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.
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals (
5B, 4L, 5D
)
3 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Big Bend Country
Meals:
D
Stay:
Marathon Motel
Activity Note
Motel check-in available from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-5:00 p.m. Upon arrival, check-in at the the main office at the Marathon Motel. Here you will register with the program staff, get any updated information, confirm the time and location of the orientation session, and get keys to your room. After registration, there will be some time to relax into your hotel room. For arrivals after 5:00 p.m. please contact us directly using the contact information in our pre-program communication.
Dinner:
At Rita's Cantina, behind the main office at The Marathon Motel.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. at Rita's Cantina. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. Transportation will be provided via 15 passenger vans. Hikes will be led by a hiking instructor. Dinner locations have alcohol available for purchase onsite. If you wish to have a drink during dinner that is not included with the meal, purchase your beverage from the establishment. If you wish to buy your own supply for down time, you are more than welcome to do so, but please do not bring outside beverages to the dinner meals. The last night is BYOB. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Historic Hot Springs Hike, Panther Junction
Location:
Big Bend Country
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Marathon Motel
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a passenger van. Hiking about 3+ miles; a portion along a canyon wall with sheer cliffs on one side, long portions of hike with little shade. Minimal elevation change. Bring a hat and sunscreen. Bring swimwear if you wish to swim at hot springs; restrooms available to change in. Hike Rio Grande Village Nature Trail and visit Panther Junction Visitor Center.
Breakfast:
At Rita's Cantina.
Morning:
Our morning hike will take us along the Rio Grande on the east side of the river and the historic Hot Springs. At the Hot Springs there will be plenty of time to view the restored buildings of the early settlement and health resort from 1900 to 1940 as well as Native American rock art. There will also be time to soak and relax in the springs.
Lunch:
Field lunch at Historic Hot Springs.
Afternoon:
We’ll visit Panther Junction, the park’s main Visitor Center.
Dinner:
At the Gage.
Evening:
Before Dinner there will be a presentation by a local architect featuring alternative building techniques in west Texas near the Marathon Motel.
Day
3
Hiking "The Window" Trail and Oak Spring Overlook
Location:
Big Bend Country
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Marathon Motel
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a van. Hike about 4.3 miles; several low-water stream crossings and loose rocky sections. Elevation loss approximately 900 feet. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots recommended.
Breakfast:
At Rita's Cantina.
Morning:
In the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park, we will hike “The Window” — a break in the mountain range looking out across the desert; the end of the hiking trail crosses several streams of water.
Lunch:
Sack lunch on the trail.
Afternoon:
We will hike to Oak Spring Overlook then return back to the van in the Chisos Basin.
Dinner:
At Rita's Cantina.
Evening:
Star Party at Marathon Motel with a local expert.
Day
4
Sam Nail & H. Wilson Ranches, Santa Elena Canyon
Location:
Big Bend Country
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Marathon Motel
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a passenger van. Hiking up to 3 miles throughout the morning; uneven terrain, crossing multiple creek beds. Hiking up to 2 miles throughout the afternoon, multiple steps along a canyon wall. Elevation gain (on the trail is) 200 feet.
Breakfast:
At Rita's Cantina
Morning:
Our first stop will be the oasis at Sam Nail Ranch. It was here in 1916, on the banks of Cottonwood Creek, that Sam Nail built a small adobe house for his family. The well he dug still waters the grounds. We’ll then hike to the headquarters of Homer Wilson’s Ranch. Both sites are historical remnants of the early homesteaders before Big Bend became a National Park. After we visit the ranch house, we will walk up a desert arroyo to pinnacles of rock unique to this area. We will then head to the Castolon area of Big Bend National Park for a self-directed exploration. Castolon was an old cavalry post built in 1920. The military withdrew in 1921 and it then became a frontier trading post.
Lunch:
Field lunch at Castolon.
Afternoon:
Our next hike along the Santa Elena Canyon Nature Trail will begin at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive on the west side of the park. We’ll hike through the famous canyon with walls that rise to 1,800 feet. We will also learn about the Rio Grande that forms part of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Dinner:
At Rita's Cantina.
Evening:
Returning to our lodging, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
5
Lost Mine Trail, NPS Talk, Fossil Exhibit
Location:
Big Bend Country
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Marathon Motel
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a passenger van. Hiking about 5 miles throughout the morning; long portions uphill, trail differs between rocky and a well-worn trail, some steep declines in terrain on one side. Elevation up to 6,850 feet. Visit fossil exhibit and receive a interpretive presentation from a Big Bend National Park ranger.
Breakfast:
At Rita's Cantina.
Morning:
In the Chisos Mountains, we will set out for a spectacular hike along the Lost Mine Trail. One of the most popular hikes in the park, we will be rewarded with spectacular views of Pine Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico. On a clear day, one can see hundreds of miles!
Lunch:
Field Lunch. A soup and salad spread.
Afternoon:
We will be joined by a Big Bend National Park Interpretation Ranger who will tell us about the area. We’ll visit the Fossil Exhibit, the newest addition to the Park in 2017, where we will learn about the ancient seas and life that existed here more than 250 million years ago on a self-guided tour.
Dinner:
At Brick Vault. After dinner we will share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Big Bend Country
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Motel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
We will have “to go” breakfast at Rita's Cantina. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Jan 11 - Jan 16, 2026 Itinerary Differences:
This date is Spirited Activity Level with hiking up to 6 miles daily over varied terrain; elevations up to 6,850 feet.