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Big Bend National Park & Far West Texas Ride
Bike through the hinterlands of Western Texas from the mountains to the Rio Grande River.
About the Ride
Join us for this unique 5-day Charitable cycling adventure in the far west of Texas
Next Ride TBA
El Paso, TX
The vastness of this ride will seem surreal. Sky islands rise from the desert floor while prickly cacti and javelina dot the landscape. The trip meets in El Paso for a shuttle to the Davis Mountains, home to the famed McDonald Observatory. Then we ride along the Rio Grande to the ghost town, Terlingua, before adventuring into Big Bend National Park. Highlights include Big Bend State Park, the Chisos Mountains, ghost towns, and the majestic Santa Elena Canyon while staying at historic hotels and sampling local eateries. On the way back, you can stay extra days in the artsy town of Marfa.
Proceeds benefit our grants program and you can choose beneficiaries when you register.
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Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
This philanthropic adventure will challenge you and deepen your connection to our public lands. We have daily cycling mileages to suit all types of cyclists. This is a fully supported ride which means that you can choose options that meet your cycling goals. You can focus on pedaling and making connections with your new friends while we take care of everything from overnight details, to meals, snacks, luggage transport, and much more. In registration, you can select from Climate Ride’s full list of beneficiaries. Please learn more in the FAQ below. Climate Ride charitable events bring together bright minds, breathtaking routes for all cycling abilities, and an unforgettable combination of passion and purpose.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
The itinerary is subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
DAY 1
Texas Alps & McDonald Observatory
Cycling: 53 miles, +3,054’/-2,349′
Short option (Medera Canyon to Fort Davis): 24.4 miles, +1,037’/ -1,978‘
We’ll meet up early in the multi-cultural border city of El Paso. We’ll load up bikes and luggage, then shuttle to the ride start (please arrive ready to ride with a daypack for the van). Today’s ride winds through the Davis Mountains passing the iconic McDonald Observatory then down the town of Fort Davis. Some consider the Davis Mountains to be the most stunning scenery in Texas, earning the region the well-deserved nickname the Texas Alps.
Violent volcanic activity formed the Davis Mountains 35 million years ago. Like the forested flanks of the Chisos Mountains, in Big Bend, this tree-studded alpine environment is a sky island–a cooler, wetter landscape surrounded by arid lowland desert, where bears, mountain lions, and birds thrive. Thanks largely to the Nature Conservancy, which owns the 33,075-acre Davis Mountains Preserve (including Mount Livermore, the tallest peak in the range, and Madera Canyon), more than 100,000 wildland acres have been protected from development.
Hotel: Antelope Lodge in Alpine, Texas
DAY 2
El Camino del Rió to Terlingua
Cycling: 42 miles, +2,454’/-2,087′
Short option: your guides will suggest shuttle points
Today begins with a shuttle from Ft. Davis to Presidio. We’ll make a quick stop in Marfa so you can check out the town we suggest you visit after the ride.
Today we experience the mighty Rio Grande at its finest as we ride El Camino del Rió from Presidio to Terlingua. The route is described as one of the most scenic stretches of roadway in North America, and by day’s end, you’ll know why. We take a well-deserved rest at the overlook atop Dark Canyon, known locally as “The Big Hill,” the steepest sustained road grade in Texas. Our efforts today are greatly rewarded with a jaw-dropping mixture of dramatic canyons, lush Rio Grande floodplain, and majestic mountains as the road rises, falls, and twists its way through this incredible landscape. Finally, cap off the ride with more amazing scenery as we pedal into Terlingua to our historic accommodations: restored lodging in the heart of a ghost town. We’ll celebrate the day’s accomplishments with at toast at the iconic Starlight Theatre in Terlingua. We’ll spend two nights in Terlingua.
Hotels: Various hotels and casitas in Terlingua ghost town
DAY 3
Terlingua to Santa Elena Canyon and Old Maverick Road
48 Miles, +1,949’/-2,674′
or 70 Miles +2,972’/-2,976‘
Today, we begin our ride early, departing from Terlingua and heading towards the breathtaking Santa Elena Canyon via the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
At the end of the ride, we’ll enjoy lunch near Santa Elena Canyon, followed by a short hike to appreciate the grandeur of the canyon and the Rio Grande River, with Mexico just a stone’s throw away. Santa Elena Canyon of the Rio Grande is a phenomenal stretch of river. Sheer 1500′ canyon walls tower over the Rio Grande as it winds its way through the rugged borderlands, creating a gorgeous and solitary environment to enjoy.
For those who want BONUS MILES, there’s an opportunity to ride from Santa Elena Canyon back to Terlingua on beautiful Old Maverick Road which has 14 miles that is gravel categorized as an ‘improved dirt road’.
Hotels: Various hotels and casitas in Terlingua ghost town
DAY 4
Boquillas Canyon to Chisos Mountains
32 Miles, +696’/ -4,262′
Long Option: 84 Miles +6,293’/-3,747′
Today, we say goodbye to Terlingua and bike right through the heart of Big Bend National Park. Encompassing more than 800,000 acres (larger than Rhode Island) the park is a remarkable land of contrasts, combining river floodplain, high mountains, and Chihuahuan desert in three distinct ecological zones. We cross the park from west to east, with stops at Panther Junction Visitor Center and lunch at Dugout Wells Picnic Area. When we arrive at Rio Grande Village with Mexico’s majestic Sierra Del Carmen mountains looming just beyond, we’ll walk to Boquillas Canyon to witness the stunning views, sheer cliffs, and riverfront beach of Big Bend’s deepest canyon. Afterward, saddle up for the short ride to historic Langford Hot Springs where you can soak in the natural springs while enjoying unparalleled scenery next to the Rio Grande. Then, we’ll take a shuttle to the Chisos Mountains Lodge located high in the Chisos Mountains. Be prepared for an awesome sunset.
For those who want BONUS MILES, you can ride out and back making this an 84-mile day with some big climbing! Or we can bring you to the base of the Chisos Mountains and you can do the sweet 1800′ climb to the lodge.
Hotel: Chisos Mountain Lodge
DAY 5
Chisos to Marathon
36 Miles, +823’/-3,399′
Long Option: 77 Miles, +2,343′ /-3,730′
Our final ride doesn’t disappoint as we make a thrilling descent from the Chisos Mountains and head north to the Persimmon Gap. We make a brief but fascinating stop at the Fossil Bone Exhibit, which details 120 million years of the region’s paleontological history, before continuing alongside the towering Del Carmen mountain range. Our route follows the old Comanche war trail through Persimmon Gap, where we say goodbye to Big Bend National Park. We’ll jump on the shuttle from here. For those with more gas in the legs, you can continue riding to Marathon.
Our van transfer will return to El Paso (or Van Horn), arriving around 4:00 pm. Departing flights can be scheduled for 6:00 pm or later.
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FAQs and More Info
What does my fundraising support and why is it so important?
Cyclists can choose from the more than 100 incredible beneficiary organizations in our network! One of the things that makes Climate Ride such an effective charitable event is that you can select the organization(s) you wish to fundraise for from our extensive list of beneficiary organizations. Our beneficiaries were selected for their work on the environment, conservation, sustainability, climate education, and active transportation advocacy. At the end of the year, Climate Ride grants the proceeds from our events to these hard-working organizations.
Travel Information
This trip will meet at 8 AM MST at our host hotel in El Paso, TX. You will most likely need to spend the night before in El Paso. Make sure you eat a big power breakfast to get you ready for the day! We have a 2.5 hour shuttle to the ride start.
The cycling event will end in El Paso on Day 5 around 4 pm. Flight departures from El Paso should be made for after 6 pm.
If you are driving, you can meet up with the ride at our first hotel and leave your car there during the ride. At the end, we’ll drop you to meet up with your vehicle.
Getting To and From El Paso, TX
We recommend arriving in El Paso at least one day before the departure of your trip or before 7 am on Day 1. Cars from home and rental cars can be left in El Paso during the trip.
Flying into El Paso, TX
Airport Code: ELP
El Paso Lodging
El Paso is a popular vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your room well in advance if possible. There are many lodging options in El Paso, but we’ll have some recommendations and an official trip hotel listed here soon, and in your Ride Guide once you register.
After the Ride
We’ll shuttle you back to your car or to El Paso. We highly recommend extending your stay with a visit to Marfa, the sleepy ranching town that has become a world-renowned Minimalist art center thanks to the legacy of artist Donald Judd.
Meals & Accommodations & Single Supplements
All meals and snacks are included once the trip begins (excluding alcohol and additional beverages). If you require or prefer special snacks and electrolyte supplements we recommend that you bring them.
This is an all-hotel trip. A single supplement is available for an additional cost (~$500) if you prefer your own room and there is availability at the hotels (we will reach out after you register). If you sign up as a solo traveler, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate of the same gender. If we cannot find a roommate, then you will be charged a single supplement fee.
What do I need to bring on the ride?
All riders need to have a bike (see your Ride Guide for bike rental info), helmet, gear, and a suitcase or duffle containing clothes, toiletries, and anything else necessary for several days on the road. The Ride Guide will contain a more detailed suggested packing list. The Ride Guide will be distributed to participants before the event. If you have a non-perishable personal favorite snack or electrolyte brand please feel free to bring some along!
Road bikes (wider tires recommended for comfort) and gravel bikes are recommended for this trip as we’ll be riding on a variety of paved roads.On Day 4, there is an optional section of ‘improved dirt road’. The most important factor in choosing a bike and pedals is your comfort.
Bringing your own bike: Have your bike tuned up before the tour and have any worn-out parts replaced. Please see your Ride Guide for information on how to ship your bike to the ride.
Need to rent a bike? We’ll have an outfitter in El Paso that can provide bike rentals for $400. More information will be available soon.
What is NOT included?
- Bike & personal cycling equipment (pedals etc). You can rent (see above).
- Bike helmet (required)
- transportation to/from the start point
- travel/med insurance
- alcoholic beverages or soft drinks
- optional guide gratuities
- items of a personal nature
What kind of support can I expect on the ride?
You can expect most experienced and friendliest professional guides. We have rest stops each day with snacks and water, and on-route we have vehicle support that carries luggage, and also functions as a mobile mechanic and first aid station. You can also expect an unlimited supply of camaraderie and encouragement from the Climate Ride guides and your fellow riders!
Cell Phone Service & WiFi
There is limited cell phone access during the day, but there should be service in town and WiFi at hotels.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
TBD
Learn more about deadlines and transfers on our Policies page.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!