Local companies that provide equipment rentals and a variety of guided adventures both in the park and the general area include Desert Sports (tel. 888/989-6900 or 432/371-2727; www.desertsportstx.com), located on FM 170, 5 miles west of the junction of FM 170 and Tex. 118, and Far Flung Outdoor Center, FM 170 (P.O. Box 377), Terlingua, TX (tel. 800/839-7238 or 432/371-2633; www.ffoc.net).
Horseback Riding -- Horses are permitted on most dirt roads and many park trails (check with rangers for specifics), and may be kept overnight at many of the park's primitive campsites, although not at the developed campgrounds. The Government Springs Campsite, located 3 1/2 miles from Panther Junction, is a primitive campsite with a corral that accommodates up to eight horses. It can be reserved up to 10 weeks in advance (tel. 432/477-2241). Those riding horses in the park must get free stock use permits, which should be obtained in person up to 24 hours in advance at any of the park's visitor centers.
Although there are no commercial outfitters offering guided rides in the park as of this writing, there are opportunities for rides just outside the park on private land, such as nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park and across the river in Mexico. Lajitas Stables (tel. 800/887-4331 or 432/371-2212; www.lajitasstables.com) offers a variety of guided trail rides, lasting from 2 hours to all day to 5 days. Some trips follow canyon trails; others visit ancient Indian camps, ghost towns, or cross the border into Mexico. Typical rates are $60 for 2 hours, $85 for 4 hours, and $130 for a full day; multiday trips are usually about $150 per day, and include all meals and camping equipment, as well as the horse. There are also combination riding/rafting expeditions.
Mountain Biking -- Bikes are not permitted on hiking trails, but are allowed on the park's many established dirt roads. Mountain bikes are available for rent from Desert Sports , at a cost of $30 per day, $150 for 6 to 7 days, and $20 for each additional day after 7 days. The company also offers 1-day and multiday guided trips, including a combination mountain-biking and float trip in the park -- 3 days for $450.
