Thanks for planning a Jeep tour with Far Flung! If you have any questions about your adventure, we'll be glad to help! Call us at 800-839-7238 or email us at info@ffoc.net.
Would you please take a minute to review the items listed below that relate to your Jeep tour?
Starting Your Tour
This trip meets at the Far Flung Outdoor Center on Farm Road 170 in Study Butte (get directions). Please plan to arrive at our offices at 8:45 a.m. If you are running late, give us a call as other guests who have arrived will be more understanding.
Our all day tours are conducted by Jeep YJ Wranglers that have been specially designed for Far Flung. These "safari" style vehicles have covered tops to protect against the sun's rays and open sides for great viewing and picture taking.
Our 'Round the Bend tour will take you through the western portion of Big Bend National Park. While road and weather conditions could change the final route, we generally make the loop consisting of Ross Maxwell Drive and Maverick Road. Ross Maxwell is a paved route while Maverick is a primitive high clearance road.
Since this tour is geared largely to "first timers" to Big Bend we'll stop frequently along the route to point out interesting geological formations, medicinal plants and other Big Bend points of interest. Our staff will "customize" their progam based on your particular interests. For example, if you are really into desert plants, we'll spend more time on that topic versus covering you with information that you would find uninteresting.
Food and Water
Far Flung will provide plenty of iced water for the trip. Please bring your own personal water bottle that we can re-fill during the tour. During the months of April through October, desert temperatures are deceivingly warm. Hydrating before and during the tour will eliminate many of the health risks associated with desert travel.
We're known for our field lunches - been doing them for 35 years - so you'll have little trouble finding some good food to eat for lunch. Deli meats, cheeses, condiments, dips, chips, fresh fruit, desert, tea and lemonade are always on the menu. Please contact us at least 48 hours in advance if you have special dietary needs. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs, however, please understand that our nearest full service grocery store is 15o miles to the north.
What to Wear/Bring on the Tour
* Shorts or long pants
* Comfortable walking shoes
* Short or long sleeved shirt
* Hat or cap - large brim hat preferred!
* Sunglasses
* Bandana - really nice on hot days!
* Sunscreen
* Camera and/or binoculars
* Windbreaker or light jacket (for the months of October - March)
* Water bottle
What is the weather like?
Spring (March - April) Day: 75-90, Night: 45-60
Summer (May - September) Day: 85-100+, Night: 70-80
Fall (October - December) Day: 70-85, Night: 45-60
Winter (January - February) Day: 55-75, Night: 30-50
Rainfall averages 10-12 inches per year, with the majority of rainfall during the months of July - September
What about the bathroom?
Because this trip travels through improved areas of Big Bend National Park, you will have access to public bathrooms at a few stops along the way. However, just in case, we'll bring toilet supplies in the event you need to "explore" the bushes of Big Bend. You will have access to the Far Flung Outdoor Center restrooms before and after the trip.
Should I tip the guide?
Many guests ask us whether tipping the guides is appropriate. If you believe the guide exceeded your service expectations, please feel free to leave a tip (10-15% of the trip price is normal). Tipping is by no means required.
Cancellations
Jeep tours have a $10/person non-refundable deposit requirement with the balance due 48 hours prior to the trip departure date. Cancellations outside of 48 hours from departure forfeit the deposit amount. Cancellations (including no-shows) within 48 hours of the trip departure forfeit the entire cost of the trip.
It is rare that Far Flung will cancel a tour, but in the event we do, all moneys (including deposits) will be refunded.
Responsibility
Trip participants must understand and appreciate that riding in a off road vehicle involves some risk. These risks include, but are not limited to 1) forces of nature, including extreme heat, cold, hail, rain and lightning 2) possible roll-over or loss of control of a Jeep driven by others related to excessive speed, rough, steep or narrow trails and collisions with other vehicles, boulders, vegetation, wild animals, livestock or other man-made or natural objects 3) accident or illness without access to immediate evacuation or availability of medical supplies and the inadequacy of medical attention once provided.
Participants agree to abide by all rules related to off road safety as outlined by Far Flung Outdoor Center and/or its guide staff.
