Big Bend National Park Hiking Adventure - BYO Lodging
Join a group of travelers for an unforgettable excursion in the Chihuahuan Desert.
April 1st to 4th, 2025 - 4 Days
Starting at $875 / person
Limited to 9 spots
Book by email [email protected]
*Not made by Bitterroot Backpacking, but includes previews of our trip locations!
Trip Summary
4 Guided Day Hikes led by Luke Hayduk
(Marufa Vega, Chisos Mountains, Burro Mesa, and Santa Eleña Canyon)
2 Floats (Santa Eleña Canyon and Hot Springs)
Camping Option Available!
Activity Level:
Moderate/Challenging
Included:
Professional Guiding Services by Luke Hayduk
Ultralight Gear Rental
1 or more breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners, (2 at establishments in Terlingua.)
Trip Planning Services: Let me help you book your flight, rental car, and other accommodations!
Photography of you and your family/friend(s)!
Not Included:
Transportation - please contact us to inquire how to get there!
Accommodations - You will need to book your own stay for each night. Terlingua has plenty of options and is the recommended place to stay, just outside of the park.
Beautiful Hikes
Amazing
Wildflowers
Lifetime
Memories
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - April 1st
Terlingua Meet-n-greet,
Hiking Marufa Vega and Boquillas Canyon
Hike(s) Stats: 5-6 mi with 1000 ft of elevation gain + 2 mi with 200 ft elevation gain
Early Morning:
Welcome to Terlingua, TX! In the wee hours of the early morning, you'll meet with your guide, Luke and set off towards your first hike:
The Marufa Vega Trail!
Late Morning:
Hike along the ancient fossilized remains of arthropods (scroll for pics) and through towering sandstone slot canyons on the first leg of the Marufa Vega trail!
Please note: We won't be hiking the entire trail that is posted in most places. We are hiking a shortened, easier version that will bring us back to our vehicles before the heat of the day.
After the Marufa Vega trail, we'll wander over to nearby Boquillas Canyon. Here, we'll relax along the banks of the Rio Grande and have lunch in the shade of riverside trees!
Lunch will be a packed lunch, tbd.
Day 2 - April 2nd
Hike in the Chisos Mountains
Hike(s) Stats: 9-12 mi with +2000 ft of elevation gain
Early Morning:
Meet at the Chisos Mountains Lodge and hike up and into the mystical Chisos Mountains!
The hike will proceed to one of the rims (East or South, whichever is open) and complete as a lollipop circuit back at the Chisos Mountains lodge.
This hike also passes one of the tallest mountains in Texas, Emory Peak, at an elevation of 7,825 ft (2,385 m). Those who wish to hike to the peak may do so. Others can take a break at the pass at the top of the first climb.
Afternoon:
After the hike concludes, we’ll have lunch in the Chisos Mountain Lodge and call it a day in the early afternoon, before reconvening in the evening for dinner in Terlingua.
Day 3 - April 3rd
Hike at Burro Mesa, Mule Ears, Hot Springs Float
Hike(s) Stats: 2-3 mi with 500 ft of elevation gain + 2-3 mi with 400 ft elevation gain
Early Morning:
We’ll meet at the beginning of the 3rd day at the Mule Ears trailhead. Here, we’ll hike out to the strange formations and explore the unusual Ocotillo, a surprisingly deciduous tree that lives in the desert!
On these hikes, we’ll identify plants, cacti, wildflowers, and hopefully see some animals in the early morning hours.
Late Morning:
After the Mule Ears hike, we’ll meet at the upper Burro Mesa Trailhead and hike into the slot canyon to escape the heat of the day! This will be a casual, at your own pace type of hike. We will plan to convene in the slot canyon to meditate and share reflections on the trip thus far!
Evening:
Langford Hot Springs float and relaxation by the Rio Grande. Minimal 1 mi round trip hike to the hot springs.
Day 4 - April 4th
Hiking and Relaxation at the Santa Elena Canyon
Early Morning:
We’ll meet a bit later than usual for the final hike and activity of the trip. Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most dramatic - the river that flowed through here was once powerful and swift, but today it is calm, almost lake-like in certain seasons!
If the conditions are right, we’ll explore up the Santa Elena Canyon, float in the river on packrafts and other floatation devices and relax to our hearts’ desires!
Afternoon:
We’ll say our farewells and have one final optional lunch in Terlingua!
Photos From Past Trips
Hiking out by Mule Ears
The blooming cacti are perfection
An unusual sight to be seen...
Clouds!
We experienced clouds and a bit of precipitation on our last trip! Snow is even possible!
We will prioritize breaking at beautiful vistas to relax and take in the incredible views that this place has to offer!
Beautiful fossilized shellfish
The Ocotillos look incredible against the mountainous landscape.
Emory Peak is a true challenge, but is worth the hike, with 360 degree panoramic views of the entire park.
Hiking along the Rio Grand near Langford Hot Springs.
Are you interested in camping on this trip?
We can make it happen!
Please email us at [email protected]
Hiking along the gravely, cool wash of a canyon in the sunrise of the morning.
This trip is view after view after view!
More fossilized evidence of past life from millions of years ago.
F.A.Q.
How much hiking will we do each day?
5 - 10 mi / day with about 1000 - 3000 ft of elevation gain and loss. Most people in moderately good physical condition will find most hikes to be moderate or strenuous.
Do you provide the gear?
Rental gear + cost are included in every trip.
What should I pack?
Do you provide food or water?
3 Dinners, 2 Lunches, and 1 Breakfast + all the snacks you could want.
Snacks and Backpacking meals are provided on this trip. Scroll down for more info about meals and snacks.
There is not much natural water flowing around BB NP. Please bring lots of water! We will plan to restock on water at ranger stations when possible, and your guide will bring a surplus of water too.
Will we see wildlife?
The best time to see wildlife is in the morning, when we hike. We may see some wildlife, but encounters are not common. We will take proper precautions to give wildlife plenty of space!
Can I bring my dog?
No! Dogs are unfortunately not allowed on trail in most national parks.
Are accommodations included?
Accommodation is NOT included.
Is transportation included?
Transportation is included by a local transportation service in Missoula. You will coordinate pickup and drop-off times with your guides!
Is camping included?
We can set you up with all the gear needed to camp in Big Bend! Please let us know before you book!
Check out our Ultralight Gear.
Some companies don't provide rental gear in trip pricing, but we do!
Our gear is ULTRALIGHT! Your full pack weight will be under 30 lbs!
We carry
the best backpacking meals.
Plan out and the gobble down meals by brands like Gastrognomeals and Wild Zora.
Digital Topo Maps and Virtual Trip Planning
Included with this trip:
- Access to digital topographical trail map on Caltopo.com
- Virtual trip planning meeting one month prior to trip on Google Meet.
- Request a topo map of this hike by sending us an email! Topo maps are automatically sent after booking.
Pricing
Starting at $875/ person
Group Rates Available
Reviews
"Luke was very personable & knowledgeable. He provided thoughtful snacks & a yummy meals. He would give scientific names to the landscapes/ mountains, show the markings on the mountains from glaciers. The FLOATING was amazing, being on a beautiful body of water & surrounded by extreme beauty was amazing. I will definitely hike with Luke again!"
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Booked trips are fully refundable until 3 weeks before departure.
A 50-100% deposit is required to reserve your spot. Full payment is required a month before the trip.
Weather
The weather can be incredibly difficult to predict for a mountainous environment like the one we’ll be visiting on this trip. We’ll plan for temperatures in the 60s - 80s during the day and 30s - 40s at night. This hikes will be hosted rain or shine, but in the event of a thunderstorm, we will take shelter using the precautions outlined by Wilderness First Responder training the guide has received. In the very rare case of dangerous thunderstorms for multiple days, trips can be rebooked or a partial refund of up to 50% can be given.
Disclaimers
Condition Restraints
This tour is, in part, in remote areas. This adds to the adventure and opportunity to enjoy a true nature experience. However, due to the nature of the terrain, weather, road conditions, and other elements beyond our control, some elements of tours may have to be altered. Times of some activities may need to be changed or even cancelled due to the conditions. If an activity is cancelled it will be replaced with an alternative activity that is more appropriate for the conditions. Advance notice will be given for any changes where possible, although at times changes may be made whilst the tour is in progress.
Wildlife Encounters
On every trip, we love to see wildlife, but it is impossible to guarantee an encounter or sighting. With that said, wildlife sightings are uncommon.
Terms and Conditions
Acceptance of Risk and Responsibility
Nature and adventure travel is by character, an activity that requires traveling in areas that are often remote and the terrain difficult. Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure the comfort and safety of guests, these trips inherently have have elements of risk. By taking part in this tour you acknowledge that there are inherent risks and that you are fully aware of the conditions of travel, accommodation and activities offered. You accept that Bitterroot Backpacking, its staff and sub-contractors cannot be held liable for any accident, illness or similar occurrence. You hereby accept all such risk and release the company from all claims and causes of action arising from any injuries or damages resulting from these inherent risks.
Authority on Trail
At all times, Bitterroot Backpacking's guide or its representative will be final authority on all matters likely to endanger the safety, well-being and enjoyment of the tour. Clients must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should the client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on tour or, if in the company’s opinion, the client's behavior causes or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others we may terminate that client’s tour without any liability on the company’s part.