Texas

On the Road: San Antonio to Big Bend National Park

Program No. 20562RJ
Immerse yourself in the best of Texas as you visit remote state and national parks, explore Fort Davis Historic Site and stargaze at the McDonald Observatory.

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At a Glance

Explore Texas nature and culture from San Antonio’s Riverwalk to the mountains of Big Bend National Park. Cross the Chihuahuan Desert as a naturalist interprets all you see and scale the Chisos Mountains to explore Big Bend’s rugged landscapes. Visit Terlingua ghost town, Fort Davis National Historic Site and much more.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Hiking up to one mile over varied terrain. Standing up to one hour. climbing two flights of stairs; getting on/off coach. No porterage. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore the darkest skies in the country in a star party with an expert at the McDonald Observatory.
  • Travel back in time with a visit to Fort Davis National Historic Site.
  • See a wide variety of plants and wildlife as you journey through deserts and mountains of Big Bend National Park.

General Notes

Consider enrolling in "San Antonio: Heart of the City, Heart of the Hill Country" (#22272) before or after this program to extend your exploration of Texas!
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Bruce Martin
Bruce Martin is a native Texan who has lived in San Antonio for more than 30 years. A master naturalist, he leads informative and entertaining explorations throughout San Antonio’s downtown, historic districts, and natural areas as well as the nearby Texas Hill Country. A keen observer of the built environment, he shares his appreciation for San Antonio’s architectural details and public artwork. Bruce tries not to take himself too seriously. He and his wife Barbara live in a 1937 white stucco house.

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

Profile Image of KT Cockerell
KT Cockerell View biography
KT Cockerell, a native Texan, loves to share colorful Texas history with visitors. She enjoys the adventure of discovery while leading groups and in her own personal travels as well. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and locally. KT has been involved with the travel industry for over 20 years. KT and her husband Alan enjoy living in the small rural town of Seguin, where they have raised their four daughters.
Profile Image of Bruce Martin
Bruce Martin View biography
Bruce Martin is a native Texan who has lived in San Antonio for more than 30 years. A master naturalist, he leads informative and entertaining explorations throughout San Antonio’s downtown, historic districts, and natural areas as well as the nearby Texas Hill Country. A keen observer of the built environment, he shares his appreciation for San Antonio’s architectural details and public artwork. Bruce tries not to take himself too seriously. He and his wife Barbara live in a 1937 white stucco house.
Profile Image of Rufus Stephens
Rufus Stephens View biography
Rufus Stephens is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, an educator, and co-author with Jan Wrede of the book, “Attracting Birds in the Texas Hill Country: A Guide to Land Stewardship” by TAMU Press. He has worked as a wildlife biologist for 34 years, 23 years with TPWD. He is one of the founders of the Texas Master Naturalist program and, in recognition of this accomplishment, was a co-recipient of the Wildlife Management Institute’s award for innovation.
Profile Image of Natallia Fodemski
Natallia Fodemski View biography
Natallia Fodemski began her career as a group leader in 2009. She started a small business, and led private and group outings including hikes and adventures all over Colorado State, gradually adding other states. In 2019, she graduated from International Guide Academy in Denver with a Certificate of International Tour Director and Guide. She also has years of experience working as a program coordinator at the Center for Creative Leadership and at Colorado College Fine Art Museum.
Profile Image of John Smietana
John Smietana View biography
John Smietana began his criminal justice career in 1983 when he became an agent for the Department of Homeland Security. He spent 23 years moving through the ranks before accepting the role of Chief Patrol Agent in the Big Bend Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol. After retiring, he pursued his M.P.A. and then his Ph.D. in criminal justice. He now teaches at Sul Ross University in Alpine and is currently on the board of directors at the Family Crisis Center of the Big Bend.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
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Meals
19 Meals
7 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
6 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024
  • Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
  • Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024
  • Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025
  • Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
  • Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
  • Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
  • Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
  • Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
  • Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.
2 nights
San Antonio
Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views. Also featured is a breath-taking view of sunset over the San Fernando Cathedral from hotel's 14th floor Cathedral Terrace.
3 nights
Alpine
Rated as one of Texas' top-ten small towns by Texas Highway magazine, Alpine is framed by the towering Davis Mountain range to the north and west, and the Chihuahuan Desert to the south. Located near Big Bend National Park, named for the vast curve in the Rio Grand River, the Hampton Inn® Alpine offers convenient access to some of the most unique landscape in West Texas.
2 nights
Lajitas
Lajitas Resort and Spa is a 27,000 acre private estate community set against the beauty and majesty of the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park.





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