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. View the Chihuahua Desert from the top of Emory Peak, relax in the Rio Grande hot springs, and camp among amazing desert flora and fauna. We will be backpacking for 3 days and 2 nights in the High Chisos in Big Bend, staying high in the desert mountain range. Our groups will be packing in their own water, food, and shelter for this portion. After this, groups will hike, explore, and enjoy the surrounding areas such as the stunning Rio Grande, Santa Elena Canyon, the Grapevine Hills, and numerous trails in the park itself such as the Windows, Mules Ears, and Boquillas Canyon. You don't want to miss this trip, it's one for the books!
Please Note: While this trip is for any experience level, the backpacking portion is considered a moderately challenging hike where participants will carry 40-50lbs for 5-6 miles each day to their campsite in the mountains. If you have never backpacked before, we recommend some basic cardio conditioning to make sure you feel up to the challenge. Winter in Big Bend can be extremely variable and it can snow and rain in the desert at this time of year. Expect cold temps (highs in the 70-80s and lows in the 30-40s). There is a large backcountry element to this trip and access to internet, running water, and other services is limited if available at all. All AWV trips require that students meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria.
- 2023 Length: 12 days (December 26 2023 - January 6 2024)
- 2023 Cost: $795.00. All travel, equipment (sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, etc.) and all group meals included
Previous 2023 Trip Itinerary:
| Day | Day of Week | Date | What's Happening? |
| 1 | Tuesday | 12/26 | Depart from WV. Camp at Chickasaw State Park, TN |
| 2 | Wednesday | 12/27 | Drive to and camp at Abilene State Park, TX |
| 3 | Thursday | 12/28 | Drive to Big Bend. Group 1 preps for entering backcountry. |
| 4 | Friday | 12/29 | Group 1 enters the backcountry. Group 2 hikes and explores the Hot Springs, Santa Elena Canyon, and Grapevine Hills |
| 5 | Saturday | 12/30 | Group 1 summits Emory Peak. Group 2 hikes and explores the Hot Springs, Santa
Elena Canyon, and Grapevine Hills
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| 6 | Sunday | 12/31 | Group 1 exits the backcountry. Group 2 prepares to enter the backcountry. Both groups reunite for a New Years Celebration! |
| 7 | Monday | 1/1 | Group 2 enters the backcountry. Group 1 hikes and explores the Hot
Springs, Santa Elena Canyon, and Grapevine Hills
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| 8 | Tuesday | 1/2 | Group 2 summits Emory Peak. Group 1 hikes and explores the Hot Springs,
Santa Elena Canyon, and Grapevine Hills
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| 9 | Wednesday | 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!
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| 10 | Thursday | 1/4 | One last hot springs soak before saying farewell to Big Bend and driving to Lubbock, TX for saunas, showers, and sleep! |
| 11 | Friday | 1/5 | Drive to Meeman-Shelby State Park, TN to camp |
| 12 | Saturday | 1/6 | Arrive late in Morgantown |
| 13 | Sunday | 1/7 | Crew returns to the SRC to clean and return gear
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Please con tact our office for questions or more information:
Phone: 304.293.5221 | email: adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu