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 Alpine hotels. Can meet guests in Marfa or Fort Davis at 7:15 am. Depart Alpine via US 90 East. Pick up guests in Marathon at 8:45 am. Take US 385 south 40 miles into Big Bend National Park. 9:45 am 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 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 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 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>
3:30pm 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 Drive through the west side of Big Bend NP, and take TX 118 north from Study Butte towards Alpine. 6:30 pm Drop guests at their lodging in Alpine. Guests staying in Marathon, Marfa and Fort Davis are dropped off at 7:15 pm 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. Originating Alpine, 2-3 guests, $200 per guest. Originating Marfa, Marathon, Fort Davis, add $10 per person. 4-5 guests, $175 per guest, Originating Marfa, Marathon, Fort Davis, add $10 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
Paleontology Exhibit
Drive to Mariscal Mine
Mariscal Mine
Drive to Glenn Springs
Drive the Glenn Springs Road
Return to Base
Arrive Alpine
Please note
Price
