Price $1069
(per person, double occupancy) For a room by yourself, add $239
Sign Up for the Trip Here.
Photos by Piper Lehman - www.PiperShots.com
ABOUT THE TRIP
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a land of borders. Situated on the boundary with Mexico along the Rio Grande, it is a place where countries and cultures meet. It is also a place that merges natural environments, from desert to mountains. It is a place where south meets north and east meets west, creating a great diversity of plants and animals.
The park covers over 801,000 acres of west Texas in the place where the Rio Grande makes a sharp turn - the Big Bend. Authorized June 20, 1935; established on June 12, 1944. Designated a United States Biosphere Reserve, 1976
What's Included in the Price
- Round-trip Airfare: Dallas Love Field to Midland/Odessa
- Van Transportation from Midland to Big Bend including fuel
- 2 nights lodging: Chisos Mountains Lodge
- 1 night lodging: Historic Gage Hotel in Marathon, TX
- Two-Day Guided River Trip through Santa Elena Canyon (1-nt.camping)
- All camping gear (except sleeping bag) all meals while on the river, rafting guides
- 14-mile Guided Hike - Chisos South Rim Trail, including lunch
- All park entrance fees
DAILY ITINERARY
Wednesday
We depart Love Field airport at 8:15 a.m., arriving in Midland at 9:20 a.m.
After a stop in Monahans for snacks & beverages, we'll be on our way. They say, anyone that goes to Big Bend has to really want to be there...it takes several hours of driving. We stop in Alpine for lunch and then the rest of the drive is very scenic.
The Window Trail
This trail is unique in Big Bend in that it descends 800 feet from the trailhead for two miles. Hikers then must gradually ascend on the way back. The first mile is through open scrub vegetation with fantastic views of surrounding Chisos peaks. The last mile enters a cool shady canyon with oaks, wildflowers, and a sometimes a trickle of water. At the end of the trail is the "window"...the pour-off that drains the entire Chisos Basin. It is a narrow slot in the canyon wall at the top of a 200 foot dropoff. This trail is a good one for viewing wildlife. Hikers frequently see javelina, gray fox, and sometimes even black bears.
After checking in at Chisos Lodge, we'll have time to do the 5-mile Window Trail hike. It's an unbelievable sunset view!
The only lodging in the park,
Chisos Mountains Lodge, is located at 5,400 feet elevation in the heart of the scenic Chisos Mountains. |
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Thursday
Not to be missed while in Big Bend is the Chisos South Rim Trail hike. We'll get an early start as this 14-mile hike will take us 7 to 8 hours. We'll pack in a picnic and have lunch at the breathtaking South Rim Overlook.
Better be in shape...it's strenuous, but absolutely worth it!
"Few other hikes in Texas can surpass the quality and sheer quantity of views along the trail. On clear days, the views cover most of the Texas Big Bend country and far into Mexico."
The Chisos South Rim Trail
Length: 14.5 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Elevation Change: 2,000 ft.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Features: Woods, and meadows, cliffs and canyons, rock formations, extensive views.
A varied and dramatic trial, past meadows and rugged peaks, to the high cliffs of the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains. |
 View from South Rim Overlook. |
Friday
We meet our river guides in Terlingua early this morning. They'll take over for the next 48-hours to show off the water view of Big Bend. We'll cruise (either by canoe or rafts, depending on the water conditions) through the Santa Elena Canyon.
The majestic Santa Elena Canyon is the most impressive in the park - it is visible for over 10 miles away, as the Rio Grande changes direction abruptly after following beneath the straight Sierra Ponce cliffs for several miles and heads due west, cutting through the mountains via a deep, narrow gorge. This sharp bend in the river was formed by movement along the Terlingua fault zone that crosses the park. For many miles upstream the river is trapped beneath the high walls, eventually emerging into a wider valley at the small town of Lajitas. A 0.7 mile path follows the river up the north side of the canyon, and walking further is possible when the water level is low.
Saturday
Breakfast and lunch are provided today. We'll have another great day of paddling and site seeing along the river.
After coming off the river, we're ready for a night of comfort. Our next destination: the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas. |
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The Gage Hotel, Marathon Texas (www.gagehotel.com)
Few other historic hotels offer a more unique experience of days gone by than The Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas. The inviting, comforting atmosphere of The Gage returns us to a time when a breath of fresh air and the magnificent night sky filled with a thousand stars was all a cowboy needed to feel alive. This is a land where silence is a reward and your soul speaks to your heart, far away from the big city hustle and bustle. This is the Gage experience.
This fully renovated hotel offers: elegant accommodations furnished with authentic period decor, fine dining that will delight your senses and a pool perfect for an evening swim - all in a rustic West Texas setting surrounded by the mountains of Big Bend National Park.
Sunday
You're on your own to explore the quaint town today. We recommend a stop at Shirley's Burnt Biscuit for the best fried pie you'll ever eat! Or maybe a Mexican breakfast from Marci's Kitchen down the road. Then perhaps a massage to soothe the soreness in your muscles after an active few days of hiking and paddling. The Desert Moon Spa is next door to our hotel. In addition to massages, they have the full line-up of all spa services (and they'll give us a discount). Or choose to browse the close-by antique, pottery and book stores.
We'll hit the road around 11:30. Our flight leaves at 4:35.
We'll be back in Dallas at 5:40 p.m.
A $250 deposit is required to reserve you trip. The final balance will be due two weeks prior.
Go to the Reservation Form to book your trip.
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