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Big Bend National Park covers a vast stretch of the Chihuahuan Desert in West Texas, where the Rio Grande makes its sweeping turn along the border with Mexico. Within its boundaries lie river canyons, desert flats and the Chisos Mountains, a cool, forested range that rises from the desert floor. Remote and sparsely visited compared with many parks, it is known for silence, wide horizons and some of the darkest night skies in the country.
The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive heads through the western desert past volcanic landmarks such as Mule Ears and Tuff Canyon before ending near Santa Elena Canyon, where a short trail follows the river into a sheer limestone gorge. The Chisos Basin is the starting point for the Window Trail, which descends to a narrow pour-off framing the desert, and for the Lost Mine Trail, a favorite for its mountain views. Ambitious hikers climb Emory Peak or make the long loop to the South Rim. Grapevine Hills Trail leads to Balanced Rock, a boulder perched between two others.
On the eastern side, the Boquillas Canyon trail ends at the river, and the Hot Springs Historic District has a riverside pool of naturally warm water. Distances are long and services are few, so plan fuel and water carefully. Spring and fall are most comfortable.
WiserMap travel guideBig Bend National Park Texas Desert Canyons and Dark SkiesExplore Big Bend National Park: Santa Elena Canyon, the Chisos Basin, Lost Mine Trail, Boquillas Canyon, the hot springs and dark skies, plus where to stay near...Read the guide
Paved road of about 30 miles from the Chisos foothills to Santa Elena Canyon on the west side of the park, passing desert volcanic landscapes, the Sotol Vista Overlook, the Homer Wilson Ranch and the Castolon Historic District. Allow half a day with stops. Carry water, as services are few.
Two stops along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The Mule Ears Spring Trail crosses desert to a small spring below twin volcanic peaks, and Tuff Canyon is a short gorge of pale volcanic ash with overlooks and a trail into its bed. Hike in the morning, as the open desert gets extremely hot.
High mountain bowl in the center of the park, cooler than the desert below, with a lodge, campground, store and visitor center. It is the hub for the best trails in the Chisos Mountains. The road in has sharp curves and is not suited to long RVs. Watch for black bears and mountain lions.
Canyon on the east side of the park where the Rio Grande cuts through the Sierra del Carmen. A trail of about 1.4 miles round trip climbs over a hill and drops to sandy banks at the canyon mouth. Mexican vendors sometimes leave crafts for sale, but buying them is prohibited by park rules.
Short trail of about 1.7 miles round trip at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive that crosses Terlingua Creek and climbs into the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon, with sheer 1,500-foot limestone walls rising above the Rio Grande. The creek crossing can be muddy or deep after rain. Check conditions first.
Trail of about 5.5 miles round trip that descends from Chisos Basin through Oak Creek Canyon to the Window, a narrow pour-off that frames the desert beyond. The final section has slick polished rock, so stop before the edge. The climb back is uphill, so carry water. The short Window View Trail is an easy option.
Popular trail of about 4.8 miles round trip that climbs from Panther Pass on the Basin road to a rocky ridge with views over Pine Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico. Even the first mile reaches a fine viewpoint. The small trailhead lot fills by early morning, so start at sunrise.
Emory Peak is the highest point in the Chisos Mountains at 7,825 feet, reached by a long trail with a final rock scramble. The South Rim loop is a longer day hike or overnight trip with huge views over the desert to Mexico. Parts of the rim close for nesting peregrine falcons, so check status.
Easy trail of about 2.2 miles round trip through a field of weathered granite boulders, ending with a short scramble to Balanced Rock, a large boulder perched on two others that forms a window. It is reached by a gravel road that is usually fine for regular cars. Avoid midday in summer.
Old resort site near Rio Grande Village with the ruins of a bathhouse, a post office and a motel from the early 1900s. A short walk leads to a natural hot spring at about 105 degrees in a stone basin by the river. Bring a swimsuit, and note that the access road is narrow and unpaved.
Former mercury mining town just west of the park, with stone ruins, an old cemetery and the Starlight Theatre restaurant. The Terlingua Trading Company porch is a classic spot to watch the sunset over the Chisos Mountains. It has the closest lodging and dining to the west side of the park.
Rio Grande Village has a campground, store and a nature trail with views over the river. Nearby, the Boquillas Crossing port of entry lets visitors with a passport cross the river by rowboat to the small Mexican village of Boquillas del Carmen for lunch. Check the crossing hours before you go.
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