About Desert Sports

The Desert Sports Shop | larger pix»

The History

Desert Sports was founded in the late 1980′s by Mark Mills and operated out of Lajitas. After a few changes in hands and location moves, Desert Sports was incorporated in 1996 by Jim Carrico, former superintendent of Big Bend National Park and Mike Long, long-time river guide and mountain bike enthusiast. We are still going strong after bouts of drought, economic recessions and border closures.

The Staff

It’s the folks working here that make Desert Sports distinctive. From the friendly voice on the phone to the knowledgeable guide on the tour to the professional driver on the shuttle. While we’ve made our home base in the Chihuahuan Desert, the career guides on our staff have run rivers from Alaska to Mexico, from Maine to California. We’ve ridden trails—Moab, Fruita, Phil’s World, Ganaraska Forest and most of the many Texas trails. We respect the outdoors and soak up the historical and environmental knowledge to share with you.

The Shop

Come by and visit us! It’s the large adobe building painted blue and orange north of FM 170 near Terlingua Ghosttown. We will impart our knowledge of current trail conditions and river levels while pointing out the places not to miss. It’s where you meet your fantastic guides for your Big Bend tour. It’s a place to hang out and hoop while you watch the sunrise or sunset. It’s an easy stop to get your biking and outdoor essentials. View Map»

Stay hydrated with a raging Camelbak or a stainless steel Klean Kanteen. Grab a healthy Clif Bar snack for the trail. Protect yourself from the desert sun with caps, sunglasses and our favorite all-natural skin products from Super Salve. Check out our selection of Z/1 Chaco’s—a sturdy sandal for river and hiking.

Forgot your spare tube or pump? Well, we have many of those biking accessories. Bike need a repair or tune-up? Let one of our technicians get you rolling. Need to ship your bike to the Big Bend? We can help you get it here and get it home.

The Desert Sports building was built in the early 70’s by a few of our adobe making amigos and we’ve occupied this funky space since 1997. In the early days it was a feisty bar and restaurant. During the 1980’s the roof was used for another project which left the open air walls as a background for artists and photographers. Purchased and renovated by Don Carr in the mid 90’s, it is now the home of Desert Sports. Stop in and see us! Just don’t walk on the grass!