Outing: Big Bend National Park 2023

Activity Notes

Join us for a spring trip to southwest Texas – a place Mazamas seldom visit. Big Bend is a hiker's paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips. Elevations range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet on Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. Elevation changes produce an exceptional variety of plants, animals, and scenic vistas.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the southernmost part of the 40-mile-long Guadalupe range and the highpoint of Texas. From the highway, the mountains resemble a nearly monolithic wall through the desert. But drive into the park and surprises crop up: dramatic canyons, shady glades surrounded by desert scrub, a profusion of wildlife and birds. Carlsbad Caverns is a short drive north of Guadalupe, and participants would have the option to visit that, if desired.

We will camp in Park group campgrounds each night, seven nights in Big Bend, 2 in Guadalupe. Expect mild to warm daytime temperatures, but cold at night. Hiking will be at moderate paces and distances (there will be several hike leaders and hike options). There will also be plenty of time to look for birds, as the parks are one of the best spots in the west for birding.

Outing cost is $475 for Mazamas members and $565 for non-members. Signup deadline is January 2, 2023. Participants are responsible for airfare (to El Paso), car rentals, overnight lodging other than camping, and all meals.

Contact outing leader Bob Breivogel, breivog@teleport.com, for more information.