Mountain Bike Day-Rides
The options for putting together Mountain Biking Day Rides here in the Big Bend are numerous. Listed below are a few of our favorites on both the Lajitas Resort Trail System and in Big Bend Ranch State Park, Contrabando Trail System and venturing up and into the Fresno Creek area. There are also options for customized itineraries to fit with the dynamics of your group, give us a call or email and we can discuss some different ideas.
If you want to spend a shorter time in the saddle or just looking for a bit of easy cruising, check out our listings for the Short Rides. These rides are great for folks wanting to get a bit of experience in off-road/trail riding on some of the best trails in this part of Texas. If you are an experienced Mountain Bike rider, these rides can be fast and fun.
Our longer ride options are intended for more experienced Mountain Bikers. These rides demand a bit more time in the saddle and on the trail, from some easier jeep trail cruising to some of the more challenging day rides in the Big Bend Area.
Rating rides is never a straightforward task. Our ratings – Easy, Moderate and Advanced – are intended to give some idea of the technical difficulty of the terrain. You would also need to pay attention to the distances in order to get a more complete idea of the effort needed for the ride. Be honest with yourself, it will hurt less later.
Easy: Some cycling experience desirable, although a fit person with a good attitude can have some fun.
Moderate: Mountain biking experience is a very good idea. More challenging terrain as well as more trail opportunities.
Advanced: Mountain biking experience required. The most challenging terrain, getting further out into the backcountry.
As always, if you have questions do not hesitate to contact us and one of our local trail experts can answer your questions. All trips start with a rendezvous at Desert Sports unless otherwise noted or arranged. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road and trail conditions.
Short Rides: 2-4 Hours
| Name | Description | Rating | No. People: Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lajitas Inner Loop | Lajitas Trail System: 9-11 miles singletrack and jeep road. Includes the famous Loops 2 & 3 riding from the Lajitas Airport Trailhead. | Easy | 2-3: $115 each 4-8: $80 each |
| Camino Viejo | Big Bend Ranch State Park: 10 miles singletrack and jeep road. Ride the front country trails of the Contrabando Trail System. | Easy | 2-3: $125 each 4-8: $90 each |
Long Rides: 3-6 Hours
| Name | Description | Rating | No. People: Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lajitas Outer Loop | Lajitas Trail System: 15 miles singletrack, creek bed, and jeep road. Fast and flowing, the old South Side Racecourse from the Lajitas Airport Trailhead. | Moderate | 2-3: $140 each 4-8: $100 each |
| Whitroy Mine | Big Bend Ranch State Park: 15 miles jeep road, one of the historic mining ruins near Fresno Creek. | Easy | 2-3: $150 each 4-8: $110 each |
| Dome from the West | BBRSP: 11 miles jeep road and singletrack, the short version of the Dome Trail. | Moderate | 2-3: $150 each 4-8: $110 each |
| Dome from the East | BBRSP: 22 miles jeep road and singletrack, the Classic Dome Loop Ride on the Contrabando Trails. | Moderate | 2-3: $150 each 4-8: $110 each |
| Fresno Cascades | BBRSP: 22 miles single track, jeep road and creek bed, a pre-historic campsite on Fresno Creek. | Moderate | 2-3: $150 each 4-8: $110 each |
| Madrid House | BBRSP: 28 miles single track, jeep road and creek bed, visit a historic settlers ruin at a Cottonwood Oasis on Arroyo Primero | Advanced | 2-3: $150 each 4-8: $110 each |
| Rincon Loop | BBRSP: 30 miles single track, jeep road and creek bed, the “Mini” EPIC that includes the Old Government Road | Advanced+ | 2-3: $150 each 4-8: $110 each |
