THEÂ REVELÂ CLUB and Yellow Dog Van Adventures are going to Big Bend!
Limited to 6 vans.
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TRIP OVERVIEW
The Big Bend area in west Texas derives its name from its location on the bend of the Rio Grande River, which separates the United States from Mexico.Â
Big Bend National Park has massive canyons, vast desert, the Chisos mountain range, and the Rio Grande River. At just over 800,000 acres, it’s the fifteenth largest national park, but one of the least visited due to its remote location. Big Bend Ranch State Park is right next door with another 300,000 acres of mountains, canyons, desert and river.
This trip is along unimproved roads and pavement in both parks.
While we’ll see the well-known features of the park, like Santa Elena Canyon and Chisos Basin, we’ll take the backroads and see parts of Big Bend the most miss. We will be airing down for a more comfortable ride and have an air compressor or two to assist in airing back up. Camping will be all off grid. All dinners and final morning breakfast are included.
"We found this to be overall a very worthwhile trip!"
"I would single out for particular praise the guides/hosts. Mike and Karen combine excellent organizational skills with thoughtful and informative commentary, unfailing helpfulness, and above all good humour.”
LAWRENCE B.
BIG BEND 2024 ATTENDEE
MEET YOUR GUIDE, MIKE FABER
Yellow Dog Van Adventures
Revel Owner and Expert, DIY Project Scoping and Assistance
An engineer who spent a career in marketing and project management always needed some sort of tinkering outlet. From sailboats, to vintage cars, household projects, and now a 2019 Revel, Mike prefers DIY when it makes sense… and occasionally when it does not.Â
DIY is not for everyone, but about anyone can do many of the mods and repairs that our vans benefit from. Mike can assist with developing a plan, work instructions, list of materials, and tool recommendations as well as video call support during your project.
Some sample projects/enhancements: Garage space optimization, Rear box - storage options, mods and installation, RAM track adds and accessories, Silencing rattles, Water system, Interior storage
Big Bend Backroads Excursion
THE AGENDA
*subject to change based on road conditions
Day 1 - April 3, 2025
Explore the west side of Big Bend National Park
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Meet at Panther Junction for quick orientation and introductions
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Drive down Old Maverick Road
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Santa Elena Canyon Trail and/or Dorgan House Trail hike
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Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
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Drive to campsites in Terlingua
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Desert recovery gear discussion and Pull Pal demonstration
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Glen Springs and River Road drive discussion
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Group dinner provided
Day 2 - April 4, 2025
Glenn Springs to River Road
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Depart Grapevine at 8:30AM
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Glen Springs Road
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River Road East
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Stop at Mariscal Mine (time and conditions permitting)
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Camp on Rio Grande Village
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Old Ore and Big Bend Ranch State Park discussion
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Dinner provided
Day 3 - April 5, 2025
Old Ore Road & over to Big Bend Ranch
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Depart from Camp for Old Ore at 9AM
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Old Ore Road to Ernst Tinaja hike
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Old Ore back to the Hot Spring
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Chisos Basis stop
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BBRSPÂ campsite
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Dinner providedÂ
Day 4 - April 6, 2025
Big Bend Ranch State Park
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Breakfast 8AM
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Depart campsite at 9AM
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 Scenic drive along the river - often called "the most scenic drive in Texas"
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Closed Canyon Hike
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Goodbyes and depart
"Mike and Karen are skilled Revelers, having owned their vehicle for so long. They know how to make off-roading feel accessible to everyone, not just the hardcore. Their easy manner and gentle instruction helped to sharpen my skills and were patient with reminders when I forgot a skill every now and then.
Their itineraries were never too ambtious, just the right amount of driving and taking scenic walks, and other much-needed breaks in the action. Karen is a wonderful cook, Mike is a helpful and skilled problem-solver, and they are also just delightful people. I'd definitely take another course of theirs - and you should, too."
~ M.A.
CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM
BIG BEND 2024Â EXCURSION
#THEREVELCLUB
“I didn't know that 135 miles at 12 mph could be so fun. Definitely a "must do" trip. Very historic area..”
PHIL B.
BIG BEND 2024 ATTENDEE
Join us April 3-6, 2025
BACKROADS EXCURSION
BIG BEND TEXAS
MEMBERS
$997
PER VAN
April 3-6, 2025
All dinners and final morning breakfast are included.Â
(Price does not include entry fee to parks.)
RESERVE MY SPOT NOW
OPEN
TO
ONLY
6 VANS
NON-MEMBERS
$1,097
PER VAN
April 3-6, 2025
All dinners and final morning breakfast are included.Â
(Price does not include entry fee to parks.)
RESERVE MY SPOT NOW
 Frequently Asked Questions
________
How do I become a member of THE REVEL CLUB or OVERLAND VAN CLUB?
Do members of THE CLUB get preference?
Can I still participate if I am not a member of THE REVEL CLUB or OVERLAND VAN CLUB?
Any prerequisites required?
What will the roads we’re driving be like?
What will I learn?
Is food/drink provided?
Are pets allowed?
My vehicle has no modifications (i.e. bigger tires or lift), can I still attend?
Do I need recovery gear?
What is the weather like?
What if it rains?
What other activities are available?
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
"Thanks for the trip. I feel a lot more confident! Excited to keep my eyes open for more trips."
R.S.
"Thanks Mike and Karen. We enjoyed our trip with you immensely. Food, itinerary, people and camp sites were top notch."
J & W
"We learned so much and had lots of run! Thank you!"
T.W.
