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. 8:00 am Meet guests at Lajitas Golf Resort. Take Texas 170 east towards Terlingua/Study Butte, turn south on Texas 118 and enter Big Bend National Park. Park fees included in tour costs 9:00 am We take a short break at Park Headquarters at Panther Junction, or "PJ". They have a variety of interpretive materials and Park related gifts for sale. We will watch an excellent 15 minute video about the Park and the Chihuahuan Desert. 9:30 am Drive 18 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 before heading into the wilderness. 11:00 pm 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. 1:30 pm 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./p>
3:00pm 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. 4:00 pm If time permits we will take a short detour on the return to Lajitas and visit the 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 roamed here. 5:30 pm Drop guests off in time to relax before dinner, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or enjoy a beverage at the Thirsty Goat Saloon 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. 2-3 guests, $175 per guest. 4-5 guests, $165 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.
Meet our guests
Big Bend National Park Headquarters
Drive to Mariscal Mine
Mariscal Mine
Drive to Glenn Springs
Drive the Glenn Springs Road
Return to Lajitas
Arrive Lajitas
Please note
Price
