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Jagged, rocky mountain peaks in Texas/New Mexico are dotted with green foliage under a partly cloudy blue sky on a sunny day.
Texas/New Mexico

Hiking at Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns

Program No. 23329RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
El Paso, Texas
Program Concludes
El Paso, Texas
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
20 ( 7B, 6L, 7D )
Activity Level
From
2,599
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Join local experts and a small group of fellow hikers as you explore the varied ecosystems of three national parks: Big Bend, the Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns. Learn how early Indigenous peoples, pioneers, miners and ranchers interacted with the land and its diverse flora and fauna, especially the curanderos healers. Find out what it means to live “off the grid” as you travel to remote Mexican border towns, and see why this region was once known as “the Last Frontier.”
Best of all, you'll...
  • Hike down to the deepest caverns of Carlsbad Caverns, both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Enjoy dinner at the historic Starlight Theater and hike the iconic trails at Big Bend National Park.
  • Spend an evening stargazing the dark night skies in Terlingua.
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National ParksWalking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall GroupMost PopularNature & Environment
General Notes
This program takes place in a very remote region where access to medical facilities from trails is over 100 miles away. Access to bathrooms on trails is very limited as is availability of fresh fruit and vegetables. Some light clean-up duties are required in the program. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
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Erica Little
Erica Little loves to share her knowledge of medicinal and edible plants, geology, cultural history, and off-grid living in the borderlands. Erica is a river guide by trade and profession and is an avid long distance backpacker. She has a Wilderness First Responder first aid certification and is a self-proclaimed thorn and blister expert. Erica has through-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the southern half of the Pacific Crest Trail, and completed multi-day hikes in Nepal, Switzerland, Tasmania, Patagonia, and the Andes.
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
Erica Little loves to share her knowledge of medicinal and edible plants, geology, cultural history, and off-grid living in the borderlands. Erica is a river guide by trade and profession and is an avid long distance backpacker. She has a Wilderness First Responder first aid certification and is a self-proclaimed thorn and blister expert. Erica has through-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the southern half of the Pacific Crest Trail, and completed multi-day hikes in Nepal, Switzerland, Tasmania, Patagonia, and the Andes.
Erin Little comes from the Appalachian region of Tennessee. She has led groups for 19 years, typically spending the summer leading whitewater raft groups in Tennessee and the rest of the year leading hikes, river trips, and Mexico outings in far west Texas. She is also a Swiftwater Rescue Instructor and certified Wilderness First Responder.
Charlie Hawkes was born in Redwood City, California, and grew up exploring the Bay Area. His love for the outdoors began early, hiking among the redwoods as a child. In 2013, Charlie started his career as a bat guide in Austin, sharing his enthusiasm for nature and wildlife with others. Charlie’s passion for adventure is matched by his love of music. Charlie is an accomplished musician, having studied performance at the renowned Berklee College of Music.
Cody Brown grew up in Northern California where his love for hiking and exploring wild places began. Cody has been a river guide since 2012, leading on rivers from Texas to Alaska. This year marks Cody's fifth season guiding in Big Bend National Park. He has had the pleasure of leading groups of all ages - families, school groups, and seasoned adventurers.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking up to 7 miles per day at a moderate pace over rocky packed-earth desert trails. Program will require approximately 28 miles of hiking over 6 days. Standing up to 4 hours per day. Elevation 2,000 to 8,000 feet with elevation gains up to 1,200 feet. Transportation in minibuses up to 6 hours (300 miles) with stops to and from trailheads. This program covers over 1000 miles in this vast territory. Must carry 3 liters of water every day and be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Sustainable Travel

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

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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.

    An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
  • 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.

    An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
  • 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.

    An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
  • Sustainable Travel

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

    An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it