Trip Details

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February 25-28, 2021

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Where the rocky Chisos Mountains meet the Chihuahuan Desert, we find extraordinary landscapes, rare plant species, and scenic views that will surprise you at every turn.  From Santa Elena Canyon on the western edge to Boquillas Canyon on the east and all the wide-open valleys and mountain splendor in between, landscape photographers are bound to find plenty of captivating subject matter.

 

Participants and Staffing

Maximum Participants................................................... 12

Minimum Participants.................................................... 6

Number of Staff included in pricing. ............................2

 

4-Day Program, Chisos Mountains Lodge

Double Occupancy (6-12 pax)............................... $850

Single Supplement................................................... $300

 

 Costs Included in Pricing

• All accommodations as outlined in the itinerary

• All guided visits and instruction throughout the program

• Comprehensive pre-trip notes and materials

• Daily tours and instruction with Photographer and Naturalist                                                                                                                throughout the tour

 

Costs Not Included in Pricing

• Transportation to and in Big Bend National Park

• Travel and trip cancellation insurance

• Meals 

• Park entrance fees

• Items of a personal nature

• Anything not explicitly listed as included

 

Proposed Itinerary___________________________________________________________

 

Day 1

 

• For those driving from Dallas, we will meet for departure to Big Bend National Park at 6:00 am

• Depart for drive to Big Bend National Park at 6:30 am

• The drive to Big Bend National Park takes 8-9 hours, we will be stopping for gas and lunch on the way

• For those coming from other destinations, we will plan to meet at the Chisos Mountains Lodge at 4:00 pm

• Check in to the hotel

• There will be some optional shorts hikes from the hotel property before our first photo session of sunset at the Windows Viewpoint at Chisos Mountains Lodge.  Sunset is 6:45 pm

• Dinner at the Lodge

• Weather permitting – if the skies are clear, there will be an optional excursion to photograph the night sky after dinner

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Accommodations:        Chisos Mountains Lodge

 

Days 2 and 3

• Sunrise is about 7:30 am.  Photographers will be leaving at 5:30 to get to our destination and set up in advance of the rising sun

• Destinations will depend on weather conditions, but will include iconic Big Bend viewpoints like Santa Elena Canyon, Hot Springs trail overlook, Balanced Rock and Boquillos Caynon.  We will have a briefing the evening before each morning with details about the next day. 

• For those not going on the morning photography excursion, there will be unguided hiking options on the trails leaving from the Lodge

• After sunrise, we will explore the areas around the morning destination, looking for unique hiking, photography and nature opportunities

• Return to Chisos Mountain Lodge for lunch

• There will be an optional excursion after lunch to explore some of the scenic hiking trails in Big Bend

• At 5:00 pm, we will depart for our evening photography destination, arriving in time to set up and enjoy the last light of the day.  Sunset is 6:45

• Return to the Lodge for dinner

• Weather permitting – if the skies are clear, there will be an optional excursion to photograph the night sky after dinner each evening

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Accommodations:        Chisos Mountains Lodge

 

Day 4

• Final early morning photography shoot.  The destination will depend on the weather and where we were able to explore the previous two days

• For those not going on the morning photography excursion, there will be unguided hiking options on the trails leaving from the Lodge

• After sunrise, we will explore the areas around the morning destination, looking for unique hiking, photography and nature opportunities

• We will return to the Lodge by 11am to retrieve our luggage and have lunch before leaving Big Bend

• For those wanting to extend their time in Big Bend National Park, there will be accommodation options in the nearby town of Terlingua

• For those looking for other interesting sites in the region, we will have suggestions for places like Marfa, McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Guadalupe Mountains National Park

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Tour notes:

 

We will be staying at the Chisos Mountains Lodge in the heart of Big Bend National Park.  Our Casa Grande Lodge Rooms will have a semiprivate balcony, two double beds, controlled air conditioning and heating, small refrigerator, microwave oven, 4 cup coffee pot, tiled bath and shower.  All rooms are non-smoking.

 

To capture the best light for photography, we will be leaving the Lodge each morning before the restaurant is open for breakfast.  You should take advantage of the refrigerator and microwave and coffee maker in the room for breakfast.  There is a small store on site to purchase food, but it is advisable to pack your own breakfast foods for the three mornings at the Lodge. 

 

 

Suggested Equipment:

 

• Digital SLR camera or interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera

• Sturdy and reliable tripod

• You’ll need at least one lens. The “kit lens” that came with your camera (most likely an 18-55mm) will be fine

• Bring any other lenses that you own (a variety of focal lengths is always helpful)

• Laptop

• Memory Card Reader

• Flash drive

• Spare batteries for equipment (especially for your camera)

• Extra memory cards

• Camera manual

• Camera bag or backpack

• Note taking materials

• Cable release or wireless remote

• Camera and lens cleaning supplies

• Polarizer

 

Optional Equipment:

 

• Filters (split neutral density, neutral density)

• Lens shades for all lenses

• Professional air blower for sensor cleaning (eg. rocket blower)

• Camera & lens cleaning supplies

• Ground cloth, cushion or knee pads

• Camera rain cover if your camera and lens are not water resistant

 

Personal Items:

 

• Weatherproof clothing that can be layered underneath for warmth

• Medium to heavy jacket

• Sturdy footwear for walking on uneven ground or trails

• Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm

• Insect repellent

• Water bottle

• Snacks for between meals in the field

• Travel alarm clock and wristwatch – or smartphone with an alarm

• Pocket sized flashlight

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Guides

 

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