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! 8:30 am Meet guests at Terlingua area lodging. Take TX 170 east to Study Butte, then right 3 miles on TX 118 and enter Big Bend National Park 9:30 am The Chisos Mountains Basin is in the cool mountain highlands of Big Bend National Park. There is a lodge with 72 rooms, restaurant, and convenience store. The Basin is the jumping-off point for a variety of wilderness trails. We will walk 1.5 miles round trip to a breathtaking overlook on the Lost Mine Trail. 11:00 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. 12:00 pm This shaded lunch spot feature a running spring and an old windmill. We often see a variety of colorful birds attracted to the perennial spring waters 1:30 pm 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. 3:00pm 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.
4:30pm We stop at Park HQ at Panther Junction to enjoy an excellent short video and shop for gifts. 5:00 pm Drive through west side of Big Bend National Park to Study Butte, then take TX 170 west to Lajitas. 6:00 pm Drop guests off at Terlingua area lodging. 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 in Terlingua area, 2-3 guests, $185 per guest. 4-5 guests, $160 per guest. Children 12 and under are 25% off. For larger groups, please contact mike@gobigbend.com or call 432 386-5635. Go Big Bend is licensed to operate tours by vehicle, on foot, by raft or canoe within Big Bend National Park.
Meet our Guests
Chisos Mountains Basin
Paleontology Exhibit
Lunch at Dugout Wells
Ernest Tinaja
Hot Springs Historic Area
National Park Headquarters
Return to Lajitas
Arrive Lajitas
Please note
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