Big Bend's High Desert Landscape
April 8 - 14, 2010
Starting at $2,850
 Held in the curve of the Rio Grande River, Big Bend National Park is one of the most pristine wilderness areas on the continent. Wild, vast, and remote, the park covers more than 8,000 acres of desert, river canyon, and mountains. On this active outdoor excursion, you’ll join geologist Kirt Kempter on daily hikes and gain insight into this magnificent and complex place. Enjoy your days skirting canyon walls, strolling sandy washes, and walking along cottonwood-lined riverbanks, and at night venture into the desert to star-gaze and listen for howling coyotes. Javelinas, mountain sheep, mule deer, and many of the park’s 450 species of birds may be spotted during your adventures. Birdwatchers will delight in hiking near the river where summer tanagers, painted buntings, and vermilion flycatchers can be seen. Come along this spring to explore this hidden treasure of the U.S. National Park system.
April 8 — El Paso
Meet your guides at the El Paso airport and begin your journey with a drive through the cattle ranch country of West Texas. Begin learning the geologic story of the Big Bend ecosystem as we follow along the Rio Grand River through the wetlands. This evening, gather for an orientation meeting and welcome dinner at the hotel.
April 9 — Fort Davis and Big Bend National Park
This morning, visit Fort Davis, a restoration of a cavalry post where "Buffalo Soldiers" were stationed. Travel to Big Bend National Park this afternoon with its hauntingly beautiful topography, stopping at the Museum of the Big Bend along the way. Visit the Panther Junction Visitor Center for an overview of the park then settle into the Chisos Mountain Lodge in the heart of Big Bend.
April 10 — Rio Grand Village and Boquillas Canyon
After an early breakfast, venture to Big Bend’s legendary Rio Grande Village area to hike among huge cottonwood trees lining the river corridor. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then visit Boquillas Canyon to see the dramatic limestone cliffs.
April 11 — Chisos Basin
Begin the day with a morning hike in the Chisos Basin to explore the unique flora and fauna of this forest oasis. Later, meet park staff to discuss important issues facing Big Bend, such as air quality and protecting endangered species. After an early dinner, venture into the desert for an evening of star gazing.
April 12 — Santa Elena Canyon, Tuff Canyon, and Barton Warnock Education Center
Explore the west side of the park today with its massive Santa Elena limestone canyon. This afternoon, hike through the Tuff Canyon to explore its volcanic rocks which tell a fantastic story of when the Sierra Quemada volcano was still active. Spend time at the Barton Warnick Education Center for a guided tour through its botanical desert garden. Tonight, enjoy local food and music at Starlight Theatre.
April 13 — Chisos Basin
Take a final walk in the Chisos Basin to set the panoramic views of the Chihuahuan Desert into your memory. By mid-afternoon, settle into the historic Hotel Paisano and relax by the pool or explore the many galleries in the art community of Marfa. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner this evening.
April 14 — Individual Departures
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the El Paso airport for early afternoon flights.
Tour Highlights:
Kirt Kempter has visited and studied plate tectonics and related volcanism around the world. A Fulbright Fellow, Kirt now works for the U.S. Geological Survey as a field geologist, studying the volcanic history of the Jemez Mountains in northern New Mexico.
Skirt canyon walls, stroll sandy washes, walk cottonwood-lined riverbanks, and hike mountain trails inside Big Bend National Park.
Explore the dramatic limestone formations of Boquillas and Santa Elena Canyons.
Enjoy a tour of Fort Davis National Historic Site, where the first African American soldiers, known as “Buffalo Soldiers,” once served.
Look for javelinas, mountain sheep, mule deer, and the migrating songbirds that stop for a rest in the park each spring.
Stay at the comfortable Chisos Mountain Lodge, in the heart of the national park.
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, and may change without notice. Rates do not include airfare, government taxes, fees or surcharges unless otherwise noted. Additional rules and restrictions apply.
|
