Top Things to do in Big Bend National Park
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Big Bend National Park, Big Bend National Park
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. Lajitas Zipline
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Lajitas Zipline at Lajitas Golf Resort is located in Quiet Canyon in Lajitas, Texas. Lajitas Zipline is located in the Big Bend region of Texas and features 8 world class lines where your adventure will take you high over the desert floor reaching speeds of 50 mph plus.
4. 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.
5. The Window Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
From the road, this spot offers a spectacular view into the canyon below.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Our group started the Window Trail around 8:30 am, departing from the Chisos Basin Trailhead near the Lodge. It is a gentle downhill grade all the way through the Chisos Basin. Bring your sticks if you normally hike with them. The trail gets rockier and more interesting as you move into the upper portion of the Oak Creek Canyon with its colorful rock formations. As you approach The Window, there is some scrambling as well as a series of smooth stone steps. The creek bed was dry, however. The payoff: the up-close Window view! Just don’t get too close to the edge because the pour-off is slick rocks and there are no railings. The Window was one of my favorite Big Bend hikes. Instead of returning to the Lodge, we took the Oak Spring Trail down and then continued to the Cattail Falls and finally hiked out to Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive where our van was parked. I doubt I could have hiked uphill all the way back to the Lodge without having a heatstroke! Take into consideration the afternoon heat and sun when planning your hikes and bring adequate water. There is little shade in the desert.
6. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Cutting through the heart of Big Bend National Park, this 30-mile drive on a well-paved road snakes up, down, and around the western slopes of the Chisos Mountains and through the Chihuahuan Desert. There are several places to pull over and stretch your legs, including Sotol Vista Overlook, the Castolon Historic District, and several trailheads. And saving the best for last where the blacktop ends: the spectacular Santa Elena Canyon.
7. Panther Junction Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By DarrenDaugherty - Texas, United States
The park rangers were very helpful here, and we were able to purchase our back-country permits. I was so glad to find a gas station near the visitor center. Because the drive into Big Bend is so long, the gas station was a great find - and the gas prices were not the high-priced, gouging prices you'd expect at a solitary location.
8. Closed Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By texasfoot - Cypress, United States
I read other reviews, and decided to do this one since it had good reviews and close to Lajitas. This was a great hike!! Kids (9 and 12) also loved it. Lots of climbing around and jumping from rocks for my boy. We weren't able to make it all the way to the River, as small/deep pools of water kept us from passing. Still a fun hike with interesting views inside the canyon.
9. Big Bend National Park - Fossil Bone Exhibit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit is on Rt 385, located between Big Bend’s Persimmon Gap north entrance and the Panther Junction Visitor Center. The self-guided interpretive experience documents the geologic history of Big Bend spanning over 130 million years. From ancient sea life to dinosaurs, the exhibit provides replicas of fossilized bones found in the area. This educational stop will appeal to the kid in you! Remember to look up for the skeleton of a giant flying reptile (the world’s largest known flying creature) found in Big Bend. There is a short, somewhat steep trail, that leads to a panoramic desert view. The area includes shaded picnic tables where our group had lunch. There is an accessible vault toilet, but no running water. Bring water with you before you enter the park!
10. Dug Out Wells Picnic Area and Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By dirtdiggergal
I enjoyed this shady area for a nice relaxing lunch. The short trail was a good "leg stretcher" and had lots of very informative signs about the desert and its flora and fauna. Water in the desert is not to be ignored. So many birds and a serene and enjoyable stop.
