Highlights:
Santa Fe • San Antonio • Mayan Ranch • Guadalupe Mountain NP • White Sands NM • Carlsbad Caverns NP • State Parks • Texas Hillcountry • Big Bend NP
Overview:
Come explore the remarkable treasures of Texas and New Mexico with us. Be awed by the cities, sheer size, scenic beauty, history, and vastness of Texas. Two famous national parks can be found in Texas, Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. We walk through these amazing desert parks through vast cacti forests, often in bloom, while we spot road runners, quail, hummingbirds and circling vultures. Be enchanted by the beauty of the White Sands and Tent Rocks of New Mexico. Last not least, enjoy in depth explorations of the fascinating historic cities of Santa Fe and San Antonio, where the West began. We top off our journey with a typical Ranch stay in the hill country of Texas.
Our exceptional journey takes us through the West, following the Rio Grande River through the heart of Texas. From Houston we soon reach San Antonio, founded in 1718 by the Spanish crown. The city is steeped in early ranching history and invites us to explore the famous River Walk, missions, and the Alamo. The next highlight of our journey is a stay at a typical ranch in the beautiful hill country of Texas. Limestone hills here are dotted with historic villages and cut through by creeks. We then follow the Rio Grande Valley westwards, exploring parks along the Mexican border. We hike to 8000- year-old rock art, and then scramble through cacti forests in Big Bend National Park. The riparian area in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the highest peak of Texas, is followed by an exploration of the amazing caverns of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A little-known park of outstanding beauty is White Sands National Park, where we find the world’s largest gypsum dune field. A slot canyon hike at Tent Rocks cannot be missed, before we conclude our journey in Santa Fe, the oldest capital of the USA. The best seasons to enjoy these southern states are early spring and late fall. Expect warm to crisp days, spring flowers or fall colors during our national park adventure. This tour offers a wonderful mix of great hiking and little visited parks with rewarding scenery. Enjoy walks and explorations off-season, and far away from the overcrowded parks in the West. Last but not least, we have in-depth explorations of two of the most enchanting and, historic cities in the West, Santa Fe and San Antonio.
The Itinerary in full
Day 1. Arrival Santa Fe
Today marks your arrival in Santa Fe or Albuquerque. A shuttle to the hotel is about $30 pp. Inn of Governor downtown hotel, or similar, 3-star, 1 night.
Day 2. Tent Rocks National Monument and Santa Fe, B, L
The morning finds us exploring Tent Rocks. This remarkable small national monument protects cone shaped peaks made of volcanic ash deposits. Trails lead through the narrow slot canyons and twist through the rock formations of unusual shapes. The afternoon is reserved to explore Santa Fe with all its glorious historic sites, museums and galleries. Santa Fe is surrounded by 19 pueblos, villages of Native peoples still living in their traditional ways. Their culture and art have permeated the local culture. The natives sell their beautiful arts and crafts on the plaza. Santa Fe is a feast for the eyes, steeped in the history of the
Spanish settlement of the area.
Drive Time: 80 m /130 km
Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail: 3 m 5 km, +/- 250m
City Walks: 4 m / 5 km
Day 3. White Sands National Monument, B, L
The morning is at leisure in Santa Fe. We then continue south along the Rio Grande. In the afternoon we reach White Sands National Monument, protecting
the largest gypsum dune field. We have the afternoon to explore in this unusual place, and scramble through the white dunes. Alamargordo, Quality Hotel or
similar, 3-star, 1 night
Drive Time: 220 m /350 km, 3.5 hours
Day 4. Carlsbad Cavern National Park, B, L
By afternoon we reach the magical Carlsbad Cavern National Park. It is the most significant and beautiful limestone cavern in the USA. A remote access point
leads us on foot into the depth of this stunning labyrinth of stalagmites and stalactites. We enjoy several shorter, impressive walks. Carlsbad, Steven Inn
Hotel or similar, 3-star, 1 night
Drive time: 140 m /220 km, 3 hours
Cave walks: various shorter walks in and out of the cave
Day 5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, B, L
Guadalupe Mountains are a hotbed of biodiversity and also the highest peak in Texas, 2627 Meters. This vast desert park protects a “sky island”, a mountain range rising 1000 Meters out of the vast Chihuahuan desert. Some consider this the southernmost extent of the Rocky Mountains. In the lower reaches the mountains are covered by pinion pine and juniper. In the canyons we find rare riparian areas, complete with cottonwood, maples and madrone trees. The upper reaches are covered with pine forests. The biodiversity includes deer, elk, bear, coyote, badger, ring tail cat, along with a wide range of bird life. Today’s walk leads us through the deeply incised canyon at McKittrick. Walking from the dry alluvial fan we soon reach the shaded protected area of the tall canyon walls and enjoy a beautiful, lush forest. Our hotel is in the small, remote community of Van Horn. Holiday Inn Express or similar, 3-star, 1 night.
Drive Time: 110 m/ 170km, 2 hours
McKittrick Canyon: 7 m / 11km, +/- 100m
Day 6. Fort Davis National Historic Monument, B, L
One of the best-preserved frontier Forts of the West is found at Fort Davis. The southern route to the California Gold Fields passed through hostile Apache lands. The fort was built to protect the immigrants, mail coaches and freight wagons going to California. Over 200 men were stationed here. The fort is extremely well preserved, complete with a hospital ward and an exhibit of life during the 1850ies. We can appreciate the hard conditions on the frontier and the challenges faced by Europeans in this hostile land. Lunch finds us at Fort Davis State Park, where an afternoon stroll takes us to a viewpoint above the vast desert below. Our hotel is in the gateway town the National Park, Alpine Texas. Quality Inn or similar, 3 star, 2 nights.
Drive Time: 300 m/ 480 km, 5 hrs
Skyline Trail Loop: 3.5m / 5 km, +/- 200m
Day 7. Big Bend National Park, B, L
Big Bend National Park is a hiker’s paradise. This massive national park hugs the Mexican border along the Rio Grande. Depending on temperatures we choose a walk either at higher elevation, in the forested high plateau, or through the lower elevation’s warm desert complete with its cacti forests and
mesquite bushes. With a little luck we see deer, badger, coyote. For sure we spot the vultures and hawks overhead. In spring cacti flowers abound. The
canyon at Santa Elena offers a fantastic peak into the Narrows of the Rio Grande.
Drive Time: 120 m, 200km, 2 hours
The Windows: 5m /8km, +/- 300m
Day 8. Ancient rock art of Seminole State Park, B, L
Heading East along the Rio Grande we soon pass the village of Marathon, where we have time to explore the local brewery and grocery shops for great
homemade foods. Near the village of Del Rio we find the remarkable jewel of Seminole Canyon. The Devil’s River carved a deep, trough like canyon into the
limestone. Native peoples used the cliffs as buffalo jumps, driving herds of buffalo over the cliffs. Some of the oldest rock art found in North America is found on the canyon’s walls, dating back to 8000 years. Our walk takes us the confluence with the Rio Grande, where we peek into a cave full of world class rock art. Del Rio has been featured in many Hollywood movies. Now the little town, nestled on the Rio Grande, is a sleepy frontier town with a Mexican heritage. Hotel Ramada or similar, 1 night, 3-star.
Drive Time: 200m / 320 km, 3 hours
Walks: 7 m, 11 km, +/- 200m
Day 9. The Lost Maples and Texas Ranch stay, B, L, D
Another jewel of the area is Lost Maples State Park. Here, below steep, eroded cliffs we hike the limestone canyons of the Sabinal River. Rare maples grow in the riparian area of the canyon. In spring the native Red Buds flower, while hummingbirds and butterflies circle above us. In autumn the maples impress with their red leaves contrasting with the blue sky. In late afternoon we head to one of the highlights of our trip, the Mayan Ranch in the Hillcountry. We are
shown to our rustic cabins by the cowboys, which are spread over the hills. There is time for a swim in the pool, a walk to fossil hill, or visit the impressive
dinosaur prints. Dinner is a memorable Texas affair: BBQ or steak, followed by the ranch’s entertainment. Maybe we’ll learn how to line dance? Mayan Ranch, or similar, 2 star, 2 nights.
Drive time: 3 hours, 160 m / 260km
Lost Maples East Loop, 6-7m, 11 km, +/- 300 m
Day 10. Limestone hill walks and Texas Ranch life, B, L, D
We wake up to the sound of doves and the wild deer grazing outside our cabins. The horses are ready for those that want to explore the hills on horseback. The group heads to the nearby Hillcountry State Natural Area a beautiful former ranch spread over the limestone hills, dotted with ancient oak trees. Our
walks take us to a vast viewpoint, from which we can appreciate the expanse of the limestone hills. The Hillcountry is famous for its natural beauty, many
springs, limestone caves, ranches, and historic European settlements. The afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy your stay at the ranch, ride horses, enjoy the pool and relax. All activities are included. Or walk to the fossil hill or the dinosaur prints.
Drive Time: 30 Minutes
Wilderness and Spring Branch Trail: 5.6 miles, 10 km, +/- 300 m
Day 11. San Antonio, San Juan Mission and the Alamo, B, L
We depart early, heading to one of the most mesmerizing historic cities in the West, San Antonio. The city was founded as a Spanish Mission and colonial
outpost in 1718, as part of the Spanish Empire. Ancient colonial missions abound, along with enchanting historical neighborhoods. Our explorations start with a
visit to the San Juan Mission, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient, beautifully preserved mission showcases the daring and arduous European efforts to settle this remote land. Our hotel is centrally located near the famous River Walk. In the afternoon we head to explore the city. Walking along the peaceful River Walk, we soon reach the center of town, also famous for its nightlife. A visit to the nearby Alamo is a must. This mission was the site of the Battle of the Alamo, a key battle in the revolution against the Mexican government in 1835.
Choose to spend the evening on the River Walk or return to the hotel. La Quinta or similar, 3-star, 1 night.
Drive Time: 200 miles / 330 km, 3.5 hours
City Walks: 4-5 miles, 8 km +/- 50 m
Day 12. San Antonio to Houston, B
The King William historic district showcases beautiful architecture in the heyday of the city’s wealth. We marvel at the exquisite southern architecture, gardens and flowers. Then we continue our explorations north along the River Walk to the historic neighborhood of the Pearl District. There is time to enjoy the area, enjoy the many food stalls, boutiques and outdoor markets. This is Texas urban culture at its best. Lunch on own. In the afternoon we continue our journey to our final destination, Houston. Our hotel is near the airport and offers a free airport shuttle.
Drive Time: 200 miles / 330 km, 3.5 hours
City Walks: 4-5 miles, 8 km +/- 50 m
Day 13. Departure, B
Departure is on own. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport.
All Images are shown are the property and are reproduced with the permission of Adventure Travel West.
