The Regional Geography of the Big Bend, Texas : Online and Extended Programs : Texas State University

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
Location: Big Bend, TX
Course: GEO 4310 or 5308: Regional Field Studies
CRN: TBD
Program Director: Dr. Christi Townsend, ct1086@txstate.edu
Program Assistant: Dr. Bren Vander Weil
Course Dates: Spring 2026
Travel: March 13 - 19, 2026
Program Fee: $1,435
Course Tuition: Undergraduate $1,068.24, Graduate $1,289.58
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

This program offers students an immersive field experience in the Trans-Pecos region of far West Texas, with a focus on Big Bend National Park and surrounding areas. In Big Bend National Park, students will explore the region’s striking geology and geomorphology, gaining firsthand experience with desert ecosystems, tectonic and volcanic landforms, and fluvial and eolian processes. Field observations will enhance understanding of environmental gradients, spatial patterns, and landform evolution across diverse ecoregions and elevations.

Beyond the park, students will visit Big Bend Ranch State Park, Balmorhea State Park, and the Davis Mountains to explore career opportunities in parks and protected areas, while developing skills in park interpretation, environmental communication, and resource management. Visits to the towns of Marfa, Terlingua, Alpine, and Fort Davis will deepen understanding of regional settlement patterns, mining and Civil War history, and how art and culture shape a sense of place and stimulate development in remote communities. This interdisciplinary program offers academic benefits across geology, physical and cultural geography, biogeography, and public service, preparing students for careers in environmental education, parks and recreation, and heritage interpretation.

Date	Activities
Friday, March 13	Depart San Marcos for Marathon, TX Visit Pecos River Bridge and Overlook
Saturday, March 14	Arrive at Big Bend National Park Grapevine Hills Trail (Balanced Rock - 2.2 miles roundtrip hike) Ernst Tinaja Hike (1.5-mile roundtrip hike) Fossil Discovery Center
Sunday, March 15	Guided rafting tour through Hot Springs Canyon
Monday, March 16	Old Maverick Road to Santa Elena Canyon Hike Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Tuff Canyon Overlook Mule’s Ears Overlook Sam Nail Ranch (0.5 mile hike) Group dinner at Starlight Theatre in Terlingua Sunset at the Terlingua Cemetery.
Tuesday, March 17	Big Bend State Park Barton Warnock Visitors Center Marfa walking tour Star Party at McDonald Observatory
Wednesday, March 18	Fort Davis National Historical Site Balmorhea State Park
Thursday, March 19	Sul Ross State University - Museum of the Big Bend Guided Tour Travel home

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Extend Your Adventure in Big Bend National Park

Want to make the most of your time in Big Bend? In partnership with Campus Recreation, students have the option to extend their trip with a backpacking and camping experience through some of the park’s most iconic landscapes.

Program Details

Dates: March 18–22, 2026

Location: Big Bend National Park

Cost: $325 (includes transportation, most meals, gear, permits, and guidance from trip leaders)

$150 non-refundable deposit due at registration
$175 balance due before the pre-trip meeting

Physical Requirements: Participants should be prepared to carry a 30+ lb. backpack and hike 5–7 miles of steep terrain daily.

Learn more about the opportunity and register!

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is October 15, 2025.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Director & OXP.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is November 2, 2025.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

TXST students at Big Bend — Balanced Rock

TXST students hiking at Big Bend — Grapevine Hills

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  Undergraduate and graduate (master's) students of all majors. Priority will be given to Geography majors.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  Yes, the class will meet most Fridays from 10:00-11:50 a.m. in person on the San Marcos campus during the spring semester.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The program fee includes:
  - Lodging
  - Transportation
  - All program activities
  - 3 group dinners
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - All breakfasts and lunches, 3 dinners.
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with TXST One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  Transportation will be provided for the duration of the trip.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  Clothing and shoes appropriate for rigorous outdoor activities like hiking.
- Will there be down time on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have some down time.
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs. See full drop/refund policy.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.