Big Bend West features River Road and Big Bend Ranch State Park. El Camino del Rio between Presidio and Lajitas, was described by National Geographic magazine as one of the 5 most beautiful drives in the US. Stop for breath taking panoramas, and hike up a slot canyon before driving to Santa Elena Canyon.
Big Bend Day Trips River Road Big Bend NP West Side
8:00 am Meet lobby of Holland Hotel. 9:30 am Drive by Cibolo Creek Ranch that stocks exotic animals from buffalo to elk to antelope. Shafter is a silver mining town in a beautiful location. 10:45 am After a convenience stop in Presidio, we head east towards Lajitas on TX 170, The River Road. In 1967, National Geographic called it "one of the top 5 scenic drives in North America". It has not changed since then. We stop along the way for short walks, photo opportunities and a picnic lunch in Big Bend Ranch State Park. 12:00 pm This is one of the most scenic roadside stops in the state enjoys an unbroken view of the Rio Grande in both directions, and a place to gaze straight down about 800 feet to the river below. 12:30pm After a picnic lunch, hike into a shady, vertical walled, water carved slot canyon, sculpted into hard igneous rock. Enjoy the natural reverberation from the song of the Canyon Wren.
2:30pm We enter Big Bend National Park, fee included with trips cost. This amazing highway traverses the western foothills of the Chisos Mountains, and past a variety of geological oddities and beautiful points of interest. Short hike at Burro Mesa Pour-Off. 3:30 pm Noted author Edward Abbey wrote that "if light were sound, Santa Elena would be a symphony. We will hike the 1.5 miles round trip into the canyon and in Go Big Bend's opinion, one of the most remarkable scenic locations in Big Bend and perhaps in the entire state of Texas. 5:00 pm Return to Alpine via Maverick Road (unpaved), then north on TX 118. Drop guests at Holland Hotel approximately 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 Marathon, 2-3 guests, $215 per guest. 4-5 guests, $175 per guest. For larger groups, please contact mike@gobigbend.com or call 432 386-5635. Go Big Bend Texas is licensed to operate tours by vehicle, on foot, by raft or canoe within big Bend National Park.
Meet our Guests
Cibolo Creek and Shafter
El Camino del Rio
Big Hill Overlook
Hike Closed Canyon
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Santa Elena Canyon
Return to Base
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