Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Four women smile for a photo at the entrance sign for Big Bend National Park in the Texas desert landscape.
Texas

On The Road: Discovering the Rugged Landscapes of Big Bend

Program No. 25132RJ
See More Photos
Start Enrolling
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
El Paso, Texas
Program Concludes
El Paso, Texas
Meals
16 ( 6B, 5L, 5D )
Activity Level
From
2,399
Start Enrolling
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.
View Full Itinerary
See Related Programs
National ParksOn the RoadNature & EnvironmentRegional Discoveries
General Notes
Due to the remote locations in this program, special meal requests are limited and may lack a variety of options.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
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.
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.
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.
Denis Foley is a third-generation, west of the Pecos River, Texas citizen. He was born and raised in Alpine, Texas and now lives there in retirement. He is a retired petroleum geologist with a lifelong fascination with the natural history of our planet.
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
View Full List
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
Trip Protection
Start Enrolling
Enroll with Confidence
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
  • 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