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Big Bend Exploring and Hiking
Big Bend National Park
8 Days
From $4450
Primarily Hiking with a Day of Kayaking
Big Bend Exploring and Hiking
Big Bend National Park
8 Days
From $4450
Primarily Hiking with a Day of Kayaking
Trip Overview
The Big Bend region of Texas is untouched, under-touristed, and just a little bit funky. This trip brings you into the heart of the region with hiking in Big Bend State Park and Big Bend National Park, paddling the Rio Grande and a trek up into the Chisos Mountains- a trail that Backpacker Magazines includes in their ‘100 Best Miles of Hiking in the US’. You will experience the eclectic style of West Texas people, nature, and history. This desert that on first glance seems so lifeless is filled with hardy vegetation and a myriad of desert creatures. We think the Big Bend Region is a world set apart and suspect you will too. We agree with the the folks in the Big Bend region- “West Texas is the Best Texas!”
Highlights
- Experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Big Bend National Park on foot
- Paddling along the Rio Grande River and admiring the natural border between Mexico and the United States
- Hiking in the Chisos Mountains along the South Rim Trail
- Star gazing in the desert darkness- Big Bend is part of the International Dark Sky Park
Inclusions
- 1 - 2 experienced AGC guides based on group size
- Seven nights lodging in a historic hotel, casita or similar
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on the last day. We will go out to restaurants for most meals and the guides will prepare the others.
- Round-trip transportation from El Paso to the Park
- Park entry fees
Not included: Travel to and from El Paso, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities and travel insurance
Trip Info
This trip is designed for women who enjoy hiking in the mountains and desert surrounded by breathtaking scenery. We will be hiking 6 - 10 miles a day in hilly terrain with steep ascents and descents, along rocky and uneven terrain. On Day 7 there is a 12.5 miles and 2,657 feet elevation gain/loss trail that makes this qualify as a level 4 trip but otherwise the hikes are level 3. There is a shorter option this day if you are not feeling up to this challenge. Previous hiking experience is extremely useful, as is having a sense of adventure and a good level of physical fitness. A rating of 3 requires aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2-hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is appropriate.
Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5.
This trip combines hiking with an immersion into the uniqueness of this fascinating area - there is no better way to understand the this park than by foot and from a kayak or canoe. Some of the hikes are quite challenging in terms of length and elevation gain, and it is an excellent trip for fit intermediate and experienced hikers who like hikes of intermediate or longer length.
The accommodations will include a historic hotel and a casita (little house in Spanish). The casitas will have a small kitchenette. There is an option at an additional cost to get a single room. You can select this option at registration.
Trip Resources
Itinerary
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Today is arrival day! Fly in by 4:30 PM and meet the group at the trip hotel. Tonight will be an introduction and orientation dinner.
Overnight: Best Western El Paso Airport (D)
Overnight: Best Western El Paso Airport (D)
DAY 2
We will get an early start to the day beginning at our El Paso hotel! You and your guides will gather at the hotel and will begin the journey east with a three-hour drive to Marfa, a former sleepy ranching town that has exploded onto the art scene. Before arriving in Marfa, we will stretch our legs with a short hike around the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. After our hike, we will drive the remaining 30 minutes to Marfa. We'll arrive at the historic Hotel Paisano in time to freshen up before dinner at our hotel. There's an outdoor patio and an indoor fireplace lounge to enjoy! (B, L, D)
Hiking distance and elevation gain/losses: 2.2 mile loop, 335 feet elevation gain/loss
Overnight: Hotel Paisano
Hiking distance and elevation gain/losses: 2.2 mile loop, 335 feet elevation gain/loss
Overnight: Hotel Paisano
DAY 3
Leaving Marfa, we'll depart for Big Bend Ranch State Park. Along the way, we will visit Fort Leaton State Historic Site. Inside the park, we will hike in a canyon and be able to see unique geological features including hoodoos. This remote park has rugged mountains, steep canyons, and amazing views of the vast high desert. After our hikes we will continue to Terlingua Ghost Town, visit the Barton Warnock Visitor Center, and settle into our casitas. (B, L, D)
Hiking distance and elevation gain/losses: You can expect each hike to be about 1.5 miles with 100 ft gain/loss.
Overnight: Far Flung Casitas or similar
DAY 4
After breakfast, we'll take the scenic drive on the Ross Maxwell scenic drive to the Santa Elena Canyon. Once we arrive, we’ll stretch our legs with a short hike to view the Canyon. On our way back, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and stop at our second hike of the day, Mule Ear Trail. After our hike, we’ll admire the views of the scenic drive and return to our cozy casitas for dinner and another night’s rest. (B, L, D)
Hiking distance and elevation gain/losses: Santa Elena Canyon Trail: 1.6 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 80ft Mule Ear Trail: 3.8 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 880ft
Overnight: Far Flung Casitas or similar
Hiking distance and elevation gain/losses: Santa Elena Canyon Trail: 1.6 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 80ft Mule Ear Trail: 3.8 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 880ft
Overnight: Far Flung Casitas or similar
DAY 5
From yesterday's eagle-eye viewpoint we spied the Rio Grande and today we'll be paddling in it! We will have a full day paddle through one of the many amazing canyons in Big Bend National Park, depending on water levels and guide recommendations. We will explore the 2,000-foot cathedral-like walls that create a natural border in the park. This paddle lets us explore the riparian zones of the Rio. Our local outfitter will provide instruction as well as natural history interpretation. We’ll return to Terlingua for dinner. (B, L, D)
Overnight: Far Flung Casitas or similar
Overnight: Far Flung Casitas or similar
DAY 6
Today, our first stop is the National Park Visitor Center at Panther Junction. We’ll continue to Chisos Basin and hike the Window Trail, an out-and-back 5.6-mile route through Oak Creek Canyon. On trail you will have beautiful panoramic desert vista views to enjoy. (B, L, D)
Hiking distance and elevation gain/losses: Window Trail: 5.2 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 948ft
Overnight: Far Flung Casitas or similar
Hiking distance and elevation gain/losses: Window Trail: 5.2 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 948ft
Overnight: Far Flung Casitas or similar
DAY 7
We're saving our most spectacular hikes for last. Today we will have the option to explore the South Rim Trail or the Lost Mine trail. The South Rim Trail is a 12-mile loop hike that rewards us with dramatic vistas of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains of Mexico, the rolling foothills of the Chisos, and the Chihuahuan Desert thousands of feet below. The Lost Mine Trail is 4.8 mile out and back hike that provides an outstanding introduction the flora and fauna of the Chisos Mountains, as well as showing us spectacular vistas of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert and out towards Mexico. Either trail is an excellent choice! Tonight, we will have a final celebratory dinner where we can reminisce on our Big Bend adventure. (B, L, D)
Hiking distance and elevation gain/losses: South Rim Trail: 12.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 2,657ft Lost Mine Trail: 4.8 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,131ft
Overnight: Far Flung Casitas or similar
Hiking distance and elevation gain/losses: South Rim Trail: 12.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 2,657ft Lost Mine Trail: 4.8 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,131ft
Overnight: Far Flung Casitas or similar
DAY 8
The trip may be ending but the journey isn't over! After breakfast we'll load up and drive two hours to Alpine, where we'll stop to stretch our legs before three more hours in the car brings us to El Paso. We’ll have our last lunch together along the way. We will arrive at the airport by 2:00PM and you can plan to fly out after 3:00PM. (B, L)
Reviews
4.6
(63 reviews)
5
(39)
4
(24)
3
(0)
2
(0)
1
(0)
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Margaret P.
5 months ago
Every trip I've done has had an exceptional group of women - and this was no exception. The guides chose wonderful experiences for us, from the restaurants to the cultural oddities of the area. Special in every way.
Maggie C.
5 months ago
Fun people, interesting hiking.
Anne L.
5 months ago
I enjoyed seeing a different part of the country and desert terrain. I learned a lot about the plants and geology of the area.
Catherine R.
5 months ago
The desert hiking was wonderful, and the guides were terrific. A memorable experience altogether!
Mary S.
5 months ago
The guides were very knowledgeable and flexible.
Pam F.
5 months ago
The beauty of Big Bend National Park
Ty H.
8 months ago
Wonderful camaraderie with the group of Aides and guides!
Robin A.
8 months ago
the women that participated!
Elizabeth R.
8 months ago
Great guides, an amaziing national park, and wonderful travelers.
Cynthia M.
8 months ago
Neither of our guides had guided in Big Bend so it was a challenge for them and us with logistics and expectations. It would be helpful if AGC covered a scouting visit for new guides to an area.
Deanne L.
8 months ago
Amazing group of women and stunningly beautiful scenery.
Sharon S.
1 year ago
I have been wanting to hike big bend for several years and finally made it happern
Claudia S.
1 year ago
Location!
Susan R.
1 year ago
Diane F.
1 year ago
The hiking, people and guides were all amazing. I really enjoyed the additional excursions to the fossil exhibit and the many visitor centers.
Andrea S.
1 year ago
Kim H.
1 year ago
The sampler of what Big Bend offers was great. Every hike offered something different and the canoe day was a treat.
Theresa B.
1 year ago
What made this trip special was to me was canoeing on the Rio Grande with new friends.
Sara G.
1 year ago
Loved our guides and the hikes. The meals they made were delicious.
Linda O.
1 year ago
The spectacular scenery and the wonderful group of women I travelled with.
Cheryl B.
1 year ago
diversity of experiences and hikes from desert to mountains to kayaking in river Jen the guide was awesome --- helpful and attentive.
Theresa C.
1 year ago
The guides were awesome, my fellow travelers meshed together very well and the park is beautiful. Only wish the weather wasn’t so foggy and rainy, as I missed out on the dark skies and star gazing!
Martyann G.
1 year ago
Very well organized, Very nice accommodations. Good variety of hikes.
Claire T.
1 year ago
Ellen S.
1 year ago
The beautiful scenery, the lovely ladies, and the two great guides
Lori M.
1 year ago
Great women and guides. Beautiful place
Judy N.
1 year ago
The guides worked very hard to make it all go well. The group of people on this trip were wonderful.
Joyce F.
2 years ago
These AGC trips are always great! Very well planned and organized. FABULOUS guides!!
Peggy R.
2 years ago
Pam M.
2 years ago
It was great being with other women who like to do the same things I do.
Carey J.
2 years ago
I got to experience the desert and came away appreciating the uniqueness of the varying terrain and all that thrive there. I also had the opportunity to kayak for the first time and on the Rio Grande of all places. Wow, how memorable is that!
Robin S.
2 years ago
I got to check off another national park.
Carol B.
2 years ago
I had never visited Big Bend National Park before. Kayaking on the Rio Grande was the highlight of the trip for me.
Michelle M.
2 years ago
Shawn Y.
2 years ago
I loved seeing this remote part o the country. I would not have gone here on my own. What a pleasure to see it with a terrific group of women.
Gail T.
2 years ago
Big Bend is a truly spectacular place. Our guides were competent and caring and as always, getting to know my fellow travelers was a treat. Seeing the Rio Grande from above and then kayaking on it was a lot of fun. Experiencing a totally different landscape than the Midwest made the trip extra special. Things I learned: it is DRY in the high desert, heavy-duty lip balm is a must. There is minimal shade on most trails so a wide-brimmed hat helps with the intense sunshine. Much of the trails have lots of loose rocks on them. Some of the trails involve steep climbs--altitude varies from around 2,000 to 5,500 feet most of the time. Be sure you're in shape!
Danielle D.
2 years ago
met my expectations and then some!
Katharine R.
3 years ago
Fun, easygoing and caring guides! Great hikes, good accommodations overall. Food was great. The people on this trip made it very special.
Anne L.
3 years ago
Seeing a new area of the country. Meeting and hiking with interesting women.
Frances F.
3 years ago
Sharon B.
3 years ago
Seeing a part of the country I knew nothing about
Christine H.
3 years ago
The group wasn't too large and got along well. The guides were flexible and offered alternative hikes when possible.
Anne A.
3 years ago
Great guides, great group of women, beautiful area to explore! This was my first experience on a trip with AGC, and I loved it!!!
Pam F.
3 years ago
Experiencing a beautiful, remote part of the Southwest.
Ursula F.
3 years ago
Fabulous group of women - no exceptions. Great views. Outstanding guides.
Marie C.
3 years ago
We had a very cohesive group of women. I enjoyed all of them. And it was fun to break in a new guide!
Paula L.
3 years ago
The people on the trip, the guides and places it took me
Michelle B.
3 years ago
The guides and my fellow travelers were the absolute best part. As for activities, the hiking in Big Bend NP was spectacular. I also really enjoyed our Casitas in Terlingua.
Barbara C.
3 years ago
Variety in hikes; dark skies; great group of women and guides
Carol B.
3 years ago
Hiking in such an exotic place, wonderful guides and a great group of women participants.
Catherine E.
3 years ago
Perfectly planned itinerary to an unusual destination. I enjoyed every minute!
Colleen B.
3 years ago
The location
Norine M.
3 years ago
The people on the trip.
Neta N.
3 years ago
Enjoyed the guides and all of the other hikers. I think for me, I would have liked to spend more time in the National park and less time in the State park.
Lauretta L.
5 years ago
Each day our guides had a mini meeting with everyone to discuss the day and what was expected for the upcoming hike.
Janice C.
5 years ago
I wanted to walk far and we did!
Deb C.
5 years ago
Since this was a 1st run trip, there were a few hiccups. But I thought our guides worked thru them very well. The town of Terlingua was really fun and unique. I really enjoyed the hike of the Mesa de Anguilla. The kayaking day was my favorite. The river was low, so it was just a float. The views of the canyon walls were just amazing. We had lunch on the bank of the river. It was a humorous and lovely day. There is substantial van time on this trip. This is a big NP and remote. So, it is part of the deal. The road from the Chisos Lodge to Marathon had amazing views of the park and was very enjoyable. Our group was fun. We laughed a lot.
Doris E.
5 years ago
Hiking in extraordinary Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park (especially the South Rim) and kayaking the Rio Grande in Santa Elena Canyon with the usual great group of participants and guides were definitely the highlights, though I didn’t consider it a “true” level 4 trip.
Linda K.
5 years ago
Enjoyed all of the hikes and the kayaking. The lodge and hotel were great. The tipis were interesting; the only downside was the trek to the washroom during the cold and windy nights. The guides were great!
Luann P.
5 years ago
Bernice T.
5 years ago
The activities were terrific, accommodations were 2 out of 3 great, guides were fantastic. I was disappointed that there was not much socializing during our downtimes, and would have preferred less driving. Low light of the trip was the border crossing/hot springs--would have preferred another day of hiking or kayaking
Kathi W.
5 years ago
I loved seeing the variety of the area but I was not expecting so much driving - albeit inevitable!
Karin L.
5 years ago
Worthwhile; varied; good mix of exertion and rest days. Beautiful place. I’m so glad I went. 12 mile hike in Chisos was the BEST. Kayaking in the canyon second.
Dates & Prices
| Departure Date | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
November 07 to November 14, 2025 |
Available |
$4450.00 |
Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
Common Questions
Most meal breakfasts and dinners will be in restaurants where you can order off the menu. Lunches will either be packed lunches (guides will put out lunch fixings in the morning) or picnic style. Some dinners will be prepared by the guides.
We can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-intolerant although we can not guarantee a completely gluten-free diet, if we know well in advance. If you’re severely allergic or if you have other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. If you’re vegan, you may want to bring some additional protein bars.
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
Featured Guide
Alicia resides in Colorado, where she relishes the opportunity to ride her bike every day! She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, trail running, and snowshoeing, often accompanied by her family and dog (who famously proved that she is truly part border collie when she spontaneously herded 100+ head of cattle in Boulder open space). Alicia has a well-rounded adventure background and a great appreciation for the friendships that can be forged among adventurous women, across different backgrounds and different generations. When she is not guiding, Alicia works in academia as a SAS programmer and data analyst.
Featured Guide
Alicia resides in Colorado, where she relishes the opportunity to ride her bike every day! She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, trail running, and snowshoeing, often accompanied by her family and dog (who famously proved that she is truly part border collie when she spontaneously herded 100+ head of cattle in Boulder open space). Alicia has a well-rounded adventure background and a great appreciation for the friendships that can be forged among adventurous women, across different backgrounds and different generations. When she is not guiding, Alicia works in academia as a SAS programmer and data analyst.
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