Big Bend East features easy hikes to destinations in the mountains, the desert, and on the Rio Grande. Hike Lost Mine Trail to an overlook with a hundred mile view. Explore the geological wonders of Ernst Tinaja, and the fascinating history at Hot Springs Historic Area. Bring a bathing suit and towel!
CHISOS LODGE – Big Bend National Park Day Trip East Side
8:30 am – Meet our Guests
Meet guests at Chisos Mountains Lodge.
9:00 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 – Glenn Springs
Drive a few miles in Glenn Springs Road and visit an archeological site that dates back 3000 years. Also visit the site of Glenn Springs, site of a deadly bandit raid in 1916.
12:30 pm – Rio Grande Village
Picnic in the shade by the Rio Grande. This is a good place to spot a variety of birds.
2:00 pm – Ernest Tinaja
Tinaja is Spanish for “small basin”. In Big Bend, where there are many hard rock dry creek beds, thousands of years of periodic flash floods have carved natural basins, some of which hold water year round. Ernst Tinaja was named for a turn-of-the-20th century entrepreneur who established a trading post nearby during the mining boom of that era. This is a fascinating, easy walk.
4:00 pm – Hot Springs Historic Area
In 1906, J.O. Langford arrived in Alpine, Texas, and sight unseen contracted to homestead a property on the Rio Grande, in what is now Big Bend National Park. On this property was a natural thermal spring, flowing into the Rio Grande at 105 F. Langford developed a spa resort and hotel, remains of which today include a store, several hotel rooms, and the remains of the bath house where visitors can still soak in the healing waters on the shores of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo del Norte.
5:30 pm – Return to Chisos Mountains Lodge
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 Chisos Lodge, 2-3 guests, $200 per guest. 4-5 guests, $175 per guest. For larger groups, please contact mike@gobigbend.com or call 432 386-5635. Big Bend Texas Travel is licensed to operate tours by vehicle, on foot, by raft or canoe within big Bend National Park.