Texas Big Bend National Park Hiking Tour
Summit a Sky Island & Explore Canyons of the Rio Grande
- Available: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
-
Group Size:
4-12 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Hike into the Rio Grande's beautiful Santa Elena Canyon
- Summit Emory Peak the highest point in the Chisos Mountains
- Cross the Rio Grande to visit the village of Boquillas del Carmen in Mexico, then hike to hot springs
Itinerary
Fossil Bone Discovery & the Lost Mine 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 adventures 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 cultural and natural history. After fueling up, enter the Chisos Mountains for the first time on the Lost Mine Trail. This challenging 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. The trail is well-marked and maintained, at the end of the trail you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape. 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/4 miles hiking with 1,100' elevation gain
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, we will 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
Visit Boquillas del Carmen Mexico & Hike to Hot Springs by the Rio Grande
Day 4
Boquillas del Carmen is a charming Mexican village, located just across the Rio Grande River from Big Bend National Park and surrounded by mountains. Cross the river in a small row boat, take a short hike, and enjoy a unique and rewarding village experience. Explore the village's narrow streets, visit its small shops, and interact with the friendly residents who are happy to share their customs and traditions. 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. After crossing back into the United States, burn those calories with a 6-mile hike along the river to hot springs or if water levels permit you may explore the Boquillas Canyon trail. Upon returning return to Terlingua, TX you will have the option to dine on your own this evening.
Accommodation: Big Bend Casitas
Activity: 6-8 hours/ up to 7-miles total hiking throughout the day with 750' elevation gain
Transportation: 2 hour private van transfer round trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover Big Bend State Park & the Marfa Art Scene
Day 5
In Big Bend State Park hike among hoodoos and balanced rocks. The trail takes you through narrow canyons, over rocky ridges, and past towering spires of rock that have been carved by wind and water over millions of years. Hoodoos are tall and thin spires of rock, creating a surreal landscape that is unlike any other. In the late afternoon arrive at Marfa, TX a small desert town that has become a cultural hub for artists, musicians, and creatives from around the world. 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. Visitors can explore the town's many art galleries and studios, visit the famous Marfa Lights viewing station, or simply soak up the laid-back desert vibe. With a thriving arts scene, delicious local cuisine, and a stunning natural landscape, Marfa is perfect place to celebrate your accomplishments 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.
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $3,495 price per person dbl occ+$780 single supplementAvailable
- $3,495 price per person dbl occ+$780 single supplementAvailable
- $3,495 price per person dbl occ+$780 single supplementAvailable
- $3,495 price per person dbl occ+$780 single supplementAvailable
- $3,495 price per person dbl occ+$780 single supplementAvailable
- $3,495 price per person dbl occ+$780 single supplementAvailable
- $3,495 price per person dbl occ+$780 single supplementAvailable
- $3,495 price per person dbl occ+$780 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2024 Pricing
2 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $4,995 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $4,495 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $4,295 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $3,895 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $3,795 per person double occupancy
8 guests from $3,595 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
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.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.

Joel Clark
Never without his old battered hat, given to him by his grandfather, Joel Clark has an addiction to the wide open spaces of the West. He has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and charted his own cross-country trek across the Mojave Desert totaling some 8,000 miles. Joel is an experienced guide, leading adventure tours and horse riding expeditions through the canyon lands of Southern Utah for nearly 10 years. When he gets out his guitar around the campfire, bring a handkerchief because you're going to hear some soulful old cowboy songs.
Brad Indy Holmes
Growing up in the Adirondack region of upstate New York, Indy was embedded with the love of the outdoors and desire for exploration. Now married for over 30 years with two adult children out doing their own thing for nearly 5 years, he decided to change life plans and travel the country to look, learn, explore, and enjoy life on a new level. And level up he did! Indy has been able to hike all over the US including tackling the Appalachian Trail, take on class 5 whitewater rapids, and throws in marathons when he's able to. So far, he's completed marathons in 30 different states. Even with all these adventures, his desire to explore and journey to new places is continuously growing. Adding guests to his ventures only heightens the travel experience where he can share in his knowledge and love of the outdoors.
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/4 miles hiking with 1,100' elevation gain
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 7-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.
Weather
At 7825-feet elevation, Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains is significantly cooler than areas of the park closer to the Rio Grande at 1,844-feet elevation. Come prepared for a wide variety of conditions with lows possibly below freezing in the Chisos Mountains. Highs can reach into the 80°Fs near our river corridor lodging.
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!
Similar Trips to Texas Big Bend National Park Hiking Adventure Tour
Inspiration to Explore
Guest Reviews
"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."
Mark N.
MT Sobek Guest