The Ultimate Big Bend Adventure

Meet your guides in the vibrant border city of El Paso as we set out to retrace the old San Antonio-El Paso Road through the rugged Trans-Pecos region to Fort Davis. There we explore Fort Davis National Historic Site, one of the best surviving examples of a frontier military post in the Southwest. Learn about the fort’s history and the “Buffalo Soldiers,” the first African Americans to serve in the US Armed Forces during peacetime, then join us for a warm-up hike on the scenic trails in the Davis Mountains overlooking the fort.

Afterwards, we continue to Marathon and our lap of luxury for two nights, the historic Gage Hotel. Built in 1927 by rancher Alfred Gage, the Gage is one of the best-known and most-loved places to stay in all of Texas, with a ton of accolades and awards. Take a stroll about town or simply relax in your wonderful surroundings before we gather for dinner. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 2.5-3 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 320'; Total transfer time: 4 hours

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 Dog Canyon, an often-overlooked gem that is a perfect inauguration to both Chihuahuan desert ecology and the dramatic canyon geology of the Big Bend. Then it’s on to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit and “PJ,” the Panther Junction Visitor Center, both essential attractions in our Big Bend playbook. We’ll round out the day with another perennial favorite, the hike to the amazing balanced rock at Grapevine Hills.

With the spoils of a great day in the Bend in hand, we head north back to Marathon and another phenomenal night at the Gage Hotel. Enjoy world-class stargazing in Marathon, a rare community that has earned the “Class 1 Dark Sky” distinction (as dark as it gets!) All meals included.

Hiking: 7 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 350'; Total transfer time: 3.5 hours

It’s “Adios!” to Marathon as we return to Big Bend National Park and traverse the park to Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive which flanks the western side of the Chisos Mountains. Along the drive we step back in time as we descend an easy trail to the Homer Wilson Blue Creek Ranch, the heart of Wilson’s operations before the park’s foundation in the 1940’s. From the ranch our adventure kicks into high gear as we ascend the challenging but incredibly spectacular Blue Creek Trail into the Chisos Mountains. Though the trek rises nearly 2,600', it’s worth every step as we pass from desert grasslands through wild volcanic formations, into canyons and high mountain forest surrounded by unbelievable views. Then it’s a pleasant descent on the Laguna Meadows Trail into the Chisos Basin.

Relax in comfortable surroundings at the Chisos Mountains Lodge, tucked deep inside the ring of mountains that encircles the famed mile-high Basin. All meals included.

Hiking: 9.3 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 2,600'/1,450'; Total transfer time: 1.5 hours

Epic Chisos Hikes. Our ‘home’ base at Chisos Mountains Lodge affords another full day to explore the High Chisos trails with their amazing natural diversity and remarkable views. Perhaps no single vista surpasses the ultimate 360-degree panorama atop Emory Peak, the highest point in Big Bend National Park (7,825'), so this tops our list. From Emory, the sense that you’re on a “sky island” adrift in a sea of desert is inescapable, and at 9.6 miles with 2,500' of ascent, the hike is a worthy goal for any peak bagger, yet short enough for recline time at the end of the day. However, some may argue that the views from the South Rim trail can’t be beat, so at 2,200' of ascent and 12 miles of hiking, that too is an option. Can’t decide? That’ll be 15 miles and 3,000' of climbing to do them both! Don’t fall asleep during dinner though. You won’t want to miss the Dark Skies afterwards for which the park is internationally recognized. All meals included.

Hiking: 9.6 – 15 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 2,200' – 3,000'; Total transfer time: 0 hours

Hike in, hike out. Our Blue Creek ascent into the Chisos is rewarded with an equally outstanding descent today as we exit the Basin on foot. Framed by volcanic peaks, we descend through a shaded canyon on the Window Trail to the amazing 220 foot Basin pour-off. Then climbing briefly to a fantastic overlook on the Oak Springs Trail, we drop to the desert floor below. After a tranquil interlude in a hidden oasis at the base of the Chisos, we return to the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and head for the border. Punctuated by scenic and historic stops along the drive, our destination is Santa Elena Canyon for our final hike of the day, between the canyon’s 1500' vertical walls along the Rio Grande.

Mountains, desert, river. Having experienced all three of Big Bend’s ecosystems in one amazing day, we retire in the renowned ghost town of Terlingua west of the park where our accommodation for the next two nights is an historic mansion fit for a… well, fit for mining magnate and owner of Terlingua from days of yore, Howard E. Perry. All meals included.

Hiking: Up to 10 miles; Elevation gain/loss: up to 740'/2,100'; Total transfer time: 1.45 hours

Float like Lady Bird. It’s a time-honored tradition in the Big Bend to conclude any decent spell of activity with a nice relaxing, peaceful float on the Rio Grande. So, after days of tromping up and down Chisos and Chihuahuan trails, today we trade hiking boots for river sandals as we explore the wonders of the river floodplain that defines Texas’ southern border with Mexico. Due to dynamic and ever-changing river levels, our day on the Rio Bravo del Norte (as the river is known to folks in Mexico) will vary in location and intensity, but rest assured it will involve classic Chihuahuan desert vistas interspersed with mighty canyons, all served up with a boat load of river lore and colorful history. And speaking of history, if you’re wondering where this tradition began, we trace it back to First Lady Mrs. Lyndon Johnson’s float trip during her visit to Big Bend in April 1966—said to be the highlight of her stay!

Afterwards, we return to Terlingua to wind down and explore the Ghost Town before our farewell dinner at the now legendary Starlight Theatre. All meals included.

Hiking: n/a; Total transfer time: varies

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. Our first stop is in Alpine, where we take one final hike in the hills overlooking the city and nearby mountains to a very unusual vantage point. Then after a gander at Alpine’s famed murals, it’s on to Marfa where Texas ranching life and the New York art world collide. Following a brief glimpse at what makes Marfa marvelous and a tasty lunch at a local Marfa favorite, we transfer to El Paso with a planned arrival time of 4:00pm. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 2 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 200'; Total transfer time: 5 hours