Hiking at Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns

Went to 3 national parks - Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns - with tour guides from Big Bend Boating & Hiking Co. Guides Erin and Andrew were from the area and VERY knowledgeable about the geology, history, flora & fauna. They went above & beyond to provide us with fresh vegetables and great food in a challenging environment. High recommend them to anyone who wants to visit this remote & fascinating location.

This is a great itinerary. It gave us a lot of time to explore and learn about this amazing place. The leaders were welcoming and organized.

This was an excellent tour with a wonderful itinerary. Everything went smoothly and we learned a lot about the vegetation, wildlife, history and living off the grid in a very dry environment. The hikes were scenic and Carlsbad Caverns is spectacular. A lot of credit goes to guides Erica and Jim with support from Erin.

This program, expertly lead my Erin and Adana has the right mix of activities to provide inspiring hiking, great views, good food and insight into desert ecology/geology, local history and boarder issues.

This was a great trip, and for me an excellent introduction to this part of the country. Our guides, Erin and Adana, were outstanding. They were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and had endless energy. The hikes we went on were lovely and accurately described in the program material. Overall, I found the description of the activity level to be accurate. For those who didn't feel up to the full hike on a given day, there was always a less strenuous option. I didn't appreciate before going how much time we would spend along the border; given the current focus on border issues, it was very meaningful to see the border. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to cross the border and visit a small Mexican border town on the other side of the Rio Grande. As the program material accurately describes, there is a lot of driving on the trip, but that's just a reality given the size of Big Bend Natl Park and the distances out west! The guides do an excellent job of using the driving time to provide history of the area and other information on the sites we were visiting. I've love to return and do a boating trip down the Rio Grande!

The Big Bend hiking trip was terrific. The guides were great, funny, and kind, and so was the entire group.

This is a great program if you like hiking! Visiting the Texas desert area was a great learning experience for me. I have driven I-10 in Texas several times. Being able to hike the Guadalupe and Big Bend area mountains was exciting for me! Good food, experienced and knowledgeable guides, wildlife viewing, and the rustic ranch we stayed at all added to this outdoor, Texas experience.

My wife, son, and I enjoyed our first Road Scholar adventure to Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe, and Big Ben National Parks. The scenery was beautiful and the hikes were an immersive experience into the national parks. Our guides Erin and Andrew were informative and did an exceptional job. I would recommend this trip to potential travelers who enjoy nature and hiking.

I cannot say enough about this wonderful trip. Yes there are alot of miles on the bus, yes it is remote. These factors kept me from this trip in the past until I spoke to several folks who actually did this trip. It is amazing on every front..

Being able to experience 3 national parks in a remote part of the U.S. in one week was amazing. The hiking was varied and we had many opportunities to stop and rest along the way. I never felt pushed or held back. Our group leaders were terrific. I highly recommend this trip!

Big Bend is a part of the country many never see or never experience up close and personal as we did on this trip. Our guides were both knowledgable, experienced locals with a deep knowledge of the ecosystems we experienced. The desert has so many ways to harm but our guides did a superb job of keeping us healthy and safe in a fun, engaging, friendly manner while we explored this challenging terrain! What a great, eye-opening trip!

Great value for your money! Knowledgeable guides, good hiking, compatible companions, great introduction to Big Bend National Park. I want to visit Big Bend again to see more and learn more about the area.

The Big Bend adventure took us out of our comfort zones and challenged us to and beyond our norms. We saw and learned so much about geography, geology and history that made the week very worthwhile.

A trip that surpassed my expectations!!Great hikes, super great guides, educationally excellent, all done with a fun group of like minded folk! A+ from start to finish!

A wonderful adventure in Big Bend National Park. We made an excellent choice in choosing to do this tour. The desert and the mountains were beautiful and Carlsbad Caverns is unbelievable. Well worth the trip. We loved the hikes and were impressed with the phenomenal guides we had.

This is an amazing trip. Erica and Jimmie are THE best tour leaders. They are interesting, very knowledgeable about the area, caring, patient and untiring in their devotion to the group. The activities on the tour were immensely satisfying and enjoyable. And, of course, the Big Bend area is so beautiful in its remoteness and ruggedness. The trip was everything I had hoped it would be. Very satisfying in every aspect. Thank you!

This program was challenging, educational, very informative, and very social. The group leaders were excellent in every way!!!

The diversity of the geology and flora greatly exceeded my expectations. The hikes helped capture the region in a way that could not experienced any other way. The program director, Erin Little, was beyond excellent.

This is an outstanding trip. West Texas is a fascinating place, as I learned from the expert guidance of Erin and Andrew. Erin, and her sister Erica, in particular, are steeped in the history, natural science, and culture of the region. The activity level was just right, and adaptable to each individual's preferences. Everything we saw and did--hiking in Big Bend and Guadelupe National Parks, touring Carlsbad Caverns, crossing the Rio Grande to the Mexican town of Boquillas, all the while traveling by comfortable bus with entertaining and expert narration by the guides--was fun and interesting. From what I could tell every person in my group enjoyed the trip a lot. I highly recommend this trip.

This is a very active program. A bit rustic and outdoors most of the time.

Interesting hikes, beautiful vistas and good educational experiences highlight this fabulous trip. The guides are extremely knowledgeable. Erin provided interesting and enjoyable commentary during portions of the mini-bus drives to the trailheads and places we were visiting. The guides pleasantly make adjustments for those who wish to hike quicker and for those who prefer a slow and steady pace. We felt very safe crossing the Rio Grande and exploring Boquillas. Nothing like you see on the news. Boquillas was a fun way to see a bit of Mexico and was a different activity compared to the other hikes in Big Bend. Try the “Gringo Golf” near the solar panel installation for something different. The days are full, walking in three different National Parks and enjoying this unique part of Texas.

If you want an action-packed adventure in a beautiful and remote region of Texas, sign up for this program! We covered 1200 miles by bus, and 30 miles on foot, over the course of the week. The hikes were fabulous, as was the scenery. And riding a burro into the Mexican village of Boquillas was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our program leaders Erica and Jimmie took full advantage of every minute of every day, and executed every aspect of the program flawlessly. Highly recommend!

Fantastic week of excellent hiking in 3 national parks with exceptional group leaders. Take your hiking poles, water bottles and dress in layers. Be sure to do leg strengthening exercises to prepare for this outstanding adventure.

An amazing program that was very well planned. All hiking levels are accommodated and the stories really helped pass the travel time.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Our guides, Erica and Jimmie, were amazing – organized, resourceful and unfailingly pleasant. They took great care of the group, keeping us on schedule with charm and grace. The hikes were delightful, showcasing a surprising variety of scenic vistas. The itinerary was nicely paced. It was nice to have a “home base” for four nights instead of having to pack up every morning. Erica’s informational talks were engagingly presented and covered a wide range of topics. As first time Road Scholars, we were especially pleased to find how easy it was to get acquainted with our fellow participants. We look forward to scheduling another Road Scholar trip very soon.

A week-long, no-quit, high-spirited, rollicking adventure through three national parks whose abundant history, geology, food, weather, plants, trails & people will not disappoint! Sheila from PA Road Scholar Class of 2017

Beautiful hiking through agave, yucca, and cactus to vistas of painted mountains and the flowing Rio Grande. Carlsbad caverns is almost inconceivable! Took a hilarious "ferry" across the Rio Grande pulled by men walking across. Tasted the fruit of the Texas Mandrone tree and flowers of the yucca and sotol fermented from Sotol agave(like tequila only better). The leaders were knowledgeable, excellent drivers and dedicated to our happiness and education. Highly recommend this trip for hikers and outdoors people.

spectacular scenery, excellent trails, strong learning experience

Amazing group leaders made an interesting place even more spectacular.

Texas is a BIG state. At some point we realized there was no way we were driving our travel trailer around the state of Texas.Great guide(s) and great logistics allowed us to see Big Bend National Park ( several distinct regions ) ,Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe National parks. Majority of hiking was " out and back" .Lots of water and breaks ( including bathroom breaks). Upon return hike - choose your pace - When primary guide did sweep on way back it gave slower hikers more time to spend and chat with her. Come prepared for the weather - hot and/or cold .We started during a warm spell with sun hats and short sleeves - and ended with our warm woolly hats, gloves, puffy jackets and even some long johns - all during the first week in November . Great trip to see 3 National Parks.

This is a great trip! They go out of their way to provide healthy lunches. The trip leader is amazing. She is smart, knowledgeable about the area. She loves this area & wants to share her love of the area with others. If you enjoy hiking, this is the trip for you. I have been on 27 trips with Road Scholar & Erica is the best trip leader of all.

This was a 5 star trip! The hikes were varied and interesting without being overly difficult on rocky and sometimes steep terrain. Erin and Andrew were competent and fun leaders and made the entire week a journey to remember. The food was especially good. Even though on paper the bus travel looks long, it goes by quickly because of wide open spaces and interesting terrain. I’m glad I didn’t miss this opportunity!

Pros: Overall a great trip to a previously unfamiliar area of the US. The hikes were fun and not too demanding. The best hikes were McKittrick Canyon in Guadalupe Mountains NP, the longest at 7.7 miles with a moderate ascent of about 600 feet. Second longest was the Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend NP, at 4.8 miles and 1100 foot gain. The shorter hikes were enjoyable, but frustrating because they were so short and ended so soon. The trip leaders Erin and Amanda were fabulous! Always friendly and energetic, very knowledgable about the area, always answering questions and willing to admit if they didn't know an answer (which happened only very rarely). The hike down into and around Carlsbad Caverns was marvelous and mysterious; this is a unique place and a great contrast to the outdoor hikes of the rest of the trip. Cons: Some hikes were too short. I could have done without the half-day visits to Terlingua and Boquillas; would rather have done longer hikes and seen more of the National Parks. The last night dinner at what was supposed to be one of the best Mexican restaurants in El Paso was disappointing: mediocre food and poor service.

This was a wonderful trip to knock off four national parks in the area, if you are trying to get to them all like us (note, White Sands National Park is not included on this trip for some silly reason so we did it on our own like two other families after the trip concluded. it's only a 90 drive north for a one day visit-all that's necessary). First of all let's start with the tour leaders, Erin and Amanda. You couldn't find two better leaders if you tried. they were informative, warm, funny, attentive and just all round great ladies. we give them 100% score. The parks and the hiking were wonderful. Every day is a major adventure and learning experience. The hikes are all doable if you gear up for them before you arrive. You can go fast with the front leader or slower with the back leader so you're not pressured to keep up with the longer legged adults. BRING YOUR POLES! They will be very valuable on most of the hikes. The Terlingua Hotel was better than we expected, considering other reviews. They need to find somewhere else that affords us a space to communally gather at the end of the day to sit and talk, play some games, etc. Everyone just wound up retiring to their rooms very early. and we're not Mexican food eaters so we rate the food as just ok and repetitive for dinner. but if you like rice, beans and tacos you're all set! Erica, Erin's twin sister gave us an astronomy lesson one night in the dark skies and that was super. She also made us a delicious lasagna one evening with salad which was delicious. And the restaurant in Terlingua one evening was the best of the trip. Buses were good, beds comfortable and clean. The group was great. We had a wonderful time and thanks Erin and Amanda for being so wonderful. All requests and questions were met with a smile. Thanks for a great time.

What a great adventure! Hiking in multiple areas, including desert lands, cooler mountains, and down into Carlsbad Cavern, was what I was looking for. Erin and Amanda were amazing leaders in every respect.

Wonderful trip to give one a taste of the Big Bend wilderness. Physically challenging but manageable. Trip leaders were awesome and I would trust them to be so on any trip they lead.

If you love learning about new things, up for daily challenging hikes, and willing to spend some time "off the grid", please don't pass this program by - it is a jewel! Like life, one needs to stay flexible but know you are in the best of hands with the RS guides. Erica and Jimmie's stories were shared with enthusiasm and expertise - be sure to listen carefully to all of their instructions as well. Delightful week.

Exploring the national parks and historic sights featured in the Road Scholar trip in Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park was an exceptional experience. Group leaders Erica and Jimmy greatly enhanced my experience with their knowledge and personal insights. Loved the hikes and sights and am thrilled to have visited this very special part of our parks system.

Learned so much more than just what we saw on the hiking trails thanks to our leader, Erin Little, who lives in the Big Bend area most of the year. She is excellent! She is one the best group leaders I have had on any Road Scholar trip. Weather was good and the desert was in full bloom which was spectacular. The Longhorn Ranch Hotel is pretty basic but clean and comfortable. The septic issues leave a lot to be desired. There is a lot of van riding each day which was a bit tiring, but the hikes and places we visited were all very good. All the hikes were moderate, but one had a pretty good elevation gain. Getting in shape would make all the hikes better. Interesting to learn about what it is like to live where water is scarce, supplies are quite a distance away, and the land is pretty desolate. Loved the trip to Boquillas MX and learning about the Rio Grande River border with Mexico and the impact of a border wall in that area. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was very happy with what I learned and the places we visited on the trip and the people I met. We had a good group of people on this trip which makes everything more enjoyable.

I believe my feedback within the already completed evaluation is sufficient. If you desire a non-confidential subset of it explicitly for others who may be interested in the given program, please incorporate that request within the evaluation survey itself rather than ask for more afterward.

The week spent hiking these parks was a great experience. Erica and Jimmy were exceptional guides. They were very organized, knowledgeable of the area and hiking and every day was packed full with new experiences. This was my first road scholar trip and it did not disappoint!

Great hiking, exceptional guides and wonderful way to spend my week!

I can't believe I will ever find another tour company to compare to road scholar. They are no. 1, Holiday tour no.2, national geographic no. 3, private tour no. 4. Just saying this is my experience

A wonderful combination of experiences hiking the Chisos Basin area and Guadalupe Mountains, combined with the splendor of Carlsbad Caverns.

A fun trip with interesting hikes of moderate difficulty. A good winter destination when more northern national parks' weather is cold and snowy.

Excellent trip of hiking and walking to learn about the nature, geology, and history of Big Bend, Carlsbad Caverns, and Guadalupe Mountains. Terrific leaders!

This trip was an experience to a very remote part of the US, where I’d never been, and probably would not have gone if not for this trip. The leaders, Erica and Jimmy, were exceptional in running a very organized and fully packed program, each and every day, with ample education information about the history of the area and current-day challenges. The activity level was as described, as well as the accommodations and food. I enjoyed this trip immensely as it packed a lot in…3 national parks, 2 states and one other country (Mexico).

Make sure those hiking boots are worked in! It is an adventure includes going to Boquillas Mexico by crossing the Rio Grande and taking a burro ride into town. Fabulous views from roads and trails, so much information shared about everything from skilled, knowledgeable guides of Big Bend Hiking. They are medics who provide care along the way to prevent footsores. And so much great Mexican food. Big highlight is the delightful Wilson, resident dog at Longhorn Ranch.

Five stars for an exceptional well run hiking trip to a beautiful area. Our favorite Road Scholar hiking adventure of several. Erika, Jimmy and Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company ensured every detail was perfect. The most well organized out of our 13 RS trips. More than that the knowledge of our leaders, and their ability to share it, made this a truly educational experience. Each hike was different and chosen for a reason. We hiked through the desert and learned about cactus and early dwellers. The Lost Mine Peak trail looked intimating to those of us who reside at sea level, but the incredible views all the way up, and from the top, made it worth the climb. Carlsbad Caverns and the canyon hike in the Guadalupe Mts were also gems. The "topic of the day" talks on the bus truly educated us on the area. After crossing the Rio Grande and visiting Boquillas Mexico one has a true understanding of life on the border. We would give this trip 10 stars if that was an option.

Road Scholar’s Hiking Big Bend and the Guadeloupe Mountains is an outstanding way to develop an appreciation for a rarely visited beautiful corner of America. The program is fast paced and covers some of the best parts of both parks,, but is not difficult for anyone who enjoys hiking. It also provides a new perspective on the border with Mexico and the imporantance of a more open cross border relationship with Mexico.

I think that South Texas is amazing; beautiful, unique, diverse, and vast. The history of the area is very interesting. And be sure to try sotol when you are there!

This was a wonderful hiking trip! Amazing scenery in a part of the country I had never visited before. The group leaders, Erica and Jimmy, were very prepared and organized, making the whole trip run smoothly. The Longhorn Ranch Motel is located in a very remote area with limited resources, so the accommodations were basic but clean, and the breakfasts were delicious. A great experience!

The Big Bend, Guadalupe, and Carlsbad Caverns national park trip was wonderful with guides Erica and Jimmy. Nice mix of hiking, cultural, geologic, and natural history in a 6 day package. As good as it gets.

Hiking in the Big Bend and Guadeloupe National park is an experience I’ll never forget. The Big Bend area is so remote that at times it felt like another country. I enjoyed the star-gazing location of the Longhorn ranch motel. Our local guides, Erica and Jimmy, were outstanding - highly skilled and knowledgeable, also caring and witty. The road trip part was enjoyable too, travelling in comfortable smalls buses with documentaries and Erica’s informative lectures.

A memorable trip! Kudos to the amazing group leaders, George and Erin. The hikes were scenic, offered expansive views, varied in terms of distance and difficulty, and leaders provided inspiration, encouragement, breaks, snacks, and an occasional "assist". The visit to the small town of Boquillas Mexico was eye opening. This was not my first RS trip and it will not be the last.

Our trip to Big Bend NP, Guadalupe Mountains NP and Carlsbad Caverns NP was filled with vistas of jagged mountain peaks, rocky trails, ancient petroglyphs, isolated ranches, arid deserts, and a winding Rio Grande, all with a bright blue January sky as backdrop. This probably was the most challenging, strenuous Road Scholar hiking trip we have done, but our marvelous guides Erin and Annie kept us motivated and moving from one site to the next, always reminding us to stay hydrated, even while informing, educating, and entertaining us with stories of the desert flora and fauna. Imagine the thrill of being able to hike in three different National Parks on one trip, learning biology, botany, geology, hydrology, anthropology and history along the way! Our side adventure across the river and into the former mining town of Boquillas Mexico was like a trip back in time. We met Chalo, the town’s mayor, who told us the town has a population of 350 residents, plus 200 dogs and 150 horses and donkeys. TexMex meals everywhere we went with occasional picnic lunches along the way. West Texas is a world unto itself—removed, isolated, rugged, arid, majestic, breathtaking, demanding—and this Road Scholar trip gives you marvelous insight into its memorable people, history and landscapes. —Ben and Joyce Wiley/Florida

This is a top notch program. There is significant van time which is inevitable given how remote Big Bend is. That said, the structure of the program was extremely well organized and in seven days I felt like I really got to know three different National Parks as well as experiencing an afternoon trip to Mexico that is indescribable in this short space. Fun, quirky, thought-provoking, scenic, and just physically challenging enough--this program has it all. And the guides! They were amazing.

I enjoyed the program Hiking at Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns a great deal. I have seen and learned a lot during the week of the program. Erica and Jimmie were wonderful leaders. Erica has a knack of telling stories and teaching. The trip was well organized. I highly recommend Road Scholar and this program.

This is a great trip to experience three very different and interesting national parks. The hikes and scenery were beautiful. Carlsbad Caverns was amazing. The trip leaders, Erin and Andrew were outstanding - they were well organized. knowledgeable and so enjoyable. Food and accommodations were fine.

Hiking at Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns program was awesome. Road Scholar's choice of Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company to lead our expeditions was an excellent choice. Andrew, Erin, and Erika made this trip a success with their geological knowledge, humor, enthusiasm, courtesy and historical stories. The warm welcomes they received from tour site, hotel, restaurant and border patrol staff was a testament to their professionalism and ability. With three Road Scholar trips under my belt, I'm ready for more!

This is a great trip with a wide variety of hikes for those who enjoy hiking at a moderate pace with a few stops. It is very well organized and the accommodations and food were also good.

Most hikes were excellent, although our McKittrick Canyon and the Grotto hike was in a 40 degree windy rain and we missed our much anticipated trip into Mexico due to a positive Covid test. Much of leader's talk while hiking was missed by many as the RS headphones were not used. Hotels and many meals were adequate but not on the same level as past RS trips. As expected, much of the time was spent on the noisy mini-buses while traveling to the three National Parks. It appears that all reviews are '5 stars' as I did not see where to rate this trip.

Big Bend is a spectacular place. It is vast and offers several different environments to be explored. The Road Scholar trip leaders were really knowledgeable and made this trip a memorable experience

This program is fast-paced and exciting. The scenery is unique and beautiful, and you cover a lot of territory through hiking and driving. The group leaders are extraordinary in providing relevant information and delightful stories. Some of the accommodations are basic, but they fit the setting and show how people there live. If you are physically fit, adventuresome, and enjoy new experiences, you will love this trip as I did!

Great way to visit Big Bend Natl Park with excellent, informative guides and someone else to do the driving.

This is the best way to hike 3 National Parks in Texas with excellent leaders without having to do the driving involved yourself.

Beautiful scenery, delicious trail lunches and great hikes although some were a little rock. Awesome guides who shared their passion and knowledge of the area. Was a great trip all around! Sorry when it can to an end.

A Great, Challenging, Hot Trip. We did all of the planned activities, the Food was good, the roads in Texas are remote and rough in places, the Hotel and Food at the Hotel were great, considering the remoteness of the area. I enjoyed the Hiking at Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns and the side trip to Mexico. The tour guides were great. Very Experienced.

Absolutely fabulous trip with my adult niece and my two friends and their husbands. Our guides were outstanding in every way. We had great meals and the planning for these meals was very efficient. We didn't have to wait for hours to get our food. We had all planned the meals ahead of time. Our guides were very knowledgeable about the area and its' history and told great stories on the bus rides. We had a friendly group of new friends to meet on this trip. There wasn't anyone who lagged behind or was a problem to the group. I highly recommend this trip to those seeking the Texas/New Mexico area.

If you like to hike and National Parks this program is for you. The night sky presentation is amazing, the Living off the Grid House is definitely interesting and you learn about the geology, first inhabitants, vegetation plus various other topics. You will have many rewarding experiences on this program. It was my first and so happy I chose this one.

I felt challenged and able on this trip, a welcome reprieve from the two past Covid years. The hikes were scenic and varied and I swam in the Rio Grande. The leaders, Erica and Jimmie, both showed an uncommon combination of common sense, skills, patience, and very entertaining storytelling . I enjoyed the group, the astronomy and quirky motel in Terlingua, and the entire experience.

On a 10 rating scale a 10 out of 10! Erica and Jimmy are top notch trail guides. A well organized and busy program. Be prepared to hike and be active! Research the program and make sure it is for you. Erica is a wealth of information about the area and has great stories. It's a great way to experience two remote national parks and learn about them.

Active and engaging. A well-organized trip. Bravo!

5 stars. Well run program and leaders. The weather was unusually hot but lots of water made the hikes doable. Great group of participants too.

Our guides, Erika and Jimmy were both stellar. Extremely organized, knowledgeable and experienced (incredibly important in an area with limited resources). They were able to bring the history, geology, plant and wildlife alive for us with their engaging storytelling. They managed diverse personalities patiently and compassionately. They go above and beyond!

This trip exceeded expectations, the leaders were incredible and the scenery and hiking, were great. We did have incredibly hot weather so maybe not this late in April.

This program is designed well to provide hiking opportunities in this remote region of the U.S. while learning about its history, geology, and the people who live there now. The Chisos Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns are definitely worth the trip. We also were fortunate to have an excellent trip leader, Erin Little, friendly traveling companions, and unseasonably good weather.

Hi, The trip was challenging but great. Both guides were absolutely great but Erin Little is outstanding. You should promote her if possible and you should, for sure keep her with the Road Scholars. Erin is very knowledgeable, personable, incredibly attentive and accommodating. She has a innate and very genuine repower with people: she is open, knows a lot about plants, birds, formation and history; nevertheless, she always wants to learn more. I have participated in three Road Scholars trips before this one and five Lindblad/National Geographic trips all these trips were more glamorous that this one but Erin made this trip so special and so unique and unforgettable :Erin Little is the very best of all the guides I had before with the two companies . She obviously found her calling and she is absolutely superb with her job as a guide. Treasure her!! Natasha Raikhel Retired Professor of Biology, University of CA, Member of National Academy of Sciences

This was an excellent trip to Big Bend National Park. It was remote, rugged, and very beautiful. The hikes chosen were easy/moderate, varied, and often quite striking. The visits to Fort Davis Historic Site, Guadelupe National Park, and especially Carlsbad Caverns National Park, were an added bonus. Our guides, Erica and Jimmy, were excellent. The trip is very much recommended.

Fabulous program! Guide superb! hikes diverse and cover several areas in region. Truly experience the Texas desert, explore the Carlsbad Caverns and venture into Mexico. Highly recommend this trip!

A great program with a wide variety of activities and wonderful leaders

This is one of the nicest domestic vacations one may sign up. These destinations are very interesting. Erica and Catie were attentive to the needs of all of us. I keep telling my friends and relatives that the vacation was perfect in every way.

Excellent hikes, wonderful visit to Mexico, interesting visit to an off the grid home, and Erin and Josh handled every detail to perfection. Highly recommended!

Just completed "Hiking at Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns". I really recommend this for folks who like to hike and enjoy desert landscape, mountains, blue sky and sunshine! Plus the history of Big Bend, the Mexico/US border, and the settlement of Texas are fascinating. Our guides, Erin and Josh went above and beyond to make this a great trip!!

Awesome experience being in this beautiful wilderness

Get ready for a fun, exhilarating adventure hiking trails that take you rocky terrain adorned with desert beauty. And Carlsbad Caverns is simply amazing!!

This was my 3rd Road Scholar hiking trip and I was not disappointed. Texas is a beautiful part of our country and the hikes were amazing. Loved the geography and culture. This is a great way to visit three national treasures!

This was one of the best hiking trips we have taken. Erica and Caiti are outstanding guides. I am amazed at the number of hats they wear: driving the bus, loading and unloading heavy luggage and cooler, working out the logistics so that we are always on schedule, and regaling us with the history, geology, botany, etc of the region. They accommodated different needs and took care of everyone in a cheerful, competent, and professional manner. The food, some of which they prepared themselves, was always good and served on time. The scenery in our National Parks is breathtaking so I will not attempt verbal reduction here. Thanks to RS, Erica, Caiti, and all the congenial participants for another memorable vacation.

My ninth RS hike and one of the best. The remoteness of the area and the unpeopled trails in the Big Bend area made this a true adventure. The hiking was superb and the rowboat trip across the Rio Grande River to visit a tiny Mexican town was a wonderful experience.

Erica Little is an incredible leader. This trip was a huge success in most part due to her immense knowledge of each location, her ability to explain what we were seeing, her story telling and her endless bounds of energy. I would highly recommend this trip. This area of Texas is much more beautiful than I had anticipated. The day trip to Mexico added a whole other adventure to the trip. Just do it!

The Hiking at Big Bend, Guadelupe Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns was outstanding! Fantastic hiking experience coupled with great learning adventure in this unique area of the country. Erica Little, out Group Leader, was very adept at leading this adventure as she has a deep knowledge of the area and its history. She really made the area come alive with her storytelling and warm delivery! She really knows the Big Bend area!!

Don't hesitate to take this trip. The guides make this trip fun, interesting and educational. The hikes were beautiful and varied. Learning about life "off the grid" in Terlingua was fascinating. The food was satisfyingly good. Walking to the Rio Grande and being rowed across to Mexico was a highlight. Carlsbad and Guadalupe were another highlight. Even the time on the bus was made interesting thanks to Erica's narratives and story telling as well as the selection of movies. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in learning about different lifestyles both past and present and who likes an active trip.

This trip is as much learning about the ecology and human history of this beautiful remote area of West Texas as it is about hiking. There were 2 days of long vigorous hikes, the other days were combinations of shorter hikes and learning about the area. The area is remote, both the accommodations and food are simple and adequate but not plush. There is much time spent driving because of the distances involved. Lectures and movies were presented during the driving time which were worthwhile and educational about the area. I would overall highly recommend this trip.

Loved, loved, loved this trip. Big Bend is beautiful and challenging, hikes were great. The guides showed us good examples of the park’s diverse environments, I learned a lot about the variety of volcanic activity (I had never heard of lava bombs, for example, but I saw a whole field of them). Our guides gave us lots of excellence about the geology, flora and fauna of the region; we also learned a lot about the history of the region. All in all, if you love hiking, I recommend this trip.

If you think the wide-open spaces of the West Texas region are barren and desolate, then think again. There is something new and exciting around every corner. The natural habitat and the people that inhabit that landscape offer a revelation at every turn. Having a guide who is a beloved part of the community and who so generously invites us to share the wonders of the area enhanced the experience in a way that could not be easily achieved with an individual drive through the area on your own.

This was one of the best organized trips I have taken through roads Scholar. The hikes were varied and well planned. There were desert hikes, shaded mountainous hikes and the cavern hike . The area is remote, so there is driving, but everyday, even the road days, have a decent hike. The guides are knowledgeable and clearly love this part of Texas.

What an amazing time this trip was! Nearly 3 months later, I still find myself looking at photos and recalling the incredible places that we had the privilege of hiking through! The stay at a local no-bells-or-whistles hotel in Terlingua was charming due, in part, to its incredible remoteness (and they did have a young dog :) ). The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, always eager to help. The group self-segregated as to pace of hiking which allowed everyone to truly "choose their own pace". For those of us who like to step it up a bit, it was quite welcomed as, when you reached a summit, you had more than enough time to take it all in. The scenery was truly magnificent and nothing like we have in NE Ohio! The lack of water in the area was really notable - and learning about the challenges of drought-impacted communities was eye-opening. As I like to arrive a day or two earlier and/or leave a day or two later I was also able to experience El Paso on my own. This let me get a trip to Chamizal in as well so I was able to do 4 National Parks. My only disappointment was not being able to see the bats leave the cave at night - so I will be returning to Carlsbad Caverns (which is really an amazing experience in and of its own). Highly recommend this trip! I expect to come back for more activities out in this area!

Our trip to Big Bend, Guadalupe, and Carlsbad Caverns was amazing! The guides, group, accommodations, food, lectures, stories, and most of all hikes were excellent. They were challenging, but not so difficult. We loved the balance of activity time, travel, educational experiences, with some down time. It was perfect! Thank you Erin, Josh, and Roads Scholar for a wonderful trip!

Hiking in Big Bend was highly recommended to us by a prior participant. We were not disappointed - and neither were our tripmates. So many things were great about this trip - the passion and enthusiasm of the leaders, their local knowledge that they could leverage, the scenery, the hikes, the Mexico trip, the fellow participants, the darkness and quiet of the nights, the chance to "decompress". Being with a small group (21) with the same interests and desire to learn made it an enjoyable week.

The Big Bend, Guadelupe Mtns and Carlsbad Caverns trip is fabulous. Wonderful hikes and you will come away with a greater appreciation for this region of the USA, as well as its fascinating history and rich culture.

Hats off to Erin and Erica for running an excellent program that gives participants an opportunity to experience 4 National Park sites, do some fabulous hiking, and learn a great deal about the history and challenges of living in West Texas. I have wanted to visit the Big Bend area for a long time and was not dissappointed.

I can't imagine better leaders than Erin and Feldy to explore this stunning landscape. Learning about the history, geology and botany as we walked these trails made it all richer (and they handled all the logistics with a smile.) And, as with my previous Road Scholar trips, the friendly and curious fellow travelers made it a memorable experience.

This was our 3rd Road Scholar program. Like the others the leaders were excellent and kept is very active and engaged and provided us personal insight into the this part of the country. We came away with a much better understanding of this part of the country, people, landscape, wildlife, nature. Terrific program and value.

This adventure in Big Bend and beyond is a great tour. Érica, the leader, was phenomenal in terms of knowledge in all aspects of the hikes, field trips, and local area. She shared her love for the area and what it means to her. The hikes were all interesting and filled with information as we traversed them. We learned and laughed alot as we walked along the trails.

This trip goes to the remote area of Big Bend, near the Rio Grande, with hikes in areas that are scarcely populated. It is packed with information about the Indian and Texan history, geology, flora and fauna, and even includes subjects such as 'off the grid living', border issues, and petroglyphs. I met so many nice people from all over the USA, and look forward to more RS trips such as these.

This is a superb trip led by an exceptional leader. The natural beauty of the landscape, the starry skies, the magnificance of Carlsbad Caverns are all impressive. I highly recommend the reading as it adds to the trip's enjoyment. The films shown as we were traveling were excellent and expanded our awareness of the culture, issues, and history of West Texas. Erin packed our week full of learning, hiking, visiting sites, and eating good food. Through her leadership, we quickly coalesced into a happy, supportive group. The week ended too soon, and I'm eager to return for more exploration. Thank you Erin and Jon for a memorable and extremely fun week!

This was an incredible adventure to a part of the country that I had never seen before. It was breathtakingly beautiful, remote, filled with history and culture. Our leaders, Erin and Feldy were hardworking, intelligent, warm and a blast to spend a week with. The rest of the RS adventurers were like-minded and interesting people that it was a pleasure to share the awesomeness of our surroundings, or humor over dinner conversation. Overall, it was a wonderful vacation...

If you give more worth to adventurous hikes, leaders who make history interesting by telling it like a story, unique learning options like dark skies and off-grid living than you do to up-scale accommodations, then you will love checking off 3 NPs with this tour. Pack for all weather conditions in early November!!

Hiking in Big Bend is an amazing experience. It is in a somewhat isolated area of western Texas. The trip includes different areas to explore. The leaders are knowledgeable and smart. This should be on your bucket list!

Well organized. Hikes were challenging but all levels of ability were able to participate. This was especially important to me because I wasn't sure if I could handle "Spirited Activity". Fortunately, the leaders and group members were helpful and supportive.

The three National Park tour of south west TExas was fantastic for those who want to get outside and touch the earth.

This was an excellent program, well-organized and well-led. Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns are spectacular places. The accommodations were fine and were clean and well-managed. Both Erin and Caiti were excellent leaders. The hikes were excellent. I learned much during this program and I highly recommend it.

After nearly 30 Road Scholar hiking trips this particular one run by Erin and Erica Little is in the top 10% of the experiences I have had. For someone looking to bust their chops hiking there might be a bit of disappointment but the overall experience is exceptional. The twin sisters who run the company are VERY customer focused and have great knowledge of the history, geology and geography of the area that they share with infectious enthusiasm. You will return home with LOADS of stories to tell and wishing I were close so you could give me a hug.

The hiking and experiences were awesome. Erin and Caiti were informative, funny, caring, and flexible in accommodating participants various needs. We really appreciated this trip.

This was my first Road Scholar trip. As a solo female traveler I have been looking for a way to take some of the hiking trips on my bucket list. This turned out to be the perfect answer. Our leader Erin and assistant Katy were both wonderful and informative. Erin is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the Big Bend area. You have to appreciate people who show up every day with enthusiasm and a smile on their face. The logistics of everything from transportation to, lodging, meals, communication, bathroom stops, etc. were all dealt with in a very professional manner. One night Erin treated us to a view of the stars/constellations/galaxies that I will not forget. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of that experience. Those of us in big cities do not have any comprehension of how much we do not see in the night sky. I think Road Scholar is the key to my solo travel future.

Erin Little is an inspired, efficient and fun leader! She accommodates all levels of ability. Highly recommend this trip.

This was a fantastic program ! The leaders were truly impressive. The hiking was challenging as described in the Road Scholar materials and the scenery was outstanding. In addition to the wonderful hiking, we crossed the Rio Grand by row boat and spent a day in a remote Mexican village, and also visited an "off the grid" home in the desert. Both great learning experiences.

Go for it! This is an amazing tour of beautiful trails in Big Bend and surrounding Parks. The guides are fantastic, the country beautiful beyond expectations. We loved every minute of our experience.

This hiking trip was amazing! The hikes took us through beautiful mountains, desert and caves. The group leaders, Erin and Caiti, provided a wealth of information and they were kind, caring and very organized. They worked as a team to provide a wonderful experience for everyone and could not have been better. This was my first Road Scholar trip and I can't wait to book my next hiking trip.

Fun hiking trip. Don't expect a lot of luxury because of remoteness and distances involve. A different way of living in Telingus(Sp) with off the grid folks, etc.

This was an amazing adventure. Our group leaders, Erin and Caitlin, were so knowledgeable and shared their love of this wild, rugged, and remote area with all of us!!

What a fabulous tour! Very well organized. Beautiful trails and scenery. Food was very good. Having now done 23 Road Scholar trips, this one is definitely one of the best. Erin is absolutely the best tour guide!

THIS is the trip of a lifetime. And I have been in 40+ countries! Erica's knowledge of 'all things Big Bend National Park' will astound you as it did me.

Great tour that included many of the "must see and do" short hikes and cultural sites of Great Bend, Guadalupe Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks along with visits to public and private locations that provided insights to life in the community of the desert boarder country.

Loved the hiking and viewing of beautiful country. Enjoyed the day we ventured into Mexico. Our guide,Erica, was informative and entertaining. Our driver,Ronnie, was always helpful and friendly. Some of the eating venues needed improvement. The pizza place ran out of salad and the pizza was burned. And our last night we had to stand for 30 minutes waiting for a table. Overall, it was a fun experience.

Big Bend NP is a remote and rugged park filled with beauty. Every hike was amazing. Carlsbad Caverns NP exceeds expectations. The Guadalupe Mountains NP is totally different and equally beautiful. Three different and beautiful parks in one visit--I call that a win!

I loved seeing a part of my home state that I had never seen before. I was so amazed by the canyons, the river and surrounding beauty, the people and the wildlife. We happened upon the most beautiful days to hike. not too cold, not too hot, brisk in the morning, warm during the day. The locals of the area were welcoming and kind. I can’t wait to explore the area again one day.

This is a fun program that lets you experience the three national parks through the eyes of people who live there, are passionate about it and want to provide you with the best experience. The days are packed with beautiful settings including gorgeous lunch breaks. This program is as carefully "curated" as an important art show. Lots of extras are included. Totally enjoyable and memorable experience. We had a great grupo muy simpático y divertido.

This was my first Road Scholar trip and it provided me with much more exciting experiences than I ever imagined.

Hiking in Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains and in Carlsbad Caverns was a great experience, but being in this part of the country and on the border with Mexico and learning about how many people are living their very interesting lives was a highlight. Road Scholar never disappoints in lifelong learning experiences.

This trip provides a snapshot of an area the USA which is relatively unknown. This is an intimate peek into the culture and characteristics of the Big Bend area, but especially allows a view of it's physical beauty and its beautiful people

Fabulous trip. Two skilfull leaders with stories to tell about their unique way of life off the grid and a huge variety of things to do and see each day. Hiking daily, swimming in the Rio Grande fully clothed to cool off and so as to touch the towering natural canyon wall between the US and Mexico, star gazing at the clear desert sky, being rowed across the river to Boquillas Mexico, visiting an off the grid house in the ghost town of Terlingua, Texas while ending up inside the deep caves of Carlsbad. We learned a lot. This was the best of our three trips with Roads Scholar. I would do it again!

This was a fabulous trip for me seeing Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns - I considered all of the accomodations good for the areas we were in and for the functions we had and the kind of trip it was - all of the meals were delicious - Erica and Jimmie are very experienced with working this area and are very knowledgeable. Every Texan and American needs to see and experience this area of the Lone Star state. Although this trip may be for more experienced hikers it is a "go at your pace" tour. You will not regret seeing this sacred place of beauty and all that she is and has. Great trip!

What a great trip! Erica and Jimmie are kind people and have a ton of experience. In talking with them, the detailed planning they provide is evident, and they obviously learn from experiences and modify the itinerary based upon those experiences. The areas that we hiked were beautiful and at times magical. I enjoyed meeting and hiking with the other participants. I highly recommend this trip if you love hiking and have some experience in doing so [not for beginners]. If you are an avid, experienced hiker as I am, you will find this trip gorgeous but not at all difficult. I would definitely book this trip again if offered as a challenging itinerary with 10 mile hikes in Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks! The lodging was adequate [nothing special]. The food was adequate [mostly nothing special, except great the night it was catered in Big Bend by Erica and Jimmie's company/coworkers!]. But the real reason to do this trip is the opportunity to hike in these magnificent national parks!

This is a fabulous trip. Lots of great hiking; learning about the culture and ecosystems. Big Bend was incredibly beautiful with a variety of natural beauty. . Carlsbad caverns and Guadalupe Mountains were special treats. Lovely to cover 3 National Parks in one trip. Erika and Jimmie were fabulous guides.

This was an excellent trip. Our guides were terrific, knowledgable, efficient, personable and fun. I saw many stunning River canyons, and it was fun to take the row boat across the Rio Grande and spend the day in Mexico.

Erica and Jimmie made this trip an amazing experience I will treasure forever. Their love for this remote area and the people who struggle to live here make this a unique and special program.

Big Bend NP, Guadalupe NP, and Carlsbad NP: Erica and Jimmie are a perfect compliment to each other on this most amazing trip offering even more than stated, with three National Parks in eight days. This team has developed a well orchestrated experience that provides so much more than the write-up states. There were surprises, variety, wonderful hiking, characters to meet, unique accommodations, adventure, and fun!

This program delivers as promised, that and more! The leaders are truly professional, engaging, knowledgeable, organized and entertaining. What more could one want? Each day was fully-packed with hiking and other activities of local and historical interest. There is some distance driving involved, but hey, it's TEXAS!

Awesome trip. The trip leaders were well organized, knowledgeable of the Big Bend area, flexible and really worked hard to ensure the trip went smoothly. The West Texas area was more rugged than I envisioned which made for some fun hiking. The hikers had options on the difficulty of their hikes. Also made for a nice break from our Minnesota winters.

This was a great hiking program into some remote areas of the US.

This is a fantastic program led by 2 uniquely qualified individuals. We were busy from morning until night doing interesting activities. Hiking was as described. Trip to Mexico by "international ferry" was great fun!!

This was a very unique Road Scholar trip. One not only sees three tremendous National Parks, but also gets to see a way of life in the US that few people chose to live - away from the cities and a way of life based on neighborly friendship and plain hard work with a lots of fortitude!