General Information

    Where the heck is the Big Bend? It's in the Far West of Texas, in that big bend of the Rio Grande that is the border with Mexico. It's the northernmost extension of the Chihuahuan Desert, and a long way from what most folks consider "civilization". In fact the early Spanish called the whole area, "El Despoblado", The Uninhabited Land. It has long provoked intense reaction, from disdain and contempt, to satisfaction as that of a chosen land in the quest of riches, be it of the spirit or of the wallet. Whatever the reason, one thing is for certain, that it can't easily be dismissed or forgotten.
    And just how did we come to pick a place so "similar" to Alaska? Well, we spent a considerable number of years looking, defining and redefining  criteria. It had to be wild, unique, untrammeled, and far enough from inexorable development pressures to remain so for at least a lifetime. In other words a lot like Alaska, but warmer. After initial delight and repeated visits trying to conjure skepticism, we happened on a delightful patch and committed. Not a small part too, was and is the depth of soul and friendliness of its people. Again, not unlike the North, many have made a conscious decision to be here, and that can make all the difference. We think you'll be quite surprised too by the sophistication of the arts scene in many of the nearby communities. This is decidedly not the Texas of Volkswagen-sized belt buckles and bluster that comes to mind for most folks.
    It is all though, most predominately a desert world. Surprising to most, is the variety of landscapes. There's many a Texan that doesn't realize that the state has magnificently rugged mountains, some forested and green, and others starkly bare in open testament to their geologically tortured past. It is such a complex story, that geologists still argue over basic features. The Wild and Scenic stretch of the Rio Grande River boasts numerous canyons, some over 1500 feet deep! In short, there's far more to this region than many would guess before an encounter. What it does mean too, is that there are considerations of latitude and precipitation that do dictate much of life. That is why our window of offering trips is primarily the months of October and November in consideration of both temperatures and precipitation (--yes, there is a summer "rainy" season). Winters are infinitely drier, though as in any desert, the temperature swings are dramatic. October and November temperatures can range from the thirties at night to the "full" nineties during the day, sometimes both in the same. Also, winter is the time when some of the less welcomed (for some) desert denizens make themselves scarce --snakes, tarantulas, etc. What is a near constant, is an open sky that dominates both day and night. Views are fantastic and so are the conditions to appreciate them. Sunsets have seldom known equal.
        Our base in Terlingua is located, as is our custom, at the very end of the road. Properly unique, our compound is quite comfortable and affords views like no other (nearby are located a variety of other lodging options too). After making their way here (see Travel Considerations), guests have a secluded spot from which to make the day trips and excursions that comprise their itinerary. Perambulations are certainly the preferred method of discovery,  and so walks of varying types are the basis for much of what we proffer, be it short jaunts or backcountry odysseys. The Rio Grande too offers delightful options, from multi-day wilderness raft trips to shorter floats via the intriguingly personal "packraft". In short, the goal in visiting is to spend a goodly bit of it outside, by whatever means. Itineraries will always vary, but each will evolve from discussion, based on desires and previous encounters, with the most rewarding combination that of day trips countered by exploratory overnights elsewhere. Overall trip lengths will of course vary depending on itinerary choices, with five days being an absolute minimum, three of which should be devoted to the National Park (see Days 1-3)  for those not having visited previously. Options for considerably longer are numerous and quite varied, with little risk of redundant overlap. The listed items are but a starting point and in planning and discussion with us beforehand, destinations and timing can be easily modified. Pricing will vary depending on activities and the number traveling, ranging from an average base of $245/person/day for day trips, to higher for excursions, specific options and groups smaller than four persons.
    And so, obviously this is a different concept from Alaska. Hopefully from the above though, you should at least have a starting point from which to ask questions. Peruse, and those questions will only lead to others --and maybe the discovery of a whole new, unforgettably  enchanting world . . .