5-Nights Texas Big Bend National Park Hiking from $3,895

MT Sobek: Texas Big Bend National Park Hiking

Day 1 Hike Fort Davis National Historic Site & Explore Alpine
3.5-hour private van transfer
2 hours/3-4.5 miles hiking with 320' elevation gain and loss
Welcome to Texas! Are you ready for the ultimate Big Bend experience? Your adventure begins in El Paso on the furthest western border of the state. Your guides will pick you and your fellow adventurers up this morning from your pre-trip hotel. After an orientation meeting, drive into the Chihuahuan Desert for the day's first hike. Fort Davis is one of the best-preserved frontier forts in the Southwest. Strategically located in a stunning box canyon, it protected travelers headed for the wild west during the 1800s. Hear captivating stories of Buffalo Soldiers and frontier conflicts with the Apache and Comanche as you follow trails to sweeping views over the fort and the Davis Mountains. Continuing to the small town of Alpine, you'll have time for a street art stroll or to simply relax at the historic Holland Hotel before gathering for dinner.
Accommodation: Holland Hotel
(L, D)

Day 2 Visit Boquillas del Carmen in Mexico & Hike to Hot Springs
3.75-hour private van transfer
4 hours/5 miles hiking with up to 200' elevation gain and loss
Trace the historic route of the Commanche War Trail southward as you enter the vast expanse of Big Bend National Park through Persimmon Gap, a strategic break in the surrounding Santiago Mountains. Discover 120 million years of the park's rich paleontological history at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit and then get a grand overview of everything the park has to offer at the Panther Junction Visitor Center. Afterward, head eastward through the park to the banks of the Rio Grande where you'll cross the river to Mexico by rowboat before hiking the trail to Boquillas del Carmen, a charming Mexican village known for its delicious food. Enjoy traditional Mexican dishes over lunch and check out the street vendors in this scenic location in the towering Sierra del Carmen mountains. Explore the village's inviting main street, small shops, and friendly people who are happy to share their traditions with you. Crossing back into the US, take a lesser-known hike along Tornillo Creek to reach thermal springs on the banks of the Rio Grande where you can enjoy a soothing soak, water levels permitting. After all these adventures, head for Terlingua Ghost Town where you'll stay in a restored mansion, once the stately home of the local mining magnate. The day ends at the famed Starlight Theatre with a great mix of Texas and Mexican cuisine.
Accommodation: Big Bend Holiday Hotel
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Hike on the Epic South Rim Trail in the Chisos Mountains
1 hour 40 minutes private van transfer
7-8 hours/12 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain and loss (alternate hikes are possible)
Today you'll climb into the Chisos Mountains and walk along one of the most breathtaking hikes in the state, the South Rim Trail. Rising majestically from the desert floor, the Chisos form an isolated "sky island" surrounded by sand—a unique contained ecosystem. This hike offers countless opportunities to observe the dramatic shift between desert scrub and alpine forest, along with spectacular volcanic geology. The views are phenomenal, stretching as far as the Sierra del Carmen Mountains of Mexico on a clear day. The ridges and folds of the Chisos fan out before you and the Chihuahuan Desert sprawls thousands of feet below. Today's route includes miles of trail on the South Rim itself, an unforgettable experience! Return to Terlingua to dine and then relax at the Perry Mansion. You are within the world's largest certified Dark Sky Place, Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, an ideal spot for stargazing.
Accommodation: Big Bend Holiday Hotel
(B, L, D)

Day 4 Explore Window, Oak Spring & Santa Elena Canyon Trails
2 hour 45 minute private van transfer round trip
7-8 hours/9 miles hiking with 740' elevation gain and 2,100' elevation loss(alternate hikes are possible)
Hike three classic trails exploring Big Bend's mountain, desert, and river ecosystems. Begin on the iconic Window Trail, follow a dirt path through cactus and chaparral across the Chisos Mountains Basin, descending into a steep river canyon that leads to the pouroff and rock "window" framing an impressive view of the basin. Then switch over to the lesser-known Oak Spring Trail for a picturesque hike out of the basin and into the desert. Stop for lunch in a shady oasis before completing the desert trail. Take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the trailhead for Santa Elena Canyon and hike between sheer limestone cliffs towering 1,500 feet above the Rio Grande and this awe-inspiring signature trail. After soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this spectacular canyon, return to Terlingua for dinner at a local favorite and perhaps some more stargazing.

(B, L, D)

Day 5 Hike the Mesa de Angulia & Admire Rock Art at Indian Head
1-hour private van transfer
5 hours/7 miles hiking with up to up to 650' elevation gain
The Mesa de Anguila Trail is seldom explored by visitors to Big Bend National Park due to its remote location. The mesa sits high atop Santa Elena Canyon and marks the western border of the park. Today's spectacular hike goes from desert floor to scenic overlook, providing fantastic views of the bends of the Rio Grande and serving as a brilliant reminder of how the park got its name. Return to Terlingua for a delightful picnic lunch, then head out for one final hidden gem in Big Bend National Park, exploring the secrets of Indian Head Mountain. This less travelled trail takes you through the stark desert to ancient petroglyphs, pictographs, and other remnants of Big Bend's early inhabitants, hidden amid the mountain's striking volcanic formations. Returning to Terlingua afterward, there should be ample time to explore the Ghost Town before gathering for a farewell dinner at the iconic Starlight Theatre.

(B, L, D)

Day 6 Visit the Museum of the Big Bend, Discover Modern Art in Marfa & Depart
5-hour private van transfer
3 hours/4.5 miles hiking/walking with up to up to 300' elevation gain and loss
Saying so long to the Big Bend, travel the Texas Mountain Trail back to Alpine where a visit to the award-winning Museum of the Big Bend provides further insights into the incredible region you have just experienced. Afterward, the ascent of Hancock Hill offers one final taste of Big Bend's many incredible trails, a hike with a unique story along with terrific views of Alpine and the surrounding mountains. Following a scrumptious lunch at a local Alpine favorite, head for the town of Marfa, a place like no other. Marvel at the unlikely mix of modern art and Texan ranching culture in the middle of the desert, sparked by the creative genius of minimalist artist Donald Judd. You will have the chance to see Judd's geometric works at the Chinati Foundation, and if time allows, explore more of this remarkable spot. Finally, it's time to head back to El Paso as your epic West Texas adventure comes to a close.

(B, L)