Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and natural treasures of West Texas. Launch your adventure in El Paso. Here, experts lead explorations of the historic El Paso Mission Trail to the 17th-century Spanish missions of Ysleta, Socorro and San Elizario. Continuing to Fort Davis, turn your attention to the heavens to study the night skies and solar flares with astronomers at the University of Texas at Austin’s McDonald Observatory. At the Fort Davis National Historic Site, trace the history of Buffalo Soldiers, American Indians and life at the fort for the families of the guardians of the Butterfield Overland Mail route and San Antonio-El Paso Road. Near the Rio Grande, delve into the mining history of Terlingua and Lajitas as you explore the ghost towns and graveyards in these remote desert communities. On narrated hikes, keep your eyes peeled for the hundreds of species of flora and fauna that make their home in Big Bend National Park.

Participants hike up to one mile at a moderate pace over uneven terrain. Elevations rise to 7,000 feet. Participants must be able to easily climb stairs and step on and off coaches and vans without assistance.

Program in association with Davis Mountain Education Center.

Itinerary

Arrival El Paso, Texas, 1 night; coach to Fort Davis, 2 nights; coach to Lajitas, 2 nights; coach to Fort Davis, 1 night; coach to El Paso, departure.

Fort Davis

Established as a major station on the Overland Route, the west Texas town of Fort Davis is situated amid the beautiful Davis Mountains. Home to numerous outdoor recreational and conservation parks, Fort Davis' clear skies attract stargazers, while abundant wildlife draws birders and nature lovers.