ITINERARY

Friday

We depart Love Field airport at 8:20 a.m., arriving in Midland at 9:30 a.m.

After a stop in Monahans for snacks & beverages, we'll be on our way. They say, anyone that goes to Big Bend has to really want to be there...it takes several hours of driving. We stop in Alpine for lunch and then the rest of the drive is very scenic.

After checking in at Chisos Lodge, we'll have time to do the 5.2-mile Window Trail hike. It's an unbelievable sunset view! Dinner that night's at the Lodge.

Chisos Mountains Lodge

Located in a setting 5,400 feet above sea level, the Lodge and each of its rooms have a breathtaking view of the spectacular mountain range.

The only lodging in the park, Chisos Mountains Lodge, is located high in the scenic Chisos Mountains and offers comfortable overnight lodging all year long. All 72 rooms are conveniently located near food service, convenience store, post office, gift shop, trail heads and other guest services.

The laid back atmosphere allows guests to enjoy life at a slower pace, yet abound in outdoor fun. Whether it's hiking the Window Trail, rafting the Rio Grande or horseback riding, Chisos Mountains Lodge is a perfect home base for our Big Bend escape!

Saturday

Not to be missed while in Big Bend is the Chisos South Rim Trail hike. We'll get an early start as this 14-mile hike will take us 7 to 8 hours. We'll pack in a picnic and have lunch at the breathtaking South Rim Overlook.

Better be in shape...it's strenuous, but absolutely worth it!

"Few other hikes in Texas can surpass the quality and sheer quantity of views along the trail. On clear days, the views cover most of the Texas Big Bend country and far into Mexico."

The Chisos South Rim Trail

Length: 14.5 miles

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 2,000 ft.

Duration: 7-8 hours

Features: Woods, and meadows, cliffs and canyons, rock formations, extensive views.

A varied and dramatic trial, past meadows and rugged peaks, to the high cliffs of the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains.

View from South Rim Overlook

Sunday

We meet our river guides in Terlingua early this morning. They'll take over for the next 48-hours to show off the water view of Big Bend. We'll cruise (either by canoe or rafts, depending on the water conditions) through the Santa Elena Canyon.

The majestic Santa Elena Canyon is the most impressive in the park - it is visible for over 10 miles away, as the Rio Grande changes direction abruptly after following beneath the straight Sierra Ponce cliffs for several miles and heads due west, cutting through the mountains via a deep, narrow gorge. This sharp bend in the river was formed by movement along the Terlingua fault zone that crosses the park. For many miles upstream the river is trapped beneath the high walls, eventually emerging into a wider valley at the small town of Lajitas. A 0.7 mile path follows the river up the north side of the canyon, and walking further is possible when the water level is low.

There will be time to explore side canyons before making our way to the entrance of the spectacular limestone Santa Elena Canyon. The trip descends into the depths of its 1500-foot canyon walls and through the notorious Rock Slide Rapid. The canyon ends abruptly as it begins during our float to the take-out near Castolon.

We will camp out Saturday night, along the river. The guides will provide all the gear and meals along the way. Bring your own sleeping bag or you can rent one. After setting up camp, they'll prepare an incredible campfire dinner...perfect after a full day of paddling on the river.

Monday

Breakfast and lunch are provided today. We'll have another great day of paddling and site seeing along the river. After coming off the river, we're ready for a night of comfort. Our next destination: the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas.

The Gage Hotel, Marathon Texas (www.gagehotel.com)

Few other historic hotels offer a more unique experience of days gone by than The Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas. The inviting, comforting atmosphere of The Gage returns us to a time when a breath of fresh air and the magnificent night sky filled with a thousand stars was all a cowboy needed to feel alive. This is a land where silence is a reward and your soul speaks to your heart, far away from the big city hustle and bustle. This is the Gage experience.

This fully renovated hotel offers: elegant accommodations furnished with authentic period decor, fine dining that will delight your senses and a pool perfect for an evening swim - all in a rustic West Texas setting surrounded by the mountains of Big Bend National Park.

Tuesday

You're on your own to explore the quaint town today. We recommend a stop at Shirley's Burnt Biscuit for the best fried pie you'll ever eat! Or maybe a Mexican breakfast from Marci's Kitchen down the road. Then perhaps a massage to soothe the soreness in your muscles after an active few days of hiking and paddling. The Desert Moon Spa is next door to our hotel. In addition to massages, they have the full line-up of all spa services (and they'll give us a discount). Or choose to browse the close-by antique, pottery and book stores.