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.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

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.
Activity Level
Varies by date
Varies by date. Outdoor: Challenging – Hiking 7-12 miles daily over varied terrain. Outdoor: Spirited – Hiking up to six miles daily over varied terrain. Elevations up to 6,850 feet.
Micro Group
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.

What You'll Learn

  • There is more than meets the eye in the small but vibrant town of Marathon, TX. Surrounded by mountains and sitting just above 4000ft, we will get a closer look at the community, culture, and industries which have shaped this diverse west Texas town.
  • Hike through three ecosystems — mountain peaks to desert springs and river trails.
  • See Native American rock art and soak in the Hot Springs after a six-mile hike along the Texas Rio Grande.

General Notes

Listening devices are available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Joe Lorenz
Joe Lorenz View biography
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.
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Meals
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
  • Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 08, 2024
  • Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
  • Nov 24, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
  • Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 06, 2024
  • Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
  • Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025
  • Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
  • Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025
  • Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
  • Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
  • Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
  • Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
  • Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
  • Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request
5 nights
Marathon
Single or double bed Private bathroom Free Wireless Internet Laundromat & Vending Machine Garden Patio & Courtyard Coffee Machine Cooler upon request





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