Top Things to do in Big Bend National Park
Countries
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Big Bend National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Huge national park in Texas that spans 801,153-acres filled with limestone canyons, rivers, sand and forests.
1. Chisos Mountains
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 334 reviews
A great spot for the outdoors-lover in Big Bend National Park.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Born from volcanic activity more than 35 million years ago, the Chisos Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the Chihuahuan desert. The Chisos hold two honors: not only are they the southernmost mountain range in the continental US, but they are also the only mountain range to be contained entirely within a National Park. Some of the best hiking trails that get you up close and personal to the Chisos have trailheads that begin in the Chisos Basin near the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Favorites here include the South Rim, Lost Mine, and Window Trails. You can also hike to Emory Peak, the highest point in the Chisos Mountains at 7,825 ft (2,385 m) above sea level. Hiking in the mountains provides a totally different experience than desert or river hikes. Take into consideration the altitude, heat and sun. Always hike with adequate water, at least 2-3 liters. And at sunrise/sunset – look for the alpenglow!
2. Santa Elena Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 661 reviews
Borders the western edge of Big Bend National Park.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
This is an easy hike with probably the most bang for the buck of any trail in Big Bend National Park. It’s 1.5 miles out and back with 80 feet of elevation, and it takes you into the canyon along the banks of the Rio Grande river, with 1500 vertical feet of limestone cliffs towering above the trail. The only problem is that to even start this trail you have to first cross Terlingua creek, which connects with the Rio Grande River right after the trail head. You have three options here: 1. Visit Big Bend when there has been little to no rain and the creek is dry. 2. Take off your shoes (or put on water sandals), hike up your pants, and wade across the creek. This is a great option if the creek is low, but when we visited in early November, Terlingua “creek” was about 50 feet wide and maybe 2 ½ feet high. At that point I would call it a river! I only saw one person wade across when we were there. 3. When you reach the creek, turn right and walk down a little ways until the creek turns into a thin stream. Then walk across and look for a steep, narrow little path that goes up the banks of the creek. Climb up this path (it’s about 20 feet up) and then scramble through the rocks and plants at the top until you reach the start of the trail. When I was there, that’s pretty much what every hiker did, including one man who managed it while holding a baby. I’ve posted pictures with this review that show what this unofficial path looks like. Hopefully they’ll build a bridge over the creek at some point, but for now I think the unofficial path is the best bet during the rainy season. This is a great trail with stunning views, and it’s well worth the rather difficult start.
3. Lost Mine Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 reviews
Five-miles round-trip, this trail is fairly easy compared with many other hikes in the park.
Reviewed By RhondaA646 - South Portland, United States
We enjoyed every trail we did in Big Bend but this almost 5 mile hike up and back was our favorite. The views are simply spectacular. If I can recommend anything is to get there early. Parking is limited at the trailhead. Also in October, though chilly at 8:00am, you warm up quickly so you will be happy to hike up in the shade. The hike up is primarily switchbacks (which makes it an easier downhill as well) so doable for me at 60. There was not a moment in this hike without great views. Make sure you keep walking across the rocks to get to the very top with amazing vistas. This is a must do in the Park.
4. Emory Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
The highest peak in the park at 7,835 feet.
Reviewed By DutchTX - The Woodlands, United States
Difficult, day long hike, be ready to climb; nave good shoes etc. with you. Pretty rough the last mile; especially last 50 yards, if you want to reach the real top, you really need to climb, and not afraid of heights. BEST HIKE of the park; personally not recommended for (small) kids.
5. The South Rim Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 99 reviews
This trail gives a great hike with amazing views.
Reviewed By darwinmoore - Spring, United States
You simply can't do better than this. We took Pinnacles up, then Boot Canyon to the South Rim Trail, then Laguna Meadows home. I had read somewhere that you could do the South Rim in just under 9 miles, but I don't see how -- even if you just go out to the edge, look out and return. Our trip was around 14.5 miles, with a fair amount of meandering around the rim when we got there, and about 2500 feet of elevation gain. The bulk of elevation gain is up front on the way up the Pinnacles Trail, although you gain some more on the final approach to the South Rim from Boot Canyon (which itself is also unexpectedly lush and gorgeous). The views at the rim are fabulous, Grand-Canyon-esque type vista views. You earn this one, and you'll be proud you did.
6. El Camino Del Rio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By GroverR - Pensacola, United States
We saw 5 national parks and 2 national monuments and they have some amazing scenic drives, but this is the best drive we did in West Texas, New Mexico or Arizona. First you have the open Chihuahuan desert, then great mountains and rolling hills and finally a river in the desert that is also an international border. All of that adds up to an incredibly, beautiful drive. To throw in on top of that you have the goat Clay Henry, the unofficial Mayor of Lajitas and teepee picnic tables along the river. The road is uncharacteristic of every other road in West Texas as it has dozens of curves, moving with the river. Finally it is the river that can be viewed so many times for this road that adds to the charm and experience. You constantly remind yourself that everything you see on the other side is another country.
7. Boquillas Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Borders the eastern edge of Big Bend National Park.
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
One of the two accessible canyons in the National Park, this is located in the east side of the park. The other being Santa Elena canyon which is in the west side of the park. The initial climb is a little arduous, but then the trail descends gradually to river level and becomes cooler with some sections of shade from trees and the canyon walls at the end of the trail. The trail ends in a sandy beach. Along the trail we came across a couple of places where handicraft works were set out for sale (I understand illegally since the merchandise crossed the river which is the international border). The merchandise included some glassware and decorated hiking sticks. Money was to be deposited in the plastic bottle nearby. We saw one person from Mexico coming across the river to check the status of the sale; again illegal. The higher points of the trail provides nice views of the Rio Grande river, and there were some also beautiful cactus flowers in bloom. We saw a group of Mexican school children doing the same kind of hiking and picnicking on the Mexican side of the river while we were hiking the canyon. If you do enter the water in the river, do not cross over to the Mexican side; it would be considered as illegal crossing.
8. Chihuahuan Desert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
This large desert makes up most of Big Bend National Park.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
The Chihuahuan, the largest desert in North America, spans parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico. There is no better place to enjoy the Chihuahuan desert than Big Bend National Park. As America's fifteenth largest national park, Big Bend is the largest protected portion of the Chihuahuan desert in the US. There are numerous desert hikes from easy to strenuous. Our group hiked Persimmon Gap Draw and the Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off Trails to name just a few. If you are a newbie to desert hiking, you might be surprised at how much water (2-3 liters), sunscreen (a lot), and adequate sun protection (hat/visor/bandanna) is required. My other surprise: the desert is not a barren expanse. Instead, it is green and lush, alive with colorful flowers and plants blossoming in unexpected places! It can also be extremely hot. Always keep an eye on the weather and plan your hikes accordingly.
9. Rio Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
A scenic river of which 107 miles flows along the border of the park.
Reviewed By AJICE - Reykjavik, Iceland
We admired the Rio Grande river from numerous areas of the Big Bend National Park. The river is nothing exciting but makes a great contrast in the desert. We would have loved going kayaking there.
10. Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
A walking trail along the Rio Grande River.
Reviewed By MindyandRogerA - Janesville, United States
Excellent Short Hike, after about 0.2 miles, either go left to the top or go to the right which will take you to the Rio Grande River. Approximately 0.5 miles on either route. The hike to the top has an excellent 360 degree view including the Rio Grande River & Mexico. The trail starts at Campsite 18. From there you will first walk over wetlands on an elevated walkway. Next, you will have a view of a shallow pond. We were there toward evening where Herons, Ducks and Nutria (Look like Beavers, but are native to South America) were seen. After this, the rest of the hike is desert. This is a really nice, interesting, mostly easy, short hike. We really enjoyed the variety of things to see. Recommended!
