Big Bend Trip Itinerary

This itinerary is quite subjective, of course. I am sure other people would put things in different order of priorities. From Austin, Houston or San Antonio, travel out on Hwy 90; back on I-10. Better than the other way round. Recommend at least a week; perhaps ten days. Take good guide book, binoculars, cameras, maps, hats etc. Supplies/resources are quite limited out there.

Austin > Del Rio.  Seminole Canyon.  www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/seminole-canyon Can also be done as a separate, “one-off” trip if time is limited. If at all possible, try and coordinate with the private ranch being open for the White Shaman tour. www.rockart.org/  Many of the motel chains are represented in Del Rio if you decide to overnight.

Del Rio > Marathon.  Stop at Langtry en route for an hour or so.  www.texasescapes.com/TOWNS/Texas_ghost_towns/Langtry_Texas/Langtry_Texas.htm  Either spend one night at the Gage or at least have morning coffee or afternoon tea !!!! www.gagehotel.com/

Marathon > Big Bend.  www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm Two nights at the Chisos Mountain Lodge.  www.chisosmountainslodge.com/  One or two hikes plus Ross Maxwell drive trip.  If no accommodation available at the Lodge, book Terlingua for four nights.

Big Bend > Terlingua.  Two nights at Las Casitas @ Far Flung Outdoor Center. http://bigbendfarflung.com/lodging/  Ask for one of the new cedar cabins (#7-10, I think).  Visit the old mining town. Take a river trip (if water high enough) with one of the outfitters. Probably either this one http://bigbendfarflung.com/river-trips/ or this one www.bigbendrivertours.com/river.html   

The Starlight is an institution in Terlingua www.yelp.com/biz/starlight-theatre-bar-and-restaurant-terlingua as is La Kiva www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g56758-d547137-Reviews-La_Kiva-Terlingua_Texas.html  Go to India’s for breakfast: www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g56758-d2165139-Reviews-India_s_Coffee_Shop_Bakery-Terlingua_Texas.html

Terlingua > Alpine. Two nights either at the Holland Hotel in Alpine http://thehollandhoteltexas.com/ or the Hotel Paisano www.hotelpaisano.com/pages/hp001.html  in Marathon. Visit those two towns plus Fort Davis. Eat at least once at Reata  www.reata.net/  Try and get to the star party at the McDonald Observatory. https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/visitors/programs/star-parties

Alpine > Austin.  A long day. Stop at Balmorhea on the way out for a morning swim. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/balmorhea

Something to get you thinking.