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Texas

On The Road: Discovering the Rugged Landscapes of Big Bend

Program No. 25132RJ
Immerse yourself in the best of Texas — visit remote state and national parks, explore Fort Davis Historic Site and stargaze in the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve.
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  • Four women pose for a photo at the entrance sign to Big Bend National Park in Texas.
  • A woman with arms raised stands on a rocky overlook with the rugged, green mountains of Big Bend, Texas in the background.
  • Three people hike on a sunny desert trail in Big Bend, Texas, walking toward a large rock formation under a clear blue sky.
  • A row of historic buildings at Fort Davis Historic Site in Texas sits in a dry field before a rocky cliff.
  • Four smiling women peer through a natural rock window against a bright blue sky in Big Bend, Texas.
  • A group of hikers walks along a desert trail in Big Bend, Texas, with a large butte in the background under a clear sky.
  • Two women hikers sit on a low wall in Texas, surrounded by a large assortment of colorful backpacks and gear for their trip.
  • The steep, rocky cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon in Texas are illuminated by golden sunlight as the Rio Grande river flows below.
National ParksOn the RoadNature & EnvironmentRegional Discoveries
Length
7 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
2,399
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
El Paso, Texas
Program Concludes
El Paso, Texas
Meals
16 ( 6B, 5L, 5D )
Activity Level
Explore the mountain and desert habitats of Big Bend National Park on this venture into the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. Cross the Chihuahuan Desert with a naturalist who will interpret all you see, then enter Santa Elena Canyon to explore Big Bend’s rugged landscapes. Visit Museum of the Big Bend, Fort Davis National Historic Site and much more.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Explore the darkest skies in the country in a star party with a local expert.
  • Travel back in time with a visit to Fort Davis National Historic Site.
  • Study over 200 species of cacti at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute.
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General Notes
Due to the remote locations in this program, special meal requests are limited and may lack a variety of options.
Featured Expert
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KT Cockerell
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.
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
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.
Rick LoBello is the Education and Conservation Curator at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the chair of the zoo’s conservation committee. He has been an advocate for conservation and education of the Chihuahuan Desert since 1974. He has also served as Park Ranger and Executive Director at four National Parks including Big Bend, Yellowstone, Guadalupe, and Carlsbad Caverns.
Tom Osborn is a Tierra Grande Texas Master Naturalist and Chief Adventure Guide based in Marathon, carrying a deep legacy rooted in his grandfather’s historic Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) service at Big Bend National Park. Tom is a dedicated advocate for the conservation and cultural preservation of Texas’s "Last Frontier," offering a profound connection to its diverse and awe-inspiring landscape. Tom bridges the land’s storied history with the vibrant spirit of its people.
Dr. Kathryn Busby grew up in Texas and has spent over a decade studying the desert Southwest. She began her science career working on optical systems at McDonald Observatory, where she first fell in love with the Davis Mountains. She earned her Ph.D. on the ecology of native desert bees at the University of Arizona, then studied desert pollinator ecology with the United States Geological Survey. Throughout her career, she has led many groups of all ages on science and nature adventures.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over. Hiking up to 1 mile over varied, sometimes uneven terrain. Standing up to 2 hours per day. Program will require approximately 8 miles of walking over 5 days, climbing two flights of stairs and getting on and off a motorcoach several times a day. Driving up to 300 miles over 5 hours with stops. Elevations up to 7,000 feet. Use of walkers, canes and scooters are not suitable for the terrain of this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
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.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Helpful Links
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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.

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