Big Bend National Park abounds with outstanding hiking opportunities for the intrepid spirit. Join ardent hikers on exciting treks up to 10 miles a day across open desert and up mountain trails with elevation gains of more than 2,400 feet. Venture almost 8,000 feet above sea level to Emery Peak -- summit of the Chisos Mountains -- to absorb panoramic vistas stretching out nearly 75 miles. As you hike to locations such as Mesa de Anguila -- one of the park’s least-visited areas -- enjoy discussions covering millions of years of geology. Called “El Desolado,” or the empty land, by early Spanish explorers, take a closer look at the edible plants that nurtured civilization for thousands of years and examine the “brief” era of the dinosaurs.

Rigorous, demanding hiking 8-10 miles; 6-8 hours daily. Generally rocky and uneven terrain ranging from desert floor to mountain trails to scaling large boulders. Elevation gains more than 2,400 feet. Full days with a field lunch are often spent away from the accommodations. For a less-demanding experience hiking Big Bend, see program #11958, “Hiking in the Unspoiled Beauty of Big Bend.”

Program in association with Far Flung Outdoor Center.

Big Bend National Park

Bordering the Rio Grande, Big Bend is one of the largest and least visited national parks. Its dramatic canyons, desert expanses and Chisos Mountain range are home to exceptionally diverse plant and animal life. Big Bend offers a unique opportunity to experience an ancient and austere landscape in relative solitude.