Big Bend National Park

Travel Guide
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Cookie Ballou
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Cookie Ballou
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Reine Wonite
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Reine Wonite
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Reine Wonite
With forested mountains, vast plains, desert and a long, border-defining river, every element of this park is remarkable in its size.

Hike in the desert among rocky canyons and peculiar plants at Big Bend National Park. Walk beside the gently flowing Rio Grande backed by songs of cuckoos and hummingbirds and explore the Chisos Mountains in search of deer and coyotes. 

Begin your trip at the Chisos Basin. Visitor centre staff will provide information and direct you toward excellent walking trails. The Window View Trail, a short, wheelchair-accessible route, offers superb views of lush flora and the surrounding peaks. Climb the more challenging 10-mile (16-kilometre) Emory Peak Path past scented pine trees to the highest point in the park. As you ascend, look for whitetail deer foraging through the leafy grounds. 

Head to Castolon Historic District in the park’s southwestern section. Pick up food from La Harmonia Store and relax on the shady riverbank. After lunch, set off onto the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive leading past historic ranches and lookout points. Continue on to the park’s highlight, the awe-inspiring Santa Elena Canyon. Notice two gigantic limestone walls the left one stands in Mexico and the right is in Texas. 

Explore the Chihuahuan Desert. Along the nature trail, peruse a range of cactus and colourful succulent flowers before emerging next to a charming oasis. Within the park, more than 450 bird species have been sited.

On the western border, visit the Rio Grande winding through the park and separating Mexico and the United States. Head westward out of the desert to a village offering shops and a campsite. Put your feet up and enjoy a well-earned rest or spot diverse wildlife that includes beavers and several species of turtle. 

Big Bend National Park is in southwest Texas, a 3-hour drive south of Midland. Distances between the several towns near the park are vast, so make sure you have plenty of supplies and gas. The park is open year-round and has an entry fee.  

For varied terrain and outdoor appreciation, U.S. national parks offer affordable adventure for all types of travellers. Enjoy your trip to the river, canyons, mountains and desert of Big Bend National Park.

Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa
Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa
4 out of 5
21701 FM 170, Terlingua, TX
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Terlingua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (752 reviews)
"Beautiful area and the food was top notch"

Reviewed on 10 Dec,2024

Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa
Terlingua Ranch Lodge
Terlingua Ranch Lodge
3 out of 5
16000 Terlingua Ranch Rd, Terlingua, TX
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Terlingua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (338 reviews)
"Very nice stay. Their bathroom needs an upgrade and 3 miles of bumpy road to reach the property makes it a 4/5 star experience."

Reviewed on 21 Dec,2024

Terlingua Ranch Lodge
Paisano Village RV Park & Inn
Paisano Village RV Park & Inn
3.5 out of 5
53690 TX-118, Terlingua, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$241 per night from 6 Jan to 7 Jan
S$241
includes taxes & fees
6 Jan - 7 Jan,2025
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Terlingua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (607 reviews)
"Beautiful casita! So big, clean , and fitting for the area. Very close to Bib Bend. Enjoyed local restaurants. I would recommend this place!!"

Reviewed on 18 Dec,2024

Paisano Village RV Park & Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Terlingua Nights Cabins
Terlingua Nights Cabins
2 out of 5
53595 TX-118, Terlingua, TX
Stay at this campground in Terlingua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hiking/biking on site. Popular attractions Big Bend Library and Many Stones are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (112 reviews)
"Good location for accessing local nature, walking distance to one cafe and small driving distance to many more. Quiet with great view of the stars."

Reviewed on 27 Nov,2024

Terlingua Nights Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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