Day 1:  Arrive late afternoon and check into the B&B near Terlingua. Meet with your guide and enjoy a nice dinner and a stroll through the ghost town before a good night sleep..
Day 2:  Enjoy a continental breakfast at your B&B before your guide arrives to get you mounted up and out on our Texas trails.  An all day ride and picnic lunch are a preview of what you will be seeing on your ride through Mexico, more than enough to whet your appetite for the adventure tomorrow will bring.  Depending on the lodging facility in which you will be staying, dinner will either be served family-style at the B&B or out on the town, ghost town to be exact!
Day 3:  After a good night’s rest, we’ll round you up and head for the border.  Only a stone’s throw away at most points, what seems to be a short boat ride across the Rio Grande, is in fact a giant step into a totally different culture.  You’ll meet your trusty mounts and get on the trails soon thereafter.  Throughout the trip, you may encounter vaqueros, goat herders and even those who still make their way in the world by gathering candelilla and selling the wax the plant makes naturally.  Most will go about their business on burros or horseback as if our presence is merely a mirage.  The route taken on this day will be up Los Mongos Creek, past deep tinajas, pictographs and metates show us that we have stepped back in time, not just a border.  Tonight’s camp will be at a small rock house on Milagro Creek.  As the sunset fades away, take time to enjoy the stars that seem to blanket the sky.
Day 4: 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 (or similar) 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 5: 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 9or similar) 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 6: 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 (or similar) gracious casa.
Day 7: Saddle up once more for a journey back through history as we ride along the cobblestone streets of San Carlos.  This small community has been in existence over 300 years.  From Spaniards to Comanche, revolutionaries to desperadoes...they have all traveled the same route you walk.  The echoes of their hoof-beats are almost loud enough to hear as you leave the past behind and take a route that leads up and over San Carlos Mountain.  The 100 mile vistas from the pass are dramatic to say the least!  After lunch at Rancho Milagro (which has quite a colorful past as well!), a nice slow winding pace is the perfect end to a perfect trip.  Enjoy one last dinner together before stepping back into “the real world” to spend your final night in Texas.
Day 8: Departure


... Rancho Picachos Ride alternative route
 
We will spend 2 nights with our MExican Friends at Rancho Picachos on Day 3 and 4 - optherwise a similar trek

Day 3: Today begins the Mexico portion of this incredible trip. After meeting at the stables, you will be transported to the “crossing”. Any lingering doubts about whether you are off the beaten track is quickly dispelled as a rowboat takes you across the Rio Grande to a small working ranchito. Your hosts for the next two days are Isael & Chela Tercero. Here they raise goats and cattle on a ranch appropriately named Ranch of the Peaks – Rancho Picachos. Today’s ride may involve helping Isael with ranch chores such as checking on cattle in one of the scattered pastures, bringing in the goat herd or possibly climbing up to look at one of the critical sources of water for his livestock. The evening brings us together for dinner at the huge wooden table in the Tercero’s old adobe home overlooking the river. Depending on group size, you will either stay in tents or one of several extra bedrooms. There is a shower (ala ranchito style!) but no electricity – just the warm glow of kerosene lamps. The opportunity to spend time in the home of people of the land makes this a very special and memorable evening.
Day 4: After a hearty ranch breakfast, we will mount up for a long day in the saddle. Our route today will take us up and over two mountain ranges, across the broken limestone desert between, and – finally – down into the village of San Carlos. The ribbon of green that marks the path of San Carlos Creek as it cuts across the creosote desert is a vivid reminder of how important water is in the land of cacti. Along the way, we will ride through candelilla camps, long abandoned ranchitos, and the faint traces of the ancient Indian civilizations. Hard country...”La Frontera”, yet it has captured the hearts and souls of those who have chosen to live here. You can see it in the permanence of the structures that time or circumstance forced them to leave behind. Tonight we will arrive at La Gloria’s Bed & Breakfast in San Carlos. With its spotless white tile floors, terraced gardens, spa tub, and immaculate rooms, your comfort for the next 3 nights is assured. But the best part is and ice cold drink on her incredible porch after a long ride!


subject to change

Fall & winters in the Big Bend are normally mild.  However, temperatures can vary from t-shirt weather to needing a coat in less than 24 hours.  For safety as well as comfort, please bring the following:

Hat with tie string                                  
Sunscreen              
Light Jacket/Coat
Personal Gear                              
Flashlight              
Sleeping Bag*       
Rain Gear                                      
Sunglasses            
Sleeping Pad*

 ***Water Bottles (3 Liters Minimum, Pre-filled for Day 1)***

Clothing that is appropriate for layering works best. Wool, poly-pro, micro-fleece and fleece always work well.  Specifically, you will want rain gear, 2 pairs of shoes (one comfortable pair for camp), two pairs of riding pants or jeans, a warm hat, a light pair of gloves, and comfortable clothes for camp.  When your trip includes a stay at La Gloria’s Bed and Breakfast, we suggest adding casual attire that is a step up from camp clothes, especially for the Day of the Dead Trip and our New Year’s in Mexico Trip, when the locals will be dressed up as well for the celebrations.

Below is a list of optional items:

            Chaps                                    Personal Tent                      Riding Gloves

            Camera                     Personal Drinks      Hand Wipes/Tissues/Baggies

We will be providing:

            Horses                                   Knowledgeable guides                             

            Meals                         Vehicle support

            Tack                           Wine and Beer to accompany dinners

                                                (no hard liquor will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own)

Sleeping bags and pads can be rented from us at a cost of $15.00 per night with advance notice – *Limited number of rentals available on sleeping bags & pads – please contact us prior to your if you would like to reserve one. 

You will need valid driver's license or passport. 

Suggested is a small amount of cash and an inexpensive camera.

We provide wine and beer in moderate amounts for the trip.  You are welcome to bring along any additional beverages or food products that will make the trip more enjoyable for you.

Please bring 2 to 3 liters of water with you arriving for the first day’s ride.  There is no potable tap water at the stables.  We do however replenish the water supply every night during our ride.  We have drinking water brought in to the camp & homestay areas, it is just not available from our starting point. 

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.