Big Bend Chihuahuan Desert Tour
RIDING TYPE
Intermediate
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
February - March / October - November
Big Bend: The Rio Grande Multi-Sport Adventure – Bike, Paddle & Explore Texas
Big Bend: The Rio Grande Multi-Sport Adventure – Bike, Paddle & Explore Texas
Discover the Heart of Big Bend on an Unforgettable Texas Cycling and Rafting Tour
Prepare for an extraordinary journey into one of North America’s last true wildernesses: Big Bend National Park. Western Spirit’s Big Bend bike trip is a unique 5-day, fully supported Rio Grande multi-sport tour that combines exhilarating cycling with an immersive paddling experience. This Texas cycling and rafting adventure invites you to explore the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert and the majestic canyons carved by the Rio Grande, the natural border with Mexico.
This is more than just a vacation; it’s an intimate encounter with a landscape of unparalleled geological wonders, diverse ecosystems, and profound solitude. Our guided Big Bend National Park tour caters to active and adventurous travelers, families, and busy professionals seeking a hassle-free, deeply engaging outdoor experience. You’ll gain a unique perspective on this iconic region, blending the thrill of two wheels with the serenity of the river.
Cycle the Desert, Paddle the River: A Dual Adventure
Our Big Bend: The Rio Grande trip offers a dynamic blend of activities. You’ll spend part of your adventure cycling on remote dirt roads and scenic paved routes through the vast expanses of the Chihuahuan Desert cycling trip. Then, transition to the gentle flow of the Rio Grande, paddling canoes or rafts through spectacular canyons like Santa Elena or Boquillas. It’s the perfect balance of land and water exploration.
Western Spirit’s commitment to fully supported, all-inclusive expeditions means you can leave the logistics to us. From delicious meals prepared by your expert guides to comfortable “cozy camping” setups under a sky ablaze with stars, we handle every detail. Your only job is to soak in the stunning views and enjoy every moment of this Texas multi-day adventure tour.
Why Choose Western Spirit for Your Big Bend Expedition?
With over 30 years as leaders in guided Texas outdoor activities, Western Spirit provides more than just a trip; we offer a meticulously curated, worry-free adventure of a lifetime.
Expert Guides Providing Seamless Adventures: Our highly experienced guides are the cornerstone of your Big Bend supported trip. They’re not just skilled riders and paddlers; they’re expert naturalists, gourmet chefs, and dedicated support staff, ensuring every detail is managed for a smooth and enriching experience.
Fully Supported, All-Inclusive Expeditions: Forget the logistics. We provide delicious, freshly prepared meals, abundant snacks, and refreshing drinks. Our comfortable “cozy camping” setups, complete with amenities like solar showers, mean you can fully relax after a day of adventure. Our support vehicles are always on hand, offering peace of mind.
Unrivaled National Park Access & Expertise: Our deep experience and permits allow us to offer unique and responsible access to iconic areas like Big Bend National Park. Our guides share their profound knowledge of the region’s geology, ecology, and cultural history, transforming your trip into a truly educational and immersive experience.
Diverse Trip Offerings for Every Rider: This trip combines cycling and paddling, offering a truly unique multi-sport adventure suitable for intermediate levels. While Big Bend is unique, we also offer a wide range of family bike trips and e-bike friendly tours across other incredible destinations, ensuring a perfect fit for diverse interests and abilities.
Decades of Proven Experience & Reliability: Since 1990, Western Spirit has been synonymous with exceptional quality and safety in adventure travel. Our long-standing history and countless positive testimonials speak to our unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable, well-organized experiences.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Your Big Bend bike trip begins in Midland, Texas, where we’ll meet and shuttle you into the heart of the Big Bend region. Our destination is the historic town of Terlingua and the Lajitas Trailhead, nestled against the stunning desert backdrop. After a comprehensive bike setup and orientation, you’ll embark on an introductory ride to warm up your legs and get a taste of the unique desert terrain. We’ll set up our first comfortable camp, enjoy a delicious meal, and soak in the vast, star-filled Texas sky.
Today is dedicated to deep exploration within Big Bend Ranch State Park, often referred to as “The Other Side of Nowhere.” Prepare for a mix of challenging and rewarding riding on varied surfaces, including flowing singletrack, rugged two-track, and remote dirt roads. You’ll navigate ancient desert washes and discover hidden gems like the historic Whitroy Mine and the fascinating “Wall of Hands” pictographs. This immersive Big Bend mountain biking experience truly showcases the park’s wild beauty and remote character. We’ll return to a well-appointed camp, ready for another delicious dinner and campfire stories.
Another exhilarating day of Big Bend Ranch State Park cycling awaits. We’ll continue our exploration of this expansive and rugged wilderness, tackling trails that wind through remote canyons and across vast desert plains. The riding today will test your skills with technical rock sections and sandy washes, offering an authentic backcountry experience. You’ll gain new perspectives on the Chisos Mountains as we navigate the diverse terrain, fully supported every step of the way. Enjoy a well-deserved evening at camp, savoring the tranquility of the desert.
Today offers a thrilling change of pace! We’ll take a break from the bikes for an incredible Rio Grande float trip through the scenic Hot Springs Canyon. Paddle or leisurely float down the iconic river, soaking in the views of towering canyon walls that define the border between the U.S. and Mexico. A highlight of the day is a stop at the historic Langford Hot Springs, where you can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters. This unique Big Bend whitewater rafting and biking tour combination provides an unparalleled experience of the region’s diverse geology and natural wonders. We’ll enjoy a riverside lunch before returning to camp for the evening.
On our final day, choose your adventure! Take one last invigorating ride on trails offering stunning views of the majestic Chisos Mountains, or opt for a scenic hike beneath their impressive peaks. This provides one last opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of Big Bend before we conclude our journey. After a final Western Spirit lunch, we’ll shuttle back to Midland, full of memories from your extraordinary Big Bend cycling adventure.
-TRIP NOTES
The fine print
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
Road Surface
Mixed surfaces. Single track, double track, packed dirt road, rocky 4x4 road, loose rock, sand washes, and pavement.
Overall Rating
Intermediate
Technical Difficulty
Moderate to difficult. While much of the route is suitable for intermediate riders, there are some steep, loose, technical rock sections.
Physical Difficulty
Moderate. Some short, steep climbs at low elevations.
Altitude
1,800- 7,500 ft
Biking Mileage
Hiking Mileage
No hiking mileage
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
Midland, TX. Meets at 7:00 AM CDT at the Sleep Inn & Suites, 5612 Deauville Blvd, Midland, TX (~10 min from airport, free airport shuttle, free parking during trip).
Getting There
300 miles west of Dallas/Fort Worth. Flying into Midland/Odessa (MAF).
Taxi Service
Imperial Taxi 432-770-3660; Midland Shuttle Services 432-312-0443; Midland Executive Car Services 432-260-5428.
Lodging Before Your Trip
Sleep Inn & Suites
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Midland Loop 250
Quality Suites
Country Inn & Suites
PACKING
Standard western spirit packing list
- WHAT WE PROVIDE – meals
- Snacks
- Water
- Electrolyte drinks
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Camp mugs
- Dining ware
- 1 cycling water bottle
- Camp chairs
- Dry bags
- Solar showers
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Bike stand
- Lube
- Guide tools
- First aid kit. BRINGING OR RENTING – bike
- Helmet
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Cycling & camp clothing
- Personal items
- Tipping cash (10-20%)
Bring or rent
Bringing or renting
- Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
- Helmet (gratis w
- Rental bike)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
Cycling clothing
- Cycling shoes
- 3-5 pair cycling shorts
- 3-5 cycling shirts
- Long sleeve cycling shirt
- Long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
- Cycling socks
- Windbreaker
- Tights or leg warmers
- 2 pair cycling gloves
- Rain jacket & rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm layer
- Sunglasses
Camp clothing
- Camp shorts/shirts
- Warm socks
- Long underwear
- 2 pair warm long pants
- Fleece/sweater
- Pile or down jacket
- Warm gloves and hat
- Brimmed hat
- Bathing suit
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Rain gear
Personal
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Towel
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet-wipes
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Optional day bag
- Stuff sacks
- Cash for tipping (10-20% of trip price)
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Favorite beverages
- Books
- Maps
- Portable USB charger
Need more information about our bike trips?
Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.
Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732
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