🚗 Day 1: Drive to Marathon & Stargazing

🏘️ Marathon, TX

Begin your journey in Marathon, a quaint town established in 1881 by former sea captain A.E. Shepard, who named it after the plains of Marathon, Greece, due to the similar landscape. The town became a pivotal point for the cattle industry and later served as a gateway to Big Bend National Park.

🏕️ Stay: Park your RV at the Marathon Motel and RV Park, offering 29 full hookup sites and secluded camping options. The motel is renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities, boasting some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states. They even host nightly star parties, weather permitting, featuring 20" and 24" Dobsonian Reflector telescopes.

marathonmotel.com

🍽️ Dinner: Dine at the 12 Gage Restaurant in the historic Gage Hotel. Known for its Texas-inspired cuisine with a gourmet twist, the restaurant utilizes high-quality ingredients, including locally sourced wild game, beef, fowl, and fresh seafood, complemented by vegetables and herbs grown in their own Gage Garden.

gagehotel.com

🌟 Evening: After dinner, enjoy the pristine night sky. Marathon's minimal light pollution provides a clear view of the Milky Way. Check for any scheduled star parties at the motel or simply relax under the stars.

marathonmotel.com

🏞️ Day 2: Explore Big Bend National Park

🌄 Big Bend National Park

Established in 1944, Big Bend boasts a rich cultural history, from archaeological sites dating back nearly 10,000 years to more recent pioneers, ranchers, and miners. The park encompasses the Chisos Mountains, the only mountain range entirely contained within a U.S. national park.

nps.gov

🥾 Hiking Options:

• 🏔️ South Rim Trail: A strenuous 12-14.5 mile round trip hike that rewards hikers with stunning vistas from the South Rim. The trail ascends approximately 2,000 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains. Hikers can choose between the steeper Pinnacles Trail or the more gradual Laguna Meadows Trail to reach the rim.nps.gov
• ⛰️ Emory Peak: A strenuous 10.5-mile round trip hike leading to the park's highest point at 7,832 feet. The trail begins at the Chisos Basin Trailhead, ascending via the Pinnacles Trail for 3.5 miles before a 1.5-mile spur to the peak. The final ascent includes a steep climb and a short scramble up an exposed rock face, but the 360° view from the summit is superb.nps.gov
• 🌅 Window Trail: A moderate 5.6-mile round trip hike that descends 800 feet through Oak Creek Canyon to the "Window," a picturesque V-shaped notch that frames panoramic desert vistas. The return hike is uphill, so plan accordingly.nps.gov

🏕️ Stay Options:

1. 🏞️ Rio Grande Village Campground: Located within the park, this campground offers both primitive and full hookup RV sites amidst serene desert landscapes. It's an excellent base for exploring the park's eastern sections and provides easy access to the Rio Grande.nps.gov