There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and diversity of species is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend.
Our group of 20 will fly from Chicago to San Antonio, TX, and after a stroll down the River Walk and an overnight stay, drive to Big Bend National Park for 5 days of hiking through the Chisos Mountains, floating or canoeing down the Rio Grande River, and watching for a huge variety of birds in migration. Big Bend is awesome; trails are easy to difficult; the food at the lodge is really good and reasonable; and the vistas and stars at night are magnificent. Lots of funky towns and places to visit too.
Return to San Antonio on the 8th and fly back to Chicago on the 9th. Check out the lodge and park online at visitbigbend.com or nps.gov/bibe/ and San Antonio at visitsanantonio.com.
Trip includes airfare non-stop on Southwest Air (Midway), 2 nights Hampton Inn in San Antonio (breakfast included), 6 nights Chisos Mountains Lodge, wine and cheese party, and SUV rentals. Not included are all other meals, other activities, (canoe trip) and gas.