Winter Break Big Bend
Explore the magic of the desert and High Chisos in one of the world's most beautiful parks
We're Desert Bound!
Join Adventure WV as we explore the magical, rugged, and inspiring landscape of Big Bend National Park. Highlights of the trip include:
- Emory Peak: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chihuahua Desert from the top of the park on one of the most brilliant peaks in the South West.
- Rio Grande Hot Springs: Relax and unwind in natural hot springs along the Rio Grande.
- Backpacking Adventure: Spend 3 days and 2 nights backpacking in the High Chisos Mountains. You'll be camping among stunning desert flora and fauna, packing in your own water, food, and shelter.
After the backpacking portion, you'll hike and explore surrounding areas such as:
- The Rio Grande
- Santa Elena Canyon
- Grapevine Hills
- Trails like the Windows, Mules Ears, and Boquillas Canyon.
This trip is one for the books—don't miss it!
Important Notes
- Experience Level: While this trip is suitable for any experience level, the backpacking portion is considered moderately challenging. You’ll be carrying 40-50 lbs for 5-6 miles each day to your campsite in the mountains.
- Preparation: If you've never backpacked before, we recommend some basic cardio conditioning to prepare for the challenge.
- Winter Weather: Expect variable weather conditions, with possible snow and rain. Yes, you read that right, snow in the desert! Daytime highs can reach 70-80°F, while nighttime lows may drop to 30-40°F. Wind can be quite intense in the desert, so proper layering is essential to being comfortable.
- Backcountry Experience: The trip has a large backcountry element. Access to the internet, running water, and other services is limited or unavailable.
- Eligibility: All participants must meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Packing Information:
Big Bend is a serious expedition, so we take our gear packing seriously. Please browse this link to view other overnight trip packing lists, but note that we will send a specialized trip packing list home with you after your first pre-trip meeting.
Trip Details
- 2024 Length: 14 days (December 26, 2024 - January 8, 2025)
- Cost: $795.00. Includes all travel, equipment (sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, etc.), and all group meals.
Current 2024 Trip Itinerary:
| Day | Day of Week | Date | What's Happening? |
| 1 | Thursday | 12/26 | Depart from WV. Camp at Chickasaw State Park, TN |
| 2 | Friday | 12/27 | Drive to and camp at Abilene State Park, TX |
| 3 | Saturday | 12/28 | Drive to Big Bend. Group 1 preps for entering backcountry. |
| 4 | Sunday | 12/29 | Group 1 enters the backcountry. Group 2 hikes and explores the Hot Springs, Santa Elena Canyon, and Grapevine Hills |
| 5 | Monday | 12/30 | Group 1 summits Emory Peak. Group 2 hikes and explores the Hot Springs, Santa Elena Canyon, and Grapevine Hills |
| 6 | Tuesday | 12/31 | Group 1 exits the backcountry. Group 2 prepares to enter the backcountry. Both groups reunite for a New Years Celebration! |
| 7 | Wednesday | 1/1 | Group 2 enters the backcountry. Group 1 hikes and explores the Hot Springs, Santa Elena Canyon, and Grapevine Hills |
| 8 | Thursday | 1/2 | Group 2 summits Emory Peak. Group 1 hikes and explores the Hot Springs, Santa Elena Canyon, and Grapevine Hills |
| 9 | Friday | 1/3 | Group 2 exits the backcountry. Group 1 hikes and explores the Hot Springs, Santa Elena Canyon, and Grapevine Hills. Both groups reunite for a final Big Bend celebration! |
| 10 | Saturday | 1/4 | One last hot springs soak before saying farewell to Big Bend and driving to Guadalupe National Park |
| 11 | Sunday | 1/5 | Day hiking in Guadalupe National Park, option to summit Texas' highest peak! |
| 12 | Monday | 1/6 | Exploring Carlsbad Caverns in the morning before heading to Lubbock, TX for saunas, showers, and sleep! |
| 13 | Tuesday | 1/7 | Drive to Meeman-Shelby State Park, TN to camp |
| 14 | Wednesday | 1/8 | Arrive late in Morgantown |
| 15 | Thursday | 1/9 | Crew returns to the SRC to clean and return gear |
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