Texas: Big Bend National Park

DAY 01.

El Paso, TX & Hueco Tanks 

Arrival , Glamping & Welcome Orientation

• Guest Check-In: Participants arrive at El Paso International Airport (ELP), where scheduled transportation will be arranged to glamping property in Hueco Tanks State Park (40 min from airport).

• The first day is dedicated to welcoming participants , introducing the expeditions scientific objectives, and preparing for the journey into Big Bend National Park.

• Introduction expeditions objectives; itinerary overview; field safety; camping arrangements; and participant expectations.

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DAY 03.

Big Bend National Park

Balanced Rock Trail & Desert Ecology

• Travel to Balanced Rocks Geological Hike

• Field interpretation: Examine the formations of Grapevine Hills and geological origin; weather and erosion: understand how natural processes produce boulders and unusual desert formations; Desert Ecology.

DAY 05.

El Paso, TX

Emorys Peak 

• Ascend Emory Peak, the highest summit in Big Bend National Park, on a guided scientific expedition through the diverse ecosystems of the Chisos Mountains. Along the trail, participants will explore  mountain biodiversity, and ecological changes across elevation gradients. The experience will include guided birdwatching, with opportunities to observe native and migratory bird species.The expedition highlights the ecological significance of the Chisos Mountains as a sky island ecosystem.

DAY 07

El Paso, TX

Departure

• Concluding Remarks

DAY 02.

Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park

Departure to Chisos & Window Trail Hike

• Introduction to the biodiversity, geology, hydrology, ecology, and natural history of the Chihuahuan Desert.

• Arrival to Chisos Campgrounds. 

• ​Explore Window Trail at campgrounds: Participants will explore the geological evolution of the Chisos Mountains through observations of volcanic and sedimentary formations, including rhyolite, limestone, shale, and alluvial deposits. The excursion will highlight the relationship between volcanic mountain building, weathering, erosion, and drainage development, culminating at the Window, a natural bedrock outlet overlooking the Chihuahuan Desert.

DAY 04.

Western Big Bend National Park

Santa Elena Canyon & Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

• Geological Intepretation Stops at Sotol Vista; Mule Ears, and Tuff Canyon.

• Explore the dramatic canyon carved by the Rio Grande through Cretaceous limestone. Discuss ancient marine environments, carbonate sedimentation, river incision, structural geology, and flood-driven erosion.

DAY 06.

El Paso, TX

Fossil Discovery Exhibit & Langford Hotsprings Resort Ruins

• Explore the remains of an early 20th-century thermal resort while learning about geothermal processes, groundwater circulation, and the geological structures responsible for the emergence of naturally heated springs.

• The expedition will continue to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, where participants will journey through approximately 130 million years of the region's prehistoric history. Exhibits featuring ancient marine organisms, dinosaurs, and the giant flying reptile Quetzalcoatlus illustrate the evolution of Big Bend's landscapes and ecosystems over geological time.