Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Texas Big Bend National Park Hiking
Day 1 Fossil Bone Discovery & Window Trail Trail, Big Bend National Park
3.5- to 4.5-hour private van transfer
2-3 hours/5 miles hiking with 750' elevation gain/loss
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
(L, D)
Day 2 Narrow Desert Gorges, the Rio Grande & Santa Elena Canyon
2- to 2.5-hour private van transfer round trip
6-8 hours/ 5-6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain
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
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Summit Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains
1- to 1.5-hour private van transfer
6-8 hours/ 10 miles hiking with 2,440' elevation gain
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.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike to Hot Springs by the Rio Grande & Visit Boquillas del Carmen Mexico
2 hour private van transfer round trip
6-8 hours/ up to 4-5 miles total hiking throughout the day with 750' elevation gain
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.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Discover Big Bend State Park & the Marfa Art Scene
2.5 hour private van transfer
2-3 hours/up to 3 miles hiking with up to 500' elevation gain
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 Paisano
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Transfer to Midland-Odessa & Depart
3.5-hour private van transfer
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Paisano
(B)
