Big Bend Runcation
Snapshot
What: Run/Camp Vacation
Where: Terlingua, TX
Size: 20 Runners
When: 3 nights 2025
Cost: $429
What’s Included:
Food
We got it covered! Breakfast and dinner are cooked at the site, while lunch is usually pre-made the day before into a sack lunch! Alcohol, personal running nutrition (although we will have energy bars), and Saturday night's dinner in town is not covered.
Park Entry
We cover any park entry fees
Camping
Your camp site fee is included, but you’ll need your own tent! Camp sites have warm showers and restrooms included. If you don't want to sleep in a tent, car camping is ok too. Let us know at least 3 weeks out if you don't have a tent and we can help you find one.
Routes
We have specific routes that we will be running and/or hiking. We will have maps available, and ask all runners to stay on pre-determined routes and not run alone.
Location
We will be running in the Big Bend area with routes ranging from 7-16 miles a day on Friday and 10-25 miles on Saturday. You can choose your distance! Pace is not important. We typically have people running, hiking, and some folks like to bring their bikes too*. However, for safety reasons, trip leaders will assign you a running buddy of a similar pace. We ask that you stick together and remain on the planned route.
After Saturday’s run through the desert, we will have some down time. Runners are welcome to go into Terlingua, rest at the campground, check out other portions of the park, or take a dip in the river. Some runners will be out on the trail for the majority of the day, so we recognize that those running shorter distances will have more time available. As of mid February, we are aware that the hot springs in the national park is closed. If they re-open we will visit them or make an alternate plan. Saturday evening we go out to eat at Starlight Theatre for some good food and social time. We end the trip Saturday night with a gratitude circle around the fire pit!
Runners are responsible for transportation to and from Big Bend. We have plenty of people interested in carpooling, so please let us know if you need help with securing a ride.
*Note that biking is only allowed at the State Park.
Past Trips
A Runner’s Perspective
This past weekend, twenty adventurous trail runners headed West to Big Bend for Trail Roots’ first Runcation of 2019. This annual trip has been coveted by Trail Roots members and friends for years, but for many of us, it was our first experience of this sprawling and majestic landscape that defines the border of Mexico and the United States.
—Amy Willis