Big Bend National Park: A One-Day Guided Adventure

Your Big Bend Adventure Begins!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the natural wonders of Big Bend National Park! Your adventure begins with a scenic drive, where the rugged desert landscapes and towering mountains set the stage for a day of exploration and discovery.

Santa Elena Canyon

Our first stop is the breathtaking Santa Elena Canyon, one of the park's most iconic landmarks. Here, the Rio Grande has carved a majestic gorge with towering limestone walls that rise up to 1,500 feet. We'll take a short hike along the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which leads us to the river's edge and offers stunning views of the canyon's interior. This easy trail provides ample opportunities for photography and immersion in the serene beauty of the area.

Chisos Mountains Basin and Lunch at Chisos Mountain Lodge

Next, we'll journey to the heart of the park—the Chisos Mountains Basin. Surrounded by soaring peaks, the basin offers cooler temperatures and lush greenery, a stark contrast to the desert below. We'll enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Chisos Mountain Lodge, the park's only lodging facility, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Savor a delicious meal while soaking in the tranquil ambiance of this mountain oasis.

Window View Trail

After lunch, we'll embark on the Window View Trail, an easy and accessible hike (.3 miles). This short loop trail offers spectacular vistas of the "Window," a unique V-shaped notch in the mountains that frames the desert landscape beyond. It's a perfect spot to witness the interplay of light and shadow, especially in the late afternoon. Benches along the path provide spots to rest and take in the scenery, making it a favorite among visitors.

Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

Throughout the day, we'll make stops at various scenic viewpoints to capture the diverse beauty of Big Bend National Park. From panoramic overlooks to intimate glimpses of the park's flora and fauna, each stop offers a unique perspective and photo opportunity.

This carefully curated tour combines gentle hikes, stunning landscapes, and comfortable amenities, ensuring a memorable experience in one of Texas's most remarkable natural settings.

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Additional information

Departure – Parking Area Across the street from the V6 Coffee Shop

Meet directly across the street from the V6 Coffee Shop at 8:00 AM for check-in. We will depart promptly at 8:30 AM, so arrive on time and ready for an exciting day of exploration!

Stop 1 – Panther Junction Visitor Center

After a scenic one-hour and fifteen-minute drive along Highway 385, we'll arrive at Panther Junction Visitor Center, the central hub of Big Bend National Park. Here, you'll have the opportunity to pick up maps, browse souvenirs, learn about the park's geology and wildlife, and take a short break before heading deeper into the park.

Stop 2 – Santa Elena Canyon

Next, we'll travel to the breathtaking Santa Elena Canyon, one of the most iconic sights in Big Bend National Park. Towering limestone walls carved by the Rio Grande rise to 1,500 feet, creating a stunning backdrop. We'll hike along the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which leads to the river's edge and offers unforgettable canyon views. Don't forget your camera—this is a must-see photo opportunity!

Stop 3 – Chisos Mountain Basin

From the desert floor, we'll ascend to the Chisos Mountains Basin, an alpine haven surrounded by rugged peaks. This area provides a striking contrast to the arid landscapes of the park, offering cooler temperatures and lush vegetation. We'll stop for lunch at the Chisos Mountain Lodge, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. If time permits, you may also take a short, easy walk along the Window View Trail, which offers spectacular vistas of the "Window", a "unique" natural opening in the Chisos Mountains.

Return to Marathon

After a full day of exploration, we'll begin our scenic journey back to Marathon, making stops along the way for photo opportunities at some of Big Bend's most spectacular viewpoints. We anticipate returning to Marathon late afternoon, completing an unforgettable adventure through one of Texas's most beautiful landscapes.

This itinerary offers the perfect mix of sightseeing, hiking, and relaxation, making for an enjoyable and memorable experience in Big Bend National Park! It is an approximately 8-hour adventure tour.