The Ultimate Big Bend Adventure

We travel another historic route today, the legendary Comanche Trail through Persimmon Gap, now the northern entrance to Big Bend National Park. Shortly inside the park’s massive 801,200-acre boundary, we begin with a hike into Persimmon Gap Draw, an often-overlooked gem that is a perfect inauguration to both Chihuahuan desert ecology and the dramatic canyon geology of the Big Bend, including the oldest exposed formations in the park. Then it’s on to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit and “PJ,” the Panther Junction Visitor Center, both essential attractions in our Big Bend playbook. Next, traveling the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, our afternoon hike on Burro Mesa is a Chihuahuan Desert classic through a series of narrow gorges leading to a dramatic pour-off.

Afterwards we head for Terlingua Ghost Town where the day ends at our accommodation in a restored mansion, once the stately home of the local mining magnate – our home for the next four nights. Dinner tonight is at the famed Starlight Theatre. All meals included.

Hiking: 5.8 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 645'; Total transfer time: 3 hours

Today we take on the most famous hike in all of Texas: the South Rim Trail. The biological diversity and geologic history add to the grandeur of the Chisos—a true “sky island” surrounded by an ‘ocean’ of Chihuahuan Desert. This is the only mountain range in the U.S. which is fully contained within the boundaries of a national park. Throughout the day we are rewarded with countless dramatic viewpoints, including those from the South Rim which spans miles into the distant Sierra del Carmen Mountains of Mexico and thousands of feet below to the Chihuahuan Desert floor.

Returning to Terlingua, we dine and then relax at the Perry Mansion. As part of the Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, the world’s largest IDA-certified Dark Sky Place, Terlingua is also an ideal spot for stargazing afterwards. All meals included.

Hiking: up to 12 miles; Elevation gain/loss: up to 2,000'; Total transfer time: 1.5 hours

Today we experience the Big Bend “triple treat” as we explore Big Bend’s mountains, desert and river ecosystems - all in one day. We begin hiking on the Window Trail, which descends through a canyon sandwiched between majestic mountain peaks. Photo opportunities abound as we make our way out of the Chisos Basin and onto the desert floor via the picturesque Oak Springs Trail. Utilizing a trail not found on maps, we picnic under the shady trees of a desert oasis. Next, we continue down the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon. A short hike showcases sheer limestone walls that tower 1500’ above both sides of the Rio Grande. Returning to Terlingua, we dine at another favorite locale. All meals included.

Hiking: up to 9 miles; Elevation gain/loss: up to 740’ gain and 2,100’ loss; Total transfer time: 2 hours, 45 min.

The Mesa de Anguila Trail is a hidden gem seldom explored by visitors to Big Bend National Park. The mesa sits high atop Santa Elena Canyon and marks the western border of the park. Our hike provides fantastic views of the bends of the Rio Grande, a brilliant example of how the park got its name. We also visit the Barton Warnock Center to learn more about the region’s incredible natural history, and then drive along the Camino del Rio. The road twists and winds with the Rio Grande, crossing arroyos, climbing mountains, and hugging canyon walls. Reaching Big Bend Ranch State Park, we discover the beauty and diversity of this massive 311,000 acre park. Returning to Terlingua, there is free time to explore the Ghost Town before we gather for our farewell dinner at the iconic Starlight Theatre. All meals included.

Hiking: Up to 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: up to 900'; Total transfer time: 1.5 hours

All things must (El) Paso. Today we travel the Texas Mountain Trail back to El Paso, but not without a couple of unique detours that only West Texas can provide. This morning we explore another secret treasure of Big Bend National Park on our hike at Indian Head Mountain. Marvel at ancient petroglyphs, pictographs, and other remnants of the Big Bend’s early inhabitants, hidden amongst the mountain’s striking volcanic formations. Then after traveling back to Alpine for a scrumptious lunch at a favorite eatery, it’s on to Marfa where we’ll discover the iconic cultural phenomena that is Marfa itself – where West Texas ranching life and modern art collide – on a walking tour at the world famous Chinati Foundation founded by minimalist art icon Donald Judd. Following this brief glimpse at what makes Marfa marvelous, we transfer to El Paso with a planned arrival time of 5:00pm. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 3 miles, Walking 1.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 70'; Total transfer time: 5 hours