Mariscal Mine / Glenn Springs Backcountry Tour is the most remote day trip we offer. We drive approximately 50 miles on scenic Big Bend back roads to Mariscal Mine, the best preserved of all the old mines in the area, and stop at Glenn Springs, site of an infamous raid by Mexican bandits on May 5, 1916.
ALPINE – Mariscal Mine and Glenn Springs
8:00 am – Meet our guests
Meet guests at Alpine hotels. Take US 385 south 40 miles into Big Bend National Park.
9:45 am – Paleontology Exhibit
This open-air museum guides visitors through millions of years of geology, with displays and sculptures depicting habitats of these remote times, and the creatures who once inhabited them.
10:30 am – Drive to Mariscal Mine
Drive 25 miles on paved road and than take River Road East toward Mariscal Mine. River Road is a 53 mile back road-the most remote in the Park. This tour is dependent on dry road conditions-rain can quickly make this route impassable. We avoid operating this trip during the summer rainy season, and will always take a look at the forecast beforehand.
12:00 pm – Mariscal Mine
The history of the mining era is frozen in these stark structures. How these elaborate industrial fixtures were installed and operated under the most remote and harsh conditions boggles the mind. We take a picnic lunch before or after a walk into the past, with beautiful, 360 degree panoramas.
2:00 pm – Drive to Glenn Springs
Glenn Springs was a small village dedicated to processing a high quality wax from the Candelilla plant. During the border troubles associated with the Mexican Revolution of that era, a party of “bandits” from Mexico raided the town. During a three hour firefight, three US soldiers from a small detachment stationed there were killed, as well as a 7 year-old boy.
3:30 pm – Drive the Glenn Springs Road
This rugged road carves its way through the foothills of the Chisos Mountains. We take a short stop at an indigenous rock art site on the way back to the main National Park paved road. If time permits, we may stop at Park Headquarter/Visitor center and watch an excellent short video.
5:00 pm – Return to Base
Drive through the west side of Big Bend NP, and take TX 118 north from Study Butte towards Alpine.
6:30 pm – Arrive Alpine
Drop guests at their lodging in Alpine.
Please note
Times are estimated. We are always happy to be flexible with the itinerary; as long as we get you back in time for dinner. We are happy to arrange custom itineraries and exclusive trips, as well as help plan your complete trip to the beautiful Big Bend.
Price
Originating Alpine or Marathon, 2-3 guests, $225 per guest. 4-5 guests, $185 per guest, Originating Marfa, add $15. For larger groups, please contact mike@gobigbend.com or call 432 386-5635.
Prices do not include entrance to Big Bend National Park, which is $30 per carload, good for 7 days. There are a variety of different passes that are valid: America the Beautiful, Senior Lifetime, Active Military as well as Big Bend Annual Pass or National Park Annual Pass. If you don’t have one of those, we can save time by going to https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74331 and getting one in advance. It asks for vehicle information, simply list your own vehicle.