October 22-25, 2026
Big Bend TexasÂ
Backroads Excursion
EXPLOREÂ BIG BEND WITHÂ YELLOW DOG VAN ADVENTURES
4 Days • Excursion • Adventure
BIG BEND
OCTOBER 22-25, 2026
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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. 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.Â
GUIDED VAN EXCURSION
Big Bend Texas
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 the Scenic Drive, 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. The first evening’s dinner is provided.
4-DAY ADVENTURE
Schedule & ItineraryÂ
*Route is subject to change depending on road and weather conditions.Â
DAYÂ 1Â
Explore the west side of Big Bend National Park
- Meet at Panther Junction for quick orientation and introductions
- Drive down Old Maverick RoadSanta Elena Canyon Trail
- and/or Dorgan House Trail hike
- Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- Drive to campsites in Terlingua
- Desert recovery gear discussion and Pull Pal demonstration
- Glen Springs and River Road drive discussion
- Terlingua area campsite - TBD
- Group dinner provided
DAY 2Â
Glenn Springs to River Road
- Depart Terlingua at 8:30AM
- Glen Springs Road
- River Road East
- Stop at Mariscal Mine (time and conditions permitting)
- Camp at Rio Grande Village
- Old Ore and Big Bend Ranch State Park
- discussionGroup dinner – potluck
DAY 3Â
Old Ore Road, Boquillas Canyon & over to Big Bend Ranch
- Depart from Camp for Old Ore at 9AM
- Old Ore Road to Ernst Tinaja hike
- Old Ore back to the
- Hot Spring and/or Boquillas Canyon
- Terlingua Ghost Town
- Terlingua area campsite – TBD
DAY 4Â
Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Depart campsite at 9AM
- Scenic drive along the river – often called “the most scenic drive in Texas”Closed Canyon Hike
- Goodbyes and depart
"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."
"We found this to be overall a very worthwhile trip!"
LAWRENCE B.Â
BIG BEND ATTENDEE
CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM OUR PREVIOUS
BIG BEND BACKROADS EXCURSION
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.
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
"I didn't know that 135 miles at 12 mph could be so fun. Very historic area.."
"Definitely a "must do" trip"
PHIL B.Â
BIG BEND ATTENDEE
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a member of THE CLUB?
Do members of THE CLUB get preference?
Can I still participate if I am not a member?
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 if it rains?
What other activities are available?
Join us October 22-25, 2026
*MEMBERS INCLUDE THE REVEL CLUB or OVERLAND VAN CLUB
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Join us and find like-minded people who are equally as
passionate about travel, exploration and nature.
Thank you!
Thanks so much for joining our community and for adding to the fun! Let's find friends, become family, and go out into the wild and enjoy every minute exploring with our vans!