"LOS ALAMOS"... CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO

Location: South of the Texas border in Chihuahua State, Old Mexico lies an expanse of remote, rural and authentic land. Experience the charm of communities and ejidos in a part of the world lightly touched by the 21st century. Elevations rise from xxx - xxxx feet.

History: A combination of Spanish Conquistadors, Comanche Indians, Outlaws, U.S. Army and Mexican Bandits/Revolutionaries. In 1570 Cabeza de Vaca trailed through this region. By 1760, Jesuits convinced Spain to build a series of 'presidios' around the Rio Grande. The Comanche Indians would raid deep into Mexico on their terrifying horse-stealing forays near Lajitas - outlaws often crept over the line here too and the U.S. Cavalry established a fort for General 'Black Jack' Pershing in 1916 to thwart raids by Mexican Revolutionaries led by Francisco 'Pancho' Villa.

Ride: Meet in Lajitas for orientation, load and head out to Lajitas Crossing, utilizing a row-boat into Mexico proper. Drive southbound for 2 hours following the Comanche Trail to San Carlos to meet the horses and mules. Based for two days at an old rancho, cooking is done over a wood stove, you sleep under the stars or in a bunkhouse. Explore remote mountain and canyon country, visiting abandoned ranches dating back 200 years during the great hacienda era, several of which are built on ancient Indian sites. Pancho Villa was here during the Revolution too - there's plenty of rough riding, traversing tricky trails in and out of the desert mountains and wild canyons. You should be familiar with horses, and be prepared to hike very steep tracks - not for the feint-hearted!

5 days/4nights. Accommodation: old ranchos. Group size: 3-10, Cost $1,000 Departures March 14 & 28, April 18 & 25, September 19, October 10