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Texas

Hiking in the Unspoiled Beauty of Big Bend

Program No. 11958RJ

From desert vegetation to the lush floodplains of the Rio Grande, from dinosaur fossils to Native American pictographs, come hike and learn the story of Big Bend, in Texas.

Wishlist

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

6 days

Program Begins

Big Bend Country

Program Concludes

Big Bend Country

Group Type

Micro Group

Meals

14 ( 5B, 4L, 5D )

Activity Level

Hike your way through Big Bend National Park, one of the most remote, wildly beautiful and peaceful places in America. Geological history spanning millions of years and a discussion of the “brief” era of the dinosaurs in Texas will add to the appreciation and mystique of what the early Spanish explorers called “El Despoblado” — the empty land.

Best of all, you'll...

Learn about the community, culture and industries that have shaped the diverse west Texas town of Marathon, Texas.
Hike through three ecosystems, from mountain peaks to desert springs and river trails.
See Native American rock art and soak in the Hot Springs after a 6-mile hike along the Texas Rio Grande.

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General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices will be unavailable.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Tara Shackelford

Tara Shackelford’s love for adventure and family roots in the desert of West Texas prompted her to share her passion for community, adventure, and conservation with the world through her company, Hidden Dagger Adventures. She has worked for various companies in the outdoor field, including Outward Bound California, and is thrilled to be back in her home state of Texas to deliver top notch trips.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

Tara Shackelford

Joe Lorenz

Joe Lorenz hails from northern Wisconsin. He attended St. Norbert college, graduating in 2015 in biology. After working a year at the University of Colorado-Boulder, he completed a Master of Science in Molecular Biology at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He completed wilderness medicine training through NOLS in Lander, Wyoming, earning his EMT license, which led him to Terlingua, Texas, working as an EMT and river guide. Since then, he has worked as a football coach, substitute teacher, wildland firefighter, and in safety management.

Sandy Devers

Sandy Devers hails from Scotland and has always loved the great outdoors. He enjoyed a successful career in social services, including working in regulation of services, as well as policy and planning with the Scottish government. He served as CEO of a nonprofit organization which supports people with disabilities. This role included overall responsibility for health and safety in the workplace. In 2022, he cycled coast-to-coast across the U.S., experiencing the best of Far West Texas along the way. Sandy is also a bagpiper.

Mady Kitchens

Mady Kitchens is a wildlife and botany specialist with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and a master’s degree in conservation. Her work focuses on the unique ecosystems of West Texas, particularly within Big Bend National Park. With family roots that trace back to the park itself—where her grandmother grew up with Santa Elena Canyon as her backyard—Mady brings a deep, personal passion to sharing the region’s diverse flora and fauna and her family history.

Activity Level

Varies by Date

Challenging – Hiking 3-12 miles daily over varied terrain. Outdoor: Spirited – Hiking up to six miles daily over varied terrain. Elevations up to 6,850 feet.

Micro Group (12 Max)

These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.

Suggested Books and Resources

View Full List

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.