Things to Do in Big Bend National Park - Desert Adventures

Big Bend shouldn’t be missed when visiting the Lone Star state. It’s a gem often overlooked due to its isolated location in the warm Chihuahuan Desert. However, if the massive crowds at Yosemite and Arches National Parks deter you, Big Bend’s isolation may be a blessing! 

Outdoor enthusiasts love Big Bend because of its geologic history, magnificent views, diverse animal and plant life, and miles and miles of hiking trails. Its location away from major cities also makes it a designated Dark-Sky park. In short, there are plenty of fun things to do in Big Bend National Park, both day and night. 

Don’t know where to start? Here’s a list of 9 Big Bend National Park things to do that guarantee an unforgettable experience! 

Key Takeaways

• Big Bend National Park is in southwest Texas along the Texas-Mexico border. 
• The closest towns to Big Bend National Park are Terlingua, TX (32.4 miles), Lajitas, TX (61.9 miles), and Marathon, TX (88 miles). 
• The closest airports to fly into for Big Bend National Park are Midland International Airport and Space Port. The drive time from the airport to the park is about three hours. 
• You need at least three days to experience the best things to do at Big Bend National Park. 
• If you wish to stay inside Big Bend National Park, there are four campgrounds and one lodge (Chisos Mountains Lodge). 
• All campgrounds in Big Bend National Park require reservations. Campsite fees start at $16 per night. 

Things to Consider Before Visiting Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park gets its name from the dramatic bend of the Rio Grande River. The park covers an area of 801,163 acres, making it the 15th largest national park in the US. It was established on June 12th, 1944, to preserve the unique Chihuahuan Desert topography in the United States. 

Location: Where Exactly is Big Bend National Park? 

Big Bend National Park is located in a remote southwestern corner of Texas bordering Mexico. The park is in the northern third of the Chihuahuan Desert, which stretches well beyond the state’s border into Mexico. 

As previously mentioned, Big Bend is far from major towns and cities. The town closest to Big Bend National Park is the ghost town of Terlingua, TX, about 32.4 miles away. The drive time from Terlingua to Big Bend National Park is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. 

Other cities/towns neighboring Big Bend National Park are:

• Lajitas, TX. 61.9 miles
• Marathon, TX. 88.0 miles
• Alpine, TX. 119 miles

How to Get to Big Bend National Park

If you’re coming from outside Texas, the most convenient way of getting to Big Bend National Park is to fly in and rent a car.

Midland International Airport & Space Port in Midland, TX, is the best commercial airport to fly into for Big Bend. It’s located 195 miles from Big Bend in Midland, TX, and requires the shortest drive time of roughly three hours. 

Midland International Airport is serviced by American, Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines. As of April 2024, this airport gets direct non-stop flights from major airports, including Denver (DEN), Austin Bergstrom (AUS), Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). 

Most Big Bend visitors from the West will find El Paso International Airport (ELP) more convenient. ELP is located in El Paso, 287 to 321 miles from Big Bend. The drive time from ELP to the park is 4 to 6 hours, depending on the route.

Another option is the San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, TX. However, at 390 miles, it has the longest drive of all airports near Big Bend National Park. 

A personal vehicle is necessary for exploring Big Bend National Park. There’s no public transport into and within the park. A standard vehicle will do just fine, but a 4WD with high clearance will come in handy when exploring backcountry roads. All the airports recommended above have car rentals.

How Many Days Do You Need to Spend in Big Bend National Park?

Three days and four nights are enough time to enjoy the best things to do at Big Bend National Park. 

Due to its massive size, the best way to experience Big Bend is to spend at least a day in each of its three major sections:

• Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive region
• Chisos Basin
• Rio Grande Village

One day is not enough time in Big Bend National Park, considering the closest airport is at least four hours away. We don’t mean that it’s not doable. If you arrive in the park early (Big Bend is open 24 hours daily), you may be able to do the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and several easy hikes like the Santa Elena Canyon Trail and Sam Nail Ranch Trail. 

But you’ll probably do everything in a hurry, thereby missing the beauty that makes this wonderland of outdoor scenery so magical. 

Where to Stay in Big Bend National Park

Chisos Mountain Lodge

Chisos Mountain Lodge is the only option for staying inside Big Bend National Park. And it’s an excellent option if you don’t plan to set up a tent or sleep in your RV.

This lodge is located at 5400 feet elevation in the basin of the gorgeous Chisos Mountains. It offers 72 hotel- and motel-style rooms that require reservations of up to six months, especially during peak seasons and holidays. The facility also has a restaurant, a gift shop, and a convenience store on site. 

Staying at Chisos Mountain Lodge means the best Big Bend things to do are right outside your hotel room. Several trails for both rookies and advanced hikers start around here. Visitors of ages six and up can also enjoy guided horseback rides. Birdwatching, stargazing, and whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande are other fun Big Bend activities while staying at Chisos Mountain Lodge. 

Big Bend National Park Camping

Aramark operates three park-run campgrounds and a full hookup RV in Big Bend National Park. 

Chisos Basin Campground

Thanks to its setting, Chisos Basin Campground is the most popular campground in Big Bend National Park. This campground is perched in the rugged Chisos Mountains Basin, allowing scenic views of Emory Peak and Casa Grande. Its 5400-foot elevation also makes for a cooler stay compared to the surrounding desert. 

This year-round campground offers 56 campsites, including seven group sites for parties of 9-20 people. There are flush toilets, food storage lockers, potable water, and a dump station. There are no showers or hookups. A camp store nearby sells ice and other camping essentials. 

A note for RVers- RVs over 24 feet and trailers over 20 feet are not recommended at Chisos Basin Campground. 

Rio Grande Village Campground

Rio Grande Village Campground is located in the southeastern section of the park. It’s open year-round, although summer camping is not recommended due to the extreme heat. 

Rio Grande Village Campground is where you want to base yourself if you want a campground with more amenities. In addition to food storage lockers, potable water, flush toilets, and trash collection, this campground has coin-operated showers and even a laundromat. 

Rio Grande Village Campground has 93 tent and car camping sites, including four group sites for parties of 9-40 people. Note that there are no hookups at Rio Grande Village Campground, and reservations are required. 

Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood is an isolated campground in the far west area of Big Bend. It’s conveniently located along the Rio Grande near the scenic Santa Elena Canyon and the Castolon Historic District.

Cottonwood Campground may be the smallest in Big Bend, with only 22 sites, but this also means that it’s considerably quieter than the rest. Plus, most sites are covered with shady trees for added privacy. Campground features include potable water, vault toilets, food storage lockers, trash collection, but no hookups. There’s a year-round camp store nearby. 

Rio Grande Village RV Campground

Looking for the best campground in Big Bend with full hookup campsites? This campground is located in the gorgeous Rio Grande Village area next to the Rio Grande River and a minute from the visitor center. 

Rio Grande Village RV Campground is the only campground in Big Bend with electricity, fresh water, and sewer hookups. It has 25 sites (all back in) and offers internet connectivity, coin-operated showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities. 

Rio Grande Village RV Campground is open year-round. Camping fees are $36 for double occupancy, with a $ $3 charge per additional person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 432-477-2293.

Best Places to Stay Near Big Bend National Park

Terlingua Ghost Town

Located 32.4 miles from Big Bend, Terlingua is your next best option if you didn’t snag a place to stay inside the park. And there are several good hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and glamping lodges to choose from. 

Here are a few that come to mind:

• Terlingua Ranch Lodge
• Desert Pearl
• Camp Elena Luxury Tents
• La Posada Milagro Guesthouse
• El Dorado Hotel

Lajitas

About 15 minutes down the road from Terlingua is the resort town of Lajitas. This dusty little town is a good place to stay near Big Bend while experiencing an authentic Texan vibe. 

Lajitas has several accommodation options. But Lajitas Golf Resort is the most appreciated. An oasis with beautiful views, multiple restaurants, a luxury spa, an 18-hole golf course, and even a refreshing pool, it’s easy to see why this is the best place to stay with family near Big Bend. 

Even better, you can enjoy some of the best things to do near Big Bend National Park, such as paddleboarding on the Rio Grande, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

What to Wear When Visiting Big Bend National Park

Big Bend is typically hot and dry, so loose-fitting clothing is the rule of the game. Wear comfortable shorts or yoga pants for maximum flexibility when hiking and climbing. 

For tops, a simple polyester or nylon t-shirt will do just fine. Avoid cotton as it readily absorbs sweat and stays wet, leaving you uncomfortable. Mornings in Big Bend can get particularly cool due to its high elevation. Remember to include a light wind jacket or hoodie in your Big Bend backpacking checklist. 

Merino wool socks are the most recommended material for long, hot hikes because they reduce sweating. Of course, your Big Bend camping checklist is not complete without comfortable hiking shoes. Hiking boots may be ideal if you need ankle support. Otherwise, a pair of trail runners is an excellent option for Big Bend’s dry trails. 

Check out our high-performance women’s hiking clothing range and men’s outdoor wear for your upcoming Big Bend adventure!

What to Do and See in Big Bend National Park

Hike into Santa Elena Canyon

Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most amazing places to see in this corner of Texas. No wonder it tops most lists of must-do Big Bend National Park activities. You can come here just for the views at Santa Elena Canyon Overlook. But if hiking Big Bend National Park is your top reason for visiting, you’ll love this trail. 

Santa Elena Canyon Trail is a 1.6-mile roundtrip that takes about one-and-a-half hours to complete at a casual pace. It’s fairly easy, although there’s a short but steep bank to climb. This trail starts where the famed Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive ends, making it a superb way to end the drive. 

Due to its popularity, parking in the Santa Elena Canyon area can be challenging. We recommend arriving at the trailhead at 9 AM at the latest to secure a spot and hike to the canyon without the crowds. 

Raft into Santa Elena Canyon 

Santa Elena Canyon trail ends abruptly at the start of the canyon walls. But for adventure seekers, this is the start of a thrilling 20-mile rafting trip on the Rio Grande River with canyon walls rising 1500 feet overhead. 

The best way to raft into Santa Elena Canyon is by booking a trip with one of the many outfitters in Terlingua. The trips vary from one day to three days. 

The Santa Elena Canyon boomerang is the most popular way to do this trip. It involves paddling upstream for several miles, taking a lunch break (or spending the night), and floating downstream. The trip fee typically covers the boats, life vests, guides, meals (including water), and shuttles to the Rio Grande River and back. However, this may vary depending on the tour company, so inquire beforehand. 

Note: Santa Elena Canyon packrafting trips heavily depend on the weather and water conditions. We recommend booking the trip when you’re most flexible so you have the best experience. The best time to go rafting in Santa Elena Canyon Big Bend is during the rainy season from July through September.

Drive Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is among the most popular Big Bend National Park attractions. Big Bend is the only national park with an entire mountain range within itself. Thus, you can rest assured that it’s one of the most picturesque parts of this state. The 30.9-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is the best way to take in this beauty.

This drive, which starts in the Chisos Mountains, offers scenic views of rugged mountain peaks and breathtaking rock formations before ending at Santa Elena Canyon. The drive time from start to finish is about 45 minutes without stopping. However, you can turn it into a whole day trip when you stop to admire all the historic and geologic features. 

Keep an eye out for these Big Bend attractions when driving south towards Santa Elena Canyon on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive: 

• Sam Nail Ranch
• Upper Burro Mesa Pour-Off Trail
• Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off Trail
• Homer Wilson Ranch
• Sotol Vista Overlook
• Chimneys Trail 
• Goat Mountain Observation Point
• Mule Ears Viewpoint
• Tuff Canyon Overlook
• Castolon Visitor Center
• Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

Explore Sam Nail Ranch

Sam Nail Ranch is another Big Bend National Park must-see. This is a historic site of a former 15,000-acre ranch belonging to Jim and Sam Nail and Sam’s wife, Nena. The site dates back to the early 1900s and comprises the ruins of a two-room adobe house, a chicken coop, and two windmills. 

Interestingly, one of the windmills still operates and produces water to support an orchard with walnut and fig trees. The oasis also offers a great place to spot desert birds and other wildlife. 

The way to Sam Nail Ranch is via a family-friendly 0.4-mile loop trail that starts just past Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and Oak Spring Road junction southbound. 

Hike Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail

Driving about 3.6 miles south of Sam Nail Ranch along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive will take you to the Upper Burro Mesa trailhead. This 3.5-mile out-and-back trail is considered one of the best things to do around Big Bend National Park. 

The fun in it is exploring narrow gorges and a slot canyon. The icing on the cake? A larger and more spectacular pouroff that empties into the Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff. 

Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail in Big Bend is an easy to moderate hike with an average hiking time of about two hours. While it starts fairly easy, it requires some boulder-scrambling later. But it’s still doable for most people, including kids.

Note: Due to the risk of flash floods, it’s recommended to avoid this trail during the rainy season (May through September). 

Discover Homer Wilson Ranch

Continuing south on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, you’ll reach one of the most amazing places to visit in Big Bend National Park—Homer Wilson Ranch. In the early 20th century, Homer Wilson Ranch was one of the largest ranches in Texas. It spanned 45,000 acres and was home to over 4,000 sheep and 2,500 goats. 

What remains of the ranch today is a line camp built for the ranch foreman, Lott Felts. The line camp, made of locally sourced materials, is in surprisingly good condition for a house from 100 years ago. It’s visible from the scenic viewpoint at the pull-off. But the 0.8-mile roundtrip hike into the valley via the Blue Creek Ranch Trail is worth every minute. As you explore the ranch, you’ll discover the remains of a rainwater cistern, a barbeque fireplace, a dipping vat, and a chicken coup. 

Summit Emory Peak

If you don’t know what to do in Big Bend National Park and feel energetic enough for a challenging hike, try summiting Emory Peak. 

At 7825 feet, Emory Peak is the highest point in the Chisos Mountain range and the fifth tallest in Texas. The most popular and fastest route to the top of this peak starts at the Lagunas Meadows Trailhead near the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. At the fork, keep left and follow the signs to Pinnacle Trail, which leads to Emory Peak Trail.

Along the way, you’ll see pinnacles, the window, and Casa Grande. From the summit, you’re rewarded with expansive desert vistas of other things to see in Big Bend National Park, including Crown Mountain, Lost Mine Peak, Toll Mountain, and the South Rim. 

The hike to Emory Peak is 10.5 miles (roundtrip) and takes an average of 6-8 hours. The 1.5-mile Emory Peak Trail is the most strenuous part, which steadily gains approximately 1000 feet of elevation to the top. The last 25 feet require rock scrambling to reach the peak.

Soak in Big Bend Hot Springs

After a day of enjoying the top activities in Big Bend National Park, there’s nothing quite like soaking in a natural hot spring right next to the Rio Grande.

The Big Bend Hot Springs area was a resort in the 1900s. The major pull was the natural geothermal spring, which was believed to have healing abilities due to the dissolved mineral salts. Although the resort is no longer open, the hot spring is still a hot spot for Big Bend visitors. The water is 100% natural, safe, and about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Big Bend Hot Springs is easily accessible from the Rio Grande Village Visitor Center. Drive north for about 3.5 miles and turn left on Hot Springs Road. The two-mile Hot Springs Road leads to a small parking lot where the Hot Springs Trail starts. It’s an easy 0.5-mile (roundtrip) hike from the parking lot to the hot springs. Slow down to enjoy the stunning views along the Rio Grande and the desert landscape. 

Explore Terlingua Ghost Town

Despite its “ghost town” moniker, Terlingua is not entirely abandoned. This little town has 150+ people and offers some of the best things to do near Big Bend National Park. This is a cool place to stop by and explore, even if you’re not staying there. 

Exploring the town’s scattered ruins and shooting local tequila at the Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon are among the top things to enjoy in this desert gem. Also, check out Terlingua Cemetery, St. Agnes Church, and Terlingua Jail. When visiting Terlingua, watching the sunset is another must-have in your Big Bend vacation ideas. 

Final Thoughts 

We’ve just scratched the surface of what to do in Big Bend! Whether you take only a day, the recommended three days, or a week, you’ll agree that Big Bend National Park is not a tourist trap. A top destination for all outdoor enthusiasts (nature lovers, hikers, campers, and backpackers), Big Bend lives up to its nickname, “Texas’ Gift to the Nation.”

Featured image by: Ben.