Intro to Mountaineering in Big Bend

A challenging trip in the Big Bend of Texas! We will be rebuilding ruggedness in our spirit in a remote area of the Big Bend Ranch State Park. An undiscovered secret, this area sees few visitors. We will hike an extinct volcano and summit two volcanic plugs from which we will be able to see deep into Mexico. We’ll also summit an additional mountains and explore terrain with traces from early 20th century and early 19th century inhabitants. The trip includes hoodoo rock formations, the Rio Grande, mountains, and incredible expansive views. Email trailblazer@texaswildwest.live if you have any questions or to sign up!

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive, set camp with views of the Solitario Basin (an extinct volcano)

Day 2: “The Solitario Basin” (10 miles)

0800 - 1100: Hike the Caldera, summit The Needle (4.5 miles)

1100 - 1300: Summit Fresno Peak (3 miles, optional, difficult terrain)

1300 - 1800: Return to Trailhead (4.5 miles), summit Solitario Peak on the way (optional extra mile)

1800 - 2000: Dinner

Day 3: “The Mountains and Vistas” (6 miles)

0800 - 1400: Summit La Mota Mountain (4 miles) and explore a hoodoos formation

1400 - 1700: Summit Agua Adentro (2 miles, difficult terrain)

1800 - 2000: Camp along Rio Grande, do a short hike close by.

Day 4: “The Canyon” (1.4 miles)

0700 - 0900: Tour Closed Canyon (1.4 miles, easy terrain)

0900 - 2000: Drive home

Cost per person: $600 + tax

Price includes campsites, breakfast, and dinner (bring your own lunches and caffeine).

Provided Meals planned (subject to slight changes according to conditions, supplies) are:

• Friday night: burgers and green beans over campfire

• Saturday breakfast: bacon and eggs over campfire, bannanabread, berries

• Saturday night: Sweet potatoes and steaks over campfire, carrots

• Sunday morning: Yoghurt, granola, and strawberries, bananabread

• Sunday evening: chicken tortillas with toppings (avocado, tomatoes, salsa, beans)

• Monday morning: Yoghurt, granola

Additionally, the guide is experienced with the Park and authorized by the Park authorities. He will be carrying a satellite tracker for location/communication in areas of no cell signal (which is most areas of the park). Tents, bedrolls, and sleeping bag rentals are available upon request while supplies last.