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At-A-Glance

Trip Dates:

September 23, 2012 through September 29, 2012

September 23-29, 2012

Only 8 spots remain on this Texas adventure!

Big Bend is known for its hauntingly beautiful landscapes and intriguing wildlife. Big Bend National Park is one of the largest, yet least visited, of America’s national parks. Each day of this alluring tour focuses on different aspects of the region: geology, natural history, and cultural history. Walk along breathtaking trails in a landscape of massive canyons, desert expanses, and the Chisos Mountains. Explore one of the wildest corners of America—with all its unforgettable sights and solitude.

For details about this trip, download the brochure (pdf)

Tour Highlights

Wildlife & Bird Watching

Pronghorn, deer, javelina, lizards, and mountain sheep are often seen in Big Bend. Other wildlife, like mountain lion, are much more elusive. A wide variety of birds stop at the Rio Grande on their southern migration each autumn. Talk with a wildlife biologist to learn how the park manages the wildlife.

Walking & Hiking

Skirt canyon walls, stroll sandy washes, walk cottonwood-lined riverbanks, hike mountain trails.

Historical Exploration

Discover the rich history and cultural diversity of the area. From Apaches and Mexicans to soldiers and pioneers, many have called this harsh region home.

Night Sky Watching

Venture into the desert at night to star gaze and listen for howling coyotes.

Tour Details

Arrive/Depart

El Paso, Texas

Length of Tour

7 days/6 nights

Pace

Easy to moderately active, offering a choice of activities each day to suit different activity levels and interests. Be prepared for a variety of hikes and walks on uneven trails.

Price Includes

All accommodations, meals as noted (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner), ground transportation, entrance fees, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.

Price Does Not Include

Roundtrip airfare to and from destination, gratuities for naturalist guides, alcoholic beverages, or personal expenses.

Payments/Cancellations

Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 90 days prior receive a refund, less the $250 per person handling fee. Cancellations 90-61 days prior to departure, 25% of the tour cost is forfeited; 60-31 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour cost is forfeited; 30 days or fewer prior to departure result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.

Travel Insurance

To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. If you need assistance, NPCA recommends contacting Travel Insurance Services.

Daily Itinerary

September 23: Arrival in El Paso, Texas

The adventure begins with a drive through the wide-open cattle country of West Texas, stopping to explore wetland areas along the Rio Grande River and look for birds. Along the way, amazing geologic story of the Big Bend ecosystem begins to unfold with the help of your knowledgeable naturalist guides. Hotel Limpia (D)

September 24: Fort Davis National Historic Site & Big Bend National Park

This morning visit the Fort Davis National Historic Site, a restored cavalry post where African-American soldiers were stationed. Named “Buffalo Soldiers” by the Cheyenne and Comanche Indians, the soldiers played a critical role in western history, and constituted nearly 20 percent of all cavalry forces on the American Frontier. This afternoon, travel through Persimmon Gap into the hauntingly beautiful Big Bend National Park, with its rugged mountains, deep river canyons, and stretching desert vista. It’s hard to find a quieter place on the planet. Stop at the Panther Junction Visitor Center for an overview, then settle into your accommodations in the heart of the park. Chisos Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

September 25: Big Bend National Park

Venture out to Big Bend’s legendary Rio Grande Village area this morning to walk amid the huge cottonwood trees lining the river corridor. The group has a chance to meet with the park superintendent today to talk about the issues facing Big Bend National Park. A nice picnic lunch and little siesta in a shaded campground refreshes your senses for a visit to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Boquillas Canyon. Chisos Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

September 26: Big Bend National Park

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your morning walk in the Chisos Basin. The Chisos Mountains are an “island” mountain range, rising above the landscape. Extensive shrubs at these higher elevations shelter Sierra del Carmen white-tailed deer, as well as mountain lions and bobcats. Watch for other wildlife uniquely adapted to the region, including mule deer, coyotes, javelina, Big Bend geckos, and Texas horned lizards. Tonight stroll out into the desert to star gaze and listen for coyotes and common poorwills. Chisos Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

September 27: Big Bend National Park

A variety of experiences await today, beginning with a walk along the massive walls of Santa Elena Canyon, a magnificent limestone gorge carved by the Rio Grande. The afternoon features an easy, very interesting hike to the Burro Mesa Pouroff, where the trail winds through a sandy area then follows a dry streambed to the base of a cliff. The stream has carved a smooth channel in the cliff face, exposing colorful strata of rock. For a special treat this evening, dinner is at the Starlight Theatre, a lively restaurant and bar at the edge of the park. Enjoy the subtle desert colors on the way back to the hotel at dusk. Chisos Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

September 28: Big Bend National Park to Marfa, Texas

A final early morning walk in the Chisos Basin sets the panoramic views of the Chihuahuan Desert into your memory. Bidding adios to Big Bend, make the short drive to your historic hotel in Marfa. The afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or explore the many galleries in this fun little art community. Tonight, celebrate the trip with a festive farewell dinner. Hotel Paisano (B,L,D)

September 29: Departure from El Paso, Texas

After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way back to El Paso for afternoon connections. (B)

Note: The itinerary for the days in the park may vary based on weather conditions and wildlife behavior.

Pricing Details

NPCA Member Price From

$2,595 - $2,895* per person double occupancy; $560 single supplement.

* Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Deposit

$500 per person

Map

Alternate Departures

Unable to join us for this trip? NPCA’s travel partner, Off the Beaten Path, is offering additional naturalist led journeys to Big Bend National Park this spring and fall. Schedule of alternate departures:

• April 1-7, 2012
• September 30-October 6, 2012

Off the Beaten Path shares NPCA’s love of national parks and our philosophy of engaged, small group travel. For more information on these alternate departure dates, please contact Off the Beaten Path directly at 800-445-2995.

Travel Partner

Off the Beaten Path

Lodging Info

Hotel Limpia

Chisos Mountain Lodge

Hotel Paisano

Booking Info

To contact NPCA's ParkScapes program for questions or reservations please call 800-628-7275 or email travel@npca.org. You may also book directly online.

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