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FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning Big Bend River Tours and the Big Bend. Any questions we don't answer, use our email to contact us.
Where exactly is the Big Bend?
When is the best time to come?
What else is there to do?
What do I need to bring?
What if the weather is bad the day of my trip?
How qualified are the guides?
How can I get to the Big Bend?
Are gratuities welcome to my guide?
I have special food conditions, can you accommodate?
How much does it cost?
Where is exactly the Big Bend?
The Big Bend is located in southwest Texas. Approximately 250 miles southeast of El Paso, TX. and an almost equal distance southwest of the Midland-Odessa Area. The Big Bend is a loose term describing a vast amount of land. Including the towns marking the northern boundary of Van Horn, Balmorhea, and Fort Stockton, thousands of acres of land waiting for you to explore lie within the beautiful Big Bend country.
When is the best time to come?
Every season offers something unique, making it a hard decision about whether there IS a best time! Whether it's the seasons flowers, the migrating time of birds, or the temperature, each time has its own splendors. Below, is a list of each season and some of the high points.
Spring: The busiest time of the year, it offers views of wildflowers bursting with colors unlike anywhere else in Texas. Warm temperatures up to 90 degrees make spring most pleasant. Make your reservations early for March and April as we tend to book up completely months beforehand!
Summer: Summer is hot but makes the water that much more inviting. Late summer is the beginning of our rainy season. Storms and rainbows add to your entertainment.
Fall: Warm temperatures and fall blooming cacti rival that of the spring time. The rainy season of summer leaves behind higher water on the river.
Winter: Mild temperatures make winter a hot spot for those escaping from the colder weather elsewhere. Cross-country desert hiking is perfect in winter.
Big Bend River Tours offers guided hikes, camp outs, overnight or multi-day backpacking trips, backroads tours on the dirt roads with no names, National and State Park Tours. There is also a local riding stable right down the street if you would like to play cowboy (or cowgirl) for the day. We would be happy to assist you in your trip planning. We want your stay in our area to be a very special one!
For Sunday Worship in God's Country:
The Big Bend Baptist Church in Study Butte which offers worship services at 11 a.m. on Sundays. We will be updating more information about the various churches in the area soon.
Big Bend River Tours supplies all the necessary equipment for your trips, excluding sleeping bags, pads and tents for overnight trips . All you need to bring are personal items such as water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, a camera, etc. We provide you with a suggested packing list of things you might want to bring.
What if the weather is bad on the day of my trip?
First, bad weather in the Big Bend has several meanings. A lot of times the "wet" weather does clear up rather quickly. Inclement weather has its advantages, such as giving you the opportunity to watch waterfalls cascade over the canyon walls and this can make any trip even more magical! Our trips go rain, snow, sleet or shine. If we cancel your trip you may reschedule or get a refund. If you cancel your trip do to weather there is no refund.
All of our guides go through a company training program when they first arrive. Each of our guides are certified EMT's, Wilderness First Responders, or have a Wilderness Advanced First Aid certificate and a CPR certificate. Their knowledge of the geology, flora, fauna, and legends of the area will astound you. All this and they cook great food as well. Many of the guides hold degrees in biology, geology or other earth sciences. We hire only those with pleasing personalities and helpful attitudes. We have several who are with us year round and others that are seasonal but come back to work here year after year. All of the guides have a love for the Big Bend that enables them to share the magic that is found only here!
How can I get to the Big Bend?
The nearest major airport to Big Bend is either El Paso, TX. or Midland-Odessa, TX. Most folks that fly in rent a car at the airport and drive to Big Bend. A bus route on Greyhound or a train ride on Amtrak go through Alpine, TX. For directions to Big Bend, you can also contact our office or get information through the Big Bend National Park website.
Are gratuities welcome for my guide?
Gratuities for your guide are always appreciated and it lets them know how much they added to your enjoyment of your Big Bend adventure. Industry standard is 15% to 20% of your trip cost.
I have a special food conditions, can you accommodate?
Yes! Please let us know of any known allergies or food preferences at the time of your reservation. If there are specialty foods that are unavailable here that you must have, it would then be best to bring your own and we will store it for you in our food coolers for your trip.
The prices for our trips are listed on our price sheet. If you are looking for prices on rentals or shuttles look to the appropriate page to see prices, or call us for a price quote. We offer quantity discounts to make it more affordable for larger families or large groups and we offer children's discounts for anyone 12 or under.
Big Bend River Tours
(800)545-4240 or Fax (432)371-3034 Local 371-3033
P.O. Box 317, Terlingua, TX. 79852
