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Why Big Bend?
Why a place so far
removed from our established haunts? Well, it�s an area without equal in the
Lower 48, with surprising parallels with Alaska in remoteness, severity,
uniqueness and beauty. Our base is Terlingua, with the 800,000 acre
National Park 4 miles to the east, and the 300,000 acre Big Bend Ranch
State Park to the west. The National Park ranges from the valley of the
Rio Grande, encompassing almost 200 miles of Wild and Scenic river, to the
nearly 8000 foot Chisos Mountains, with massive canyons, vast desert
expanses and forested mountains in between. The lack of population and
development, means that it is in fact, the darkest night sky region in
the contiguous states. Beyond the obvious wilderness aspects, there are
thoroughly singular cultural ones, from the border influences of Mexico,
to vestiges of the historic struggles of an expanding nation,
to the unique ilk that have chosen the region for soulful reasons. In
short, it�s an area of tremendous diversity and possibility of
exploration, but it is also one that isn�t necessarily of universal
appeal. Like Alaska, it's a long way from anywhere, and you just might
have to come see for yourself why anyone might choose such a . .
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Area
attractions are incredibly numerous and include:
▪ exquisite hiking ▪
canoeing/rafting ▪ ghost towns ▪
museums & galleries ▪ hot springs
▪ historical towns & forts
▪ mining & ranching ruins ▪
McDonald Observatory
▪ Mexico ▪ an atmosphere all its own
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ADVENTURE ALASKA vs.
ADVENTURE BIG BEND --How Different?
First off, the scope. Pooling
mainly from our past northern guests, this is a much smaller
operation, with a few trips in the months of October and November
consisting of two to six persons, guided primarily by ourselves
(�the Barb and Todd show!). "Itineraries" consist of a number of
activities/destinations, chosen from an a la carte selection of
interests, discussed and decided in advance. Guests make their way
to the area, where we base from our �compound� in Terlingua.
Day trip options from here are
quite varied, with some overnights elsewhere advisable to �lessen
the hasten� and gain a wider appreciation. Being feet-based sorts, some level of hiking should be
a significant component of most folk�s trips, be it leisurely
strolls or mountain hikes, with star-filled overnight camps always
an option. Interspersed with whatever emphasis desired, would be day
jaunts and/or overnights by vehicle to various attractions. These
day destinations and activities, as well as two and three night
�mini itineraries� are detailed on the various links by location, to
help narrow your choices. Thus your trip is customizable, but
ultimately a predictable itinerary from which we all would work.
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As always, any itineraries are all-inclusive
of meals, lodging, equipment, guiding and transportation.
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Day 1 - Cerro Castolon/St. Elena Canyon
Day 2 - Rio Grande/Hot
Springs/Boquillas
Day 3 - Chisos Mountain
Basin
BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK
AREA HIKES (just out
the door!)
Humate Hills
Long Draw Canyon
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CULTURAL EXCURSIONS
2- Day
DESERT MOUNTAIN LOOP
Marathon-Alpine-Fort Davis:
museums,
fort, Desert Institute
3-Day
Mountain Loop Extended
As above-Marfa-Presidio:
Marfa
Lights, River Road, old fort
2-Day TWO COUNTRY
RIVER TRAIL
Presidio-Chinati Hot Spgs-Ojinaga,
Mex:
River Rd., hot spg,
2-Day
CAVALRY, SUMMITS, STARS
Alpine-Fort Davis-McDonald
Obs:
museum, fort, stars
3-Day HILLS, HISTORY & ANCIENT WATER
Marfa-Fort Davis-Balmorhea-Alpine-Marathon:
River Rd,
ghost town,
Marfa Lights, historic fort, natural spg pool, museums
1-Day
A BORDER, BOTH SIDES NOW
Presidio-Ojinaga,M:
River Road, slot canyon, old fort,
Mexico
Note: Bold type destination indicate
overnight location
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