Activities...

The Ten Bits Ranch is located near many of the regions major attractions such as Big Bend National Park , Big Bend Ranch State Park and Terlingua's Historic Ghost Town.  Opportunities for outdoor adventure abound in the Big Bend such as hiking, canoeing, rafting, ATV tours, 4x4 tours, horseback riding, bird watching and mountain biking.  Insider information is always advantageous and at Ten Bits, we take pride in being available to share our knowledge and experience and to help guide you to the areas most exciting attractions.   

At the Ranch:

                  After a day in the Park it’s always nice to kick back and watch the stars come out.  Warm up by our  cowboy campfire (weather permitting) with your friends and family  .   There are no other lights out at the Ten Bits Ranch except for our own.  We recommend you bring your own telescope and binoculars to view our picturesque West Texas night skies. This is a Perfect way to end a day in the desert (please note: the Ranch does not provide alcoholic beverages so please bring your own).   

                 Geology and archeology are fascinating elements of our Big Bend history which we'll be happy to share with you along with our historic mining heritage which began in the 1890's.  In fact, booking an SUV, 4x4 tour can give you a close-up look at the local culture, mining history and archeology of the Big Bend.  You may even want a guided tour of a Native American cliff shelter located on the Ten Bits Ranch.   We also offer displays of dinosaur bone fossils and Native American artifacts for your enjoyment as well as books on the birds, plants and animals that call Big Bend home.

                   Wildlife abounds in the Big Bend and much of it can be seen from right here on the porch.    We have  several species of bats, reptiles and birds that inhabit the many grottos and canyons in the area.    Mule Deer, Javelina, Bobcats, many species of birds and even  the occasional Mountain Lion have been seen at the ranch.

On Tour:

                 Ten Bits Ranch offers specialty guided tours involving geology, paleontology, historical and archeological hiking and 4x4 SUV tours personally guided by one of our staff.  

SEE OUR ONE-OF-A-KIND TOURS BELOW! 

Please call or email us for availability of Ten Bits Ranch specialty guided tours.

Want something different??

4x4 backroad SUV tours in and around Big Bend National Park, Canoe/Rafting trips on the Rio Grande River, ATV tours, Mountain Biking rentals, Ariel Tours and horseback riding  can also be arranged for you during your stay at the ranch through Big Bend Expeditions, Big Bend River Tours, Desert Sports, Rio Aviation, and Study Butte Stables.  We are happy to setup any tour for you when making or having a reservations with Ten Bits Ranch or you can book your tour directly through them.  Ten Bits Ranch does not make any commissions for this service. Call 866-371-3110! or 432-371-3110

Ten Bits Ranch - specialty guided tours:                                 

By Guided Hike:    Lost World  (2 and 1/2 hours, leaves at 9:00 a.m.  and  1:00 p.m.)  

                This 2 and 1/2 hour guided hike focuses on Big Bend's geologic and archeological history.    This tour is a great way to experience the wonder of Big Bend's fiery volcanic past and 75 million year old dinosaur fossils.  We also take time to talk about the plants and animals that call Big Bend home and visit a Native American cliff shelter.  This  one-of-a-kind adventure is a fantastic way to learn about the geologic and archeological wonders of Big Bend.  Tour involves a 1/2 mile hike and short climb over easy to moderate terrain.  As this tour is science related, we recommend it for ages 10 and up - sturdy footwear required.  Collecting is not permitted during this tour.  For tour pricing please see our Rates & Reservations page.  This tour  was ranked the #1 thing to do in Big Bend in the October 2007 issue of Texas Monthly magazine.

Ten Bits Ranch Badlands, Geology class working one of Ten Bits Ranch fossil quarries

and the glamour side of Big Bend fossils!

By Guided 4x4 SUV:    The Wild Side (3 hours, leaves at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)

             This tour focuses on Big Bend's geologic history,  plants, animals and ecology of the Chihuahuan Desert.    We take you on an 20 mile, primitive-road journey from Ten Bits Ranch to Terlingua Creek then back making several stops in between.  This  unique adventure is a wonderful way to experience the many desert wonders of Big Bend.   Bottled water and soft drink are included with your tour.  Collecting is not permitted during this tour.  For tour pricing please see our Rates & Reservations page.

View of the Ranch from the Ten Bits rock shelter,  Desert country and an Oasis in the Desert!

By Guided 4x4 SUV:   Double Deuce (3 hour, leaves at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)

                 Named after a historic ranch, this 1/2 day mountain wildlife tour  heads to the backcountry north of Big Bend National  Park.  Explore some of the most rugged and scenic  badlands in Texas.  Incredible vistas, lofty peaks and winding canyons will thrill any outdoor enthusiast. Wildlife abounds in the Big Bend.  We cross many desert habitats that may offer a thrill for all types of nature lovers.  Although not a guarantee, mountain lions, Bobcats, Mule Deer, Javelina and many types of unusual birds are  encountered.  Cameras are a must! Oh...Don't forget the binoculars!

Views! Views! and a Texas Roadrunner....Beep.....Beep

By Guided 4x4 SUV:    Sacred  Stones (3 hours, leaves at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)

                    Big Bend has a unique and fascinating Native American heritage!  As we leave Ten Bits Ranch, we discuss ancient Paleoindian cultures, Archaic hunter-gatherers and Late Prehistoric peoples of the Big Bend and finally make our way into Big Bend National Park to tour a sacred rock-art site with dozens of ancient and mysterious Native American carvings and paintings.  You'll love walking beneath huge boulders on the same ground as our ancient ancestors and marvel at their ingenuity and sprit as they made their lives in this harsh and wonderful desert.  Sunscreen, hats and bottled water strongly recommended.  Sturdy footwear  required.  Tour includes a 1/2 mile hike over easy to moderate terrain. As with all areas of Big Bend National Park, collecting is not permitted on this tour.

Rock Pictographs and Petroglyphs from the Sacred Stone Native American site!

By Guided 4x4 SUV:     Fire and Ice (3 hours, leaves at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)

                        1/2 day tour of Big Bend National Park.  From the dry desert floor to the heart of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park, this tour  climbs over a mile in elevation into the high desert mountains where cooler temperatures and more rainfall (and sometimes even snow!) have created a forest in the sky.  Learn about Big Bend weather and see how extremes in temperature and elevation can create a wonderland where Black Bears and Mountain Lions call home - all within the remains of an ancient volcano!  We also stop at Sotol Vista for a stunning view way back into Old Mexico. This tour also stops briefly at the Chisos Mountains visitor center (restroom available).  During inclement weather it can be much cooler in the mountains than in the low desert so dress accordingly.

Views up in the Chisos Mountains and a black bear!

By Guided 4x4 SUV:     The Whole Enchilada (6 hours, leaves at 9:00 a.m.)

                          A full day tour in Big Bend National Park, this trip combines many of the best parts of our half day  adventures into a full day exploration of Big Bend.  From the peaks of the Chisos Mountains to the awesome gorge of Santa Elena Canyon at the Rio Grande, this tour really is 'the whole enchilada'!.  See historic homesteads, panoramic vistas, geologic wonders, desert badlands and the famous Rio Grande.  This tour has the flexibility to make unscheduled stops at one of several overlooks or points of interest depending on the interests of our groups.  We make brief stops at the Panther Junction visitors center, the Chisos Mountains visitors center and the historic cavalry post at Castolon (restroom facilities available at these stops). Cameras a must.   Lunch is included on this tour.

Old grave site, Wild and Scenic Rio Grande River and Santa Elena Canyon!

Call 866-371-3110 or 432-371-3110 for any tour or lodging arrangements!

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