Travel

Item Description

Date: November 10-17, 2013

Trip Description: Join NM Wild for an epic adventure in Big Bend National Park. This is one of our premiere outdoor trips. Big Bend, named for the huge left turn the Rio Grande makes as the river snakes its way through the Texas desert, is a vast and rugged landscape that encompasses both desert and forest ecosystems. From the high peaks of the Chisos Mountains to the rushing Rio Grande valley, Big Bend National Park is exceptional in its vast array of wildlife and plant species and its opportunities for a remote wilderness experience.

Our group will camp at Rio Grande Village, one of the best bird-watching areas in the country, boasting more than 450 species of birds including roadrunners, cardinals, herons, owls, hummingbirds and peregrine falcons. The park also abounds with an amazing variety of plants such as the famous century plant, which only blooms once in a lifetime. During our days hiking we will have the opportunity to see a diverse range of animals including javelinas, black bears, large collard lizards and river turtles. At night, when we are hunkered down in our tents, be prepared for a serenade by the resident burros and wild coyotes.

During the week, guests will enjoy expert interpretation from NM Wild staff scientist Steve West. West is an accomplished author who has been studying grassland bird species for several decades, and he wrote and published a book entitled “Northern Chihuahuan Desert Wildflowers: A Field Guide to Wildflowers and Other Plants of the Desert and Its Parklands.” West is an expert birder and naturalist who will lead our group on hikes high through the Chisos Mountains, deep into Mariscal Canyon and into other biologically unique places in the park.

Besides a variety of hikes in different climatic zones, the trip will also include an all-day service project for the National Park Service, swimming in the Rio Grande, soaking in hot springs and a spectacular three-day river canoe trip.

Meals: Healthy lunches and plentiful snacks will be provided each day. Guests will enjoy appetizers and cold drinks in camp every evening as a hearty dinner is prepared for the group. Participants will be responsible for their own breakfast but hot coffee and tea will be provided for everyone each morning.

Participant Requirements: Guests must be 18 years or older or 15 years and older accompanied by an adult. All levels of paddling and hiking ability from beginner to expert are welcome. Guests must be in good physical condition and able to hike on moderate trails at least six miles round trip without over-exertion.

Travel Arrangements: Transportation will be provided within the park. Guests must provide their own round-trip transportation to Big Bend. The drive is approximately 11 hours from Albuquerque to Rio Grande Village, the location of our group camp.

* THIS CERTIFICATE IS GOOD FOR ONE PERSON *