Day 1: 
     Meet at 9:00 am at Lajitas Stables for gear check in.  After a brief orientation, we will load up for the short drive to the river where we will cross the Rio Grande by rowboat.  It is but a short hop from the boat to the Mexican shore, but a giant step culturally as we mount our horses and ride into their way of life.  Throughout the trip, we will encounter vaqueros, goat herders and candallia gatherers as they go about their business by burro or horseback.  Today’s route takes us up Los Mongos creek past deep tinajas and candallia wax camps.  Later in the afternoon, we will stop and view a group of very well preserved pictographs and metates at an archaic Indian site.  Tonight’s camp will be at a small rock house on Milagro Creek.  After dark falls, take time to look at the stars over Big Bend. 

Day 2: 
     After a hearty breakfast, we will ride the ancient La Mora trail into San Carlos.  Lunch finds us relaxing against the dry stacked rock walls of the La Mora Ranch.  Here the roots of the giant Cottonwood trees form a damn for the water that is the lifeblood of this hard desert country.  Centuries of hoof beats have etched a rut across solid rock on the trail we ride toward San Carlos.  As evening approaches, we ride down the cobblestone streets of this 300 year old community.   Spaniards, Comanche, revolutionaries, and the occasional desperado (outlaw Déjà vu anyone) have all passed here.  After a long day in the saddle, Gloria’s Bed and Breakfast is a welcoming oasis of modern comforts.  Beautifully appointed rooms, sparkling white baths, terraced gardens, and a veranda overlooking San Carlos Creek – this is definitely not roughing it! 

Day 3: 
     Our pace today is more leisurely.  In the morning we will take a short hike up into San Carlos Canyon.  Warm water springs line the walls of this magnificent canyon creating a greenhouse effect that produces lush vegetation year round.  Hanging fern grottos, deep limestone pools, and soaring ocher colored rock walls combine to make this a magical place.  The afternoon can be given to relaxation on Gloria’s wonderful patio or riding to another series of waterfalls in yet another canyon.  Later, we rejoin Gloria for more of her fabulous cooking.  The cuisine is authentic Northern Mexico dishes made from homegrown ingredients.  Sabroso! 

Day 4: 
     Saddle up today for a very special journey back through history as we ride to the ruins of La Mina Grande - “The Great mine”.  Our route takes us up through the magnificent San Carlos canyon.  Turning, we follow a narrow trail as it winds its way up a twisting side canyon – not a ride for the faint of heart!  Just when you are sure your guide must have made a wrong turn, you top the ridge and…..La Mina Grande.  This community was once home to 4,000 people, now only the shells of the houses, churches, and theaters remain.  Situated in a narrow canyon, the ruins climb the walls above you on either side; this is our “Frontera” version of Mesa Verde!   Relaxing over another scrumptious saddle bag lunch, we can ponder the ephemeral nature of mans grand schemes.  Of the dreams, only dust and wind remain.  Afternoon finds us retracing our steps back toward the beckoning comfort of La Glorias gracious casa. 

Day 5: 
     Our schedule this morning is flexible.  For those who need that last “riding” fix, we can arrange a short, faster paced excursion down San Carlos Creek.  OR  you can design your own morning around gardens, hammocks, and wading in warm water pools.  Our noon meal is taken at a small local restaurant on the main square well known for its local delicacies.  We can tour the church, enjoy the town square, or buy a few souvenirs.  Our shuttle leaves around 2:00 for the drive back to Lajitas via Ojinaga  and the official Port of Entry in Presidio.  Arrival in Lajitas around 5:00. 

Additional Information: 
     The nature of this trip requires participants to do some aggressive riding over rough terrain.  Prior horseback experience is suggested, however physically fit beginners and children 10 years and older are welcomed. If you have any doubt, give us a call and we will discuss the appropriateness of this trip for you prior to signing up.  We ride from 10 to 20 miles a day (2 to 7 hours in the saddle) depending on the day’s route.   Your gear is transported by vehicle and meets us each night at our destination. 
     This extraordinary trip visits an area of Mexico seldom seen by tourists.  Consequently, a certain amount of flexibility and sensitivity for a foreign culture goes a long way toward making this an enjoyable experience (When in Rome…..)  We have been in operation in Mexico for 12 years with cooperation and permission of the local population.  In addition to a Lajitas Stables wrangler, each trip is staffed with a Mexican citizen from the area whose insights and interpretations provide a unique window into another way of life.

We Will Provide: 
     Qualified guides, horses, tack, camping equipment, vehicle support, tents, all meals, Bed and Breakfast accommodations, and any necessary transportation while in Mexico. 

Client Will Need: 
     Sleeping bag and pad, rain gear, personal clothing (adequate and appropriate for the time of the year), two pairs of shoes (riding and hiking), sunscreen, wide brimmed hat with tie on, flashlight, and valid driver's license or passport.  Suggested is a small amount of cash and an inexpensive camera. Sleeping bags and pads can be rented from us at a cost of $15.00 per night with advance notice, although availability is limited. 

Your Guides: 
     Your guides are trained professionals who are bi-lingual, CPR and emergency first aid certified, and have years of local experience.  They are there to share their knowledge of the plants, geology, and history of the area while keeping you safe and comfortable.  Well...as comfortable as you can be after all day in the saddle! 

Trip Dates and Reservations: 
     Availability is on a first come, first served basis.  A deposit in the amount of 50% of your total is required to hold your reservation. Smaller groups or individuals are encouraged to book onto one of the published dates.  We can customize other dates during our October thru April season for a group of 4 or more.  Maximum group size is 10.  In the event you must cancel your trip within 30 days of the departure date, your refund is non-refundable.  However, you may apply it toward some other trip in the future.