Summit a Sky Island & Explore Canyons of the Rio Grande
Texas's Big Bend National Park is a vast and rugged wilderness of diverse landscapes, including majestic mountains, deep canyons, and winding rivers. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast seeking a warm-weather retreat when the rest of the country is frozen, Big Bend National Park offers something for every adventurer. Expert interpretive guides will lead you on incredible adventures each day, including summiting park's highest peak at 7,825 feet, wading deep into the Santa Elena gorge, and even on a hike across the Rio Grande River into old Mexico for lunch. Spend starlit nights around the fire pit or pool enjoying group dinner parties before retiring to your own private cabin. Cap off the trip at West Texas's only boutique hotel, located in art-filled and "mysterious" Marfa, TX. With its rich cultural history, diverse flora and fauna, and unique geologic formations, Big Bend National Park is an unforgettable destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list.
Texas's Big Bend National Park is a vast and rugged wilderness of diverse landscapes, including majestic mountains, deep canyons, and winding rivers. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast seeking a warm-weather retreat when the rest of the country is frozen, Big Bend National Park offers something for every adventurer. Expert interpretive guides will lead you on incredible adventures each day, including summiting park's highest peak at 7,825 feet, wading deep into the Santa Elena gorge, and even on a hike across the Rio Grande River into old Mexico for lunch. Spend starlit nights around the fire pit or pool enjoying group dinner parties before retiring to your own private cabin. Cap off the trip at West Texas's only boutique hotel, located in art-filled and "mysterious" Marfa, TX. With its rich cultural history, diverse flora and fauna, and unique geologic formations, Big Bend National Park is an unforgettable destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list.
Follow expert guides on an awe-inspiring hike into the Rio Grande's beautiful Santa Elena Canyon
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Summit Emory Peak the highest point in the Chisos Mountains
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Cross the Rio Grande to visit the village of Boquillas del Carmen in Mexico, then hike to hot springs
Fossil Bone Discovery & Window Trail Trail, Big Bend National Park
Day 1
Welcome to Texas, are you ready for the ultimate Big Bend adventure? Your guides will pick you and your fellow adventurers up this morning from your pre-trip hotel. After an orientation meeting, depart Odessa-Midland in the morning we will journey due south across the plains of West Texas. Once in Big Bend National Park we pause for a delicious picnic at the Dinosaur Discovery Center, where you can explore the park's rich archaeological and natural history. After a relaxing picnic, get set to hike the classic Window Trail. This hike begins gently, meandering across the Chisos Basin allowing you to warm up your legs. Soon you'll descend into a narrow chasm leading you to the breathtaking highlight: the Window Pour-off. The hike offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and canyons, as well as a chance to spot some of the park's interesting wildlife. Along the way, you'll encounter unique rock formations and a variety of plant species, including the fascinating and hardy agave. Wrap up your first day with a welcome dinner at the Starlight Theatre with a great mix of Texas and Mexican cuisine.
Accommodation: Big Bend Casitas
Activity: 2-3 hours/5 miles hiking with 750' elevation gain/loss
Transportation: 3.5- to 4.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Narrow Desert Gorges, the Rio Grande & Santa Elena Canyon
Day 2
Today you will explore some of North America's most incredible desert canyons via a collection of short hikes. After exploring Tuff Canyon and Lower Burro Mesa slot canyons, picnic by the Rio Grande. In the afternoon magnificent Santa Elena Canyon awaits. As you hike and possibly wade in the Rio Grande you'll be surrounded by towering canyon walls that rise up to 1,500 feet, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. You'll encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna attracted to the perennial water, including cacti, yucca, and a variety of neo-tropical bird species. This experience is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Big Bend, an unforgettable journey through one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in all of the Southwest.
Accommodation: Big Bend Casitas
Activity: 6-8 hours/ 5-6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain
Transportation: 2- to 2.5-hour private van transfer round trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Summit Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains
Day 3
Summiting Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains is an experience like no other. The hike to the peak is challenging but rewarding, taking you from 5,400-feet elevation through dense forests, rocky ridges, and steep switchbacks. At 7,825 feet elevation, the summit itself offers unbeatable 360-degree panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and surrounding desert landscape. Reaching the peak is an accomplishment that leaves you with a sense of pride and fulfillment. Along the way, you may even have the chance to spot some of the diverse wildlife that call the mountains home. The hike to the summit of Emory Peak will take you through a variety of terrains, including dense forests, rocky ridges, and steep switchbacks. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but the challenge of the terrain keeps things interesting and exciting. This is our most physically challenging day and everyone will be encouraged to attempt to summit, but it is not mandatory and there are scenic options for those looking for less of a challenge.
Accommodation: Big Bend Casitas
Activity: 6-8 hours/ 10 miles hiking with 2,440' elevation gain
Transportation: 1- to 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Hot Springs by the Rio Grande & Visit Boquillas del Carmen Mexico
Day 4
On the banks of the Rio Grande, thermal springs carry mineral-rich groundwater from deep within the earth to the surface. Set out on a 3-mile hike along the river, passing fascinating fossil beds and natural hot springs. If water levels permit you may choose to stop for a soak. Cross the river in a small rowboat to Mexico and take a short hike to Boquillas del Carmen, a charming Mexican village located just across the Rio Grande River from Big Bend National Park and surrounded by mountains. The village is known for its delicious food, including traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and tamales. Enjoy lunch at one of the village's small restaurants and sample some of the local street food. Explore the village's inviting main street, visit its small shops, and interact with the friendly residents who are happy to share their customs and traditions. Cross back into the United States with time to relax at the pool and enjoy happy hour around the fire pit at the Casitas before a delicious dinner prepared by your guides.
Accommodation: Big Bend Casitas
Activity: 6-8 hours/ up to 4-5 miles total hiking throughout the day with 750' elevation gain
Transportation: 2 hour private van transfer round trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Big Bend State Park & the Marfa Art Scene
Day 5
After an entertaining stop to visit with the Clay Henry, the first duly elected Mayor in Lajitas TX, enter Big Bend State Park. Hike the Closed Canyon trail traversing smooth ledges, inching past tinajas, and walking beneath towering spires of rock, deep into its shady depths. Discover its unique geology carved by wind and water over millions of years, creating a surreal landscape. Next immerse yourself in the rich history of the Fort Leaton State Historic site, a one-acre adobe fortified compound overlooking the Rio Grande valley. In the late afternoon arrive at Marfa, TX a small desert town that has become an international cultural hub. Known for its unique art installations, modern minimalist architecture, and stunning sunsets, Marfa offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't find anywhere else. It's the perfect place to celebrate with the group at a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Saint George
Activity: 2-3 hours/up to 3 miles hiking with up to 500' elevation gain
Transportation: 2.5 hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Midland-Odessa & Depart
Day 6
After a relaxing and leisurely morning head back to Midland-Odessa. The most common departing flights occur around 2:30pm so we will plan to arrive at around noon.
MT Sobek has been exploring US National Parks for more than 50 years, placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that support local communities and protect the natural environment.
In six spectacular and well-paced days, you'll explore rugged wilderness trails and learn about the natural, geologic, and human history of Big Bend and the Chihuahua Desert.
Hike with our expert guides, who bring the wonder of Big Bend and the Lone Star State to life, and rest in comfort at superior-quality accommodations-each with a pool.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Levi W.
Levi grew up in rural Kansas. From flowing fields of wheat to the flowing rivers of the Southwest, Levi has always had a passion for the natural world. He’s been guiding since 2016, running rivers in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Mexico, and hiking adventures in Texas and Utah. He enjoys opening the door to new experiences for guests. As the son of a writer, he has inherited a passion for bringing a unique perspective to sharing his insights and stories in nature.
Brendan T.
Brendan Tomb grew up inside Adirondack Park as one of a set of triplets, collectively referred to as the “Boyz” by their mother. Spending their childhood in the first Forever Wild Forest Preserve in the country, the “Boyz” were introduced at an early age to the wonders of hiking, rafting, and Nordic and alpine skiing. Brendan then set out on his own path, competing on the Rugby team while attending Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Today you can find him sharing his passion for the outdoors—teaching snow sports in the winter, leading National Park hikes in the spring and fall, and guiding our rafting trips each summer. Brendan is dedicated to sharing his enthusiasm for nature and adventure with others, making each season an opportunity to explore and appreciate the wonders of the outdoors.
James M.
Born in Glens Falls, James grew up spending time in nearby Adirondack State Park. He came to outdoor adventure as a second career after 10 years in retail, starting off guiding white water rafting trips and branching out to lead hiking, kayaking, SUP and mountain biking adventures. Eventually he moved into management, spending 15 years running a white water rafting company in upstate New York. He is passionate about travel and outdoor adventure and exploring different cultures, having adventured throughout the US and lived, hiked, mountain biked, and rafted abroad.
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[ActivityHighlight] => Daily 4- to 8-hour hikes up to 10.5-miles on steep, uneven terrain with some moderate exposure to heights. Hikes will often be broken up across multiple different trails with rest breaks. The hike to the top of Emory Peak involves a strenuous climb of about 2,500 feet along a dirt and rock trail. The last 25 feet to the summit is optional and requires climbing solid rock without a rope, handrails, or other artificial handholds.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Daily 4- to 8-hour hikes up to 10.5-miles on steep, uneven terrain with some moderate exposure to heights. Hikes will often be broken up across multiple different trails with rest breaks. The hike to the top of Emory Peak involves a strenuous climb of about 2,500 feet along a dirt and rock trail. The last 25 feet to the summit is optional and requires climbing solid rock without a rope, handrails, or other artificial handholds. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
2-3 hours/5 miles hiking with 750' elevation gain/loss
Day 2
6-8 hours/ 5-6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain
Day 3
6-8 hours/ 10 miles hiking with 2,440' elevation gain
Day 4
6-8 hours/ up to 4-5 miles total hiking throughout the day with 750' elevation gain
Day 5
2-3 hours/up to 3 miles hiking with up to 500' elevation gain
Accommodations
Modern and relaxed three-star properties in five-star settings.
Hotel Saint George is located in the heart of downtown Marfa and features repurposed materials from the original Hotel Saint George built in 1886, melded with world-class contemporary art by local artists. The hotel's thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites have high ceilings, spacious modern bathrooms, and hand-crafted furnishings. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, access to a nearby fitness center, a full-service bar, and the onsite restaurant Laventure which features wood-fired pizzas.
Located in Terlingua, each casita (Spanish for "little house") offers 400 square feet of indoor space complete with full bath, two queen beds, kitchenette (with refrigerator, microwave, toaster and coffee maker) 32" flat screen satellite TV, maid service and free wifi. A porch to kick back and relax on after a full day of adventure and a courtyard with picnic tables and a barbecue pit. All casitas are non-smoking.
Weather
Come prepared for a variety of conditions with lows below freezing and highs into the 80s.
Feb
Sep
Oct
Dec
Big Bend National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Big Bend National Park
64
43
79
61
75
55
60
40
Midland-Odessa
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Midland-Odessa
63
34
87
62
78
52
59
32
FAQs
How should I train for my Texas National Park adventure?
The best training is hiking. Work up to hiking similar distances with your daypack loaded with the same weight and items you will be carrying on our day hikes.
Is there wildlife in Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and is home to a diverse array of wildlife species. The park's most notable mammals include the black bear, mountain lion, javelina, coyote, and gray fox. There are also numerous species of reptiles and amphibians, including the western diamondback rattlesnake and the Texas horned lizard. The park is a prime destination for birdwatchers, with over 450 species of birds documented within the park's boundaries. Additionally, the Rio Grande River provides habitat for a variety of aquatic species, including several species of fish and turtles. Overall, Big Bend National Park's unique location and diverse habitats make it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and biologists alike.
When is the best time to go on this trip?
The climate is classified as sub-tropical desert and the most pleasant times of year are fall, winter, and early spring.
Who is this trip perfect for?
This adventure is perfect for anyone who enjoys an active vacation focused on hiking in stunning landscapes, geology buffs, photography enthusiasts, and those who love history and the Old West!
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
Are there any group savings?
Yes, we offer two ways to enjoy group savings on many adventures in North America, including this one. Either bring a group of 10 and receive 10% off per person or opt for an eleventh person to go for free! Call our expert Trip Consultants on 800-974-0300 to discuss group savings options.
"MT Sobek took care of everything for our extended family vacation. Not a hiccup in the planning, the itinerary, the lodging or the guide. Everything in life should be so easy."
Kathy J. MT Sobek Guest
"Traveling with MT Sobek is like gaining a new set of close friends that have shared an incredible experience together."
