gallop seaside, in the mountains or at a full-fledged dude
ranch. Rides typically last one to two hours (from $35 to $115), but longer tours are often
available.
Note that while both of Texas' national parks (Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains)
have trails that allow horseback riding, neither has horses available for hire. If you bring
your own, do some route planning before you get the required permits at the respective vis-
itor centers. If you are interested in going for a ride, try one of the following:
Bandera
(
Click here
) Several of the more than dozen guest ranches in Bandera offer day rides. If you want to re-enact
your own version of
City Slickers
, sign up for a multiday, all-inclusive dude-ranch experience, which includes: horseback
rides, hay rides, cowhand activities, meals and lodging (from $120 per person, per day). Some of the places have swim-
ming holes or pools to cool off in.
Old West Stables
(
Click here
)
Take an hour-long trot through stunning Palo Duro Canyon.
South Padre Island Adventures
(
Click here
)
A morning or a sunset ride on the beach is a great way to start or end a day.
YO Ranch
(
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) Not just any ol' boring cow ranch, YO is home to exotic game like wildebeest and oryx. You
can't ride those, but you can ride horses on the property.
Big Bend Stables
(
Click here
) Trail rides take you not through the national park but through the similar west Texas ter-
rain around Terlingua.
Lajitas
(
Click here
) The equestrian center here arranges hour-long trail rides and overnights at a nearby ghost town.
