Top Things to do in Big Bend National Park

Out in West Texas the skies are as large as the horizon and the night sky glitters brighter than anywhere else in the U.S. Located at the end of the road in the bend of Texas, Big Bend is a more than a park, it’s a feeling. People come to Big Bend to get away and it feels like that way. Visitors will notice the lack of common conveniences though without distractions, one starts appreciate the desert landscape. It’s where the desert meets the mountains and then meets the river. Its remote beauty puts it on top of the list for favorite National Park for frequent park visitors. Here are the Top Spots to see in Big Bend. 

Top Spots to See in Big Bend 

For first time visitors to Big Bend National Park, the size of the park can be overhelming.  it’s  one of the largest parks in the lower 48. It protects the Chisos Mountains and the Chihuahuan desert.

• One of the Visitor Centers 
• Chisos Mountains
• Castolon Historic District 
• Santa Elena Canyon
• Dugout Wells
• Rio Grande Village and Hot Springs
• Fossil Discovery Exhibit 

Big Bend At a Glance

Visitor Centers in Big Bend National Park 

From maps to Junior Ranger booklets, a NPS visitor center is the place for information along with restrooms and hydration stations. It is where permits are obtained, like backcountry permits. Some visitor centers offer interpretive areas. a short movie along with demonstration gardens showcasing the native plants. 

Park rangers are stationed at the visitor centers for help. They are packed with park information, like where to spot animals or best hiking trails for your group.

Panther Junction Visitor Center

Centrally located in the center of the park, the Panther Junction Visitor Center features a theater showing an introductory film to Big Bend National Park, the Panther Junction Visitor Center is the main visitor in the park. It offers an interpretive area, a gift shop and a U.S. Post Office.

Visitors will find Wifi near the visitor center along with cellular service. Outside there are picnic tables. There is a gas station located in the area, though during the busy seasons it can run out. 

Located at 1 Panther Junction. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. year-round. 

Persimmon Gap Visitor Center

At the main entrance of Big Bend National Park, this is the first visitor center most visitors see. It offers a small theater, bookstore and gift shop along with interpretive areas. 

Outside there are picnic tables. River permits are issued at the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center. 

Located at the north entrance of the park. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chisos Basin Visitor Center

In the Chisos Mountains and near the Chisos Mountain Lodge, the Chisos Basin Visitor Center offers an interpretive area with animals from Big Bend National Park. 

Located at 142 Chisos Basin Rd. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Castolon Visitor Center 

Only open during the winter season, it is located in the Castolon Historic District. Unfortunately the 2019 damaged the La Harmonia General Store and it is closed until it can be repaired. 

Located at 600 Ross Maxwell Scenic Dr. Open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. from November to April.

Rio Grande Village Visitor Center

This visitor center offers an interpretive area covering the Rio Grande, the river that divides Texas and Mexico. It is located at the end of the road and the closest visitor center to Boquillas del Carmen. 

Located at 450 Rio Grande Rd. Open from November until end of May from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

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Chisos Mountains and Basin 

Home to the highest peaks in Big Bend National Park: Emory Peak (7,835 feet) and Lost Mine Peak (7,535 feet). The entire Chisos mountain chain is located in the park. A seven-mile road snakes up to the Chisos Basin and visitors will find a visitor center along with a lodge with dining (the only one in the park).

With its higher elevation, it is cooler during the day. That also means it is colder at night, thanks to the thin desert air. One its top trails in the Window Trail, that ventures out to the rock formation that frames the desert below.

Castolon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon

This area was used for farming in the 1900s since it offered water along with fertile soil. In the early 1900s, a store opened to serve the farmers along with the miners in Terlingua.

Now the area offers the historic buildings and is a frequent stopping point for those driving on to Santa Elena Canyon.

Santa Elena Canyon offers the most dramatic scenery of the Rio Grande. Its limestone canyon walls are the tallest in this section of the Rio Grande, up to 1,500 feet tall. It is a popular pull-out for river trips.

Dugout Wells 

This area was once the hub of activity and the home of a schoolhouse. This is a good area to picnic and it offers vault toilets.

Rio Grande Village 

Located in a pocket of Cottonwoods, the Rio Grande Village offers a large campground area along with a picnic area. The U.S. – Mexico Border Crossing is in the area. The Daniels Ranch, a historic adobe building, is also in the area.

Langford Hot Spring is along the edges of the Rio Grande. To reach the hot springs, visitors will need to drive down a two-mile unpaved road then hike to .25-mile to the foundation of the original bathhouse. The water is 105-degress F and a popular destination for soaking.

Fossil Discovery Exhibit

Visitors can learn about the dinosuars from  130 million years ago at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, an interpretive area. In addtional to the display, there is a picnic area along with a vault toilet in the area.

Located 8 miles south of the Persimmon Gap Entrance. Open from dawn to dusk.

Top Things to do in Big Bend National Park

The best way to see a national park is to explore a national park. From scenic drives to hiking to kayaking, there is a lot of things to do in Big Bend. 

Scenic Drives in Big Bend

Just by driving from one place to another, visitors are doing one of the top acitivities in Big Bend National Park.  

Chisos Basin Road 

This 6-mile road climbs into the Chisos Mountains with twists and turns. As it climbs over 2,000 feet, drivers get epic views of Big Bend. It was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. 

It is not recommended for trailers over 20 feet or RVS over 24 feet. 

Ross Maxwell Scenic River 

A 30-mile road offers areas like Sotol Vista, Mules Ear Overlook and the Castolon Historic District. The road ends at the magnificent Santa Elena Canyon. 

Persimmon Gap to Panther Junction

From the Big Bend entrance at U.S. Route 385 to Panther Junction, the 28-mile route features the Fossil Discovery Exhibit along with the trails Dog Canyon and Devil’s Den. 

Maverick Entrance Station to Panther Junction

From the western entrance, this 23-mile road is the central road in Big Bend National Park.

Hiking in Big Bend 

A hike in Big Bend is one of the top activities in the park. With different regions to explore, each is unique though regardless of location, caryy water while hiking. 

Chisos Mountain Hiking Trails

With its higher elevations and tree coverage, the Chisos Mountains are a popular destination for hiking in Big Bend National Park.

Window View Trail—A .3-mile paved and accessible path that goes to the viewpoint of the famed Window formation. Good for most, including strollers. 

Chisos Basin Trail—A 1.8-mile roundtrip trail that traverses the basin. It’s a moderate trail though my school-age kid hiked this trail. 

Window Trail—A 5.6-mile roundtrip trail to the window that overlooks the desert below. It is rated a moderate trail. 

Rio Grande Hiking Trails 

The Rio Grande offers hiking trails that combine scenery along with birding, as many are found near the water source. 

Rio Grande Village Nature Trail—A .75-mile easy loop includes a boardwalk and part of it is accessible. 

Hot Springs Historic Trail—A 1-mile easy loop that passes the 105-degree Fahrenheit hot springs popular for soaking. There are pictographs along this hiking trail. 

Boquillas Canyon Trail—A 1.4-mile roundtrip trail labeled moderate. 

Santa Elena Canyon Trail—A 1.7-mile moderate trail through the dramatic scenery of Santa Elena Canyon. It can be muddy. 

Desert Hiking Trails

Panther Path—A 50-yard fully accessible loop at the Panther Junction Visitor Center with a labeled cactus garden. 

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail—A .5-mile roundtrip around the Dugout Wells area and it is a good picnic spot.

Lone Mountain Trail—A 2.7-mile trail that rated easy so good for hikers who want a longer distance that easy terrain. 

Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off Trail—A 1.0-mile easy trail to a 100-foot pour-off in the rock. 

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Bikes in Big Bend

With over 100 miles of paved roads along with 160 miles of back country roads, Big Bend is a destination for cycling. Bikes are allowed on roads though not on hiking trails. E-bikes are welcome as well. 

In Big Bend, the most scenic routes are best enjoyed if you have a shuttle vehicle. Big Bend doesn’t offer a park shuttle, like some other national parks. 

Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village—A 20-mile one-way trip on the paved park road that heads downhill most of the way.  

Old Maverick Road—A one-way 13-mile unpaved road that’s rated easy and ends at Santa Elena Canyon.

Dagger Flat Auto Trail—A 18-mile roundtrip trip on an unpaved road. 

Longer routes are available for more experienced riders.

River Trips in Big Bend 

The canyons along the Rio Grande, like the Santa Elena Canyon, are best viewed from the water. River trips are popular activities and  there are several put-in at several locations in the park for those who brought gear. 

It is an international border so it is illegal to cross into Mexico. Overnight trips require a backcountry permit along with proper planning. 

For visitors who want a shorter trip without lugging gear to West Texas, there are several outfitters in the area offer trips. They rent gear and also offer guided trips from afternoon kayak floats to multi-day canyon canoe trips with camping. 

Animals of Big Bend

The animals in Big Bend like to snooze during the heat of the day, so dusk and dawn are the best for animals viewing. In the Chisos Mountain Basin, Mexican black bear and mountain lions are found. 

Smaller mammals can be easily spotted along the roadways of Big Bend, like Jackrabbits, coyotes and squirrels. Nighttime, bats might be spotted along with the Javalina, or Collared Peccary, especially near water sources. 

• Mule Deer and Carmen White-tail Deer, the smallest species in Texas
• Mountain Lions—also called cougars, puma or panther
• Bobcat 
• Gray Fox
• Ringtail, a relative of the raccoon 
• Badger
• Desert Big Horn Sheep
• Aoudad, an invasive exotic sheep from North Africa. 
• Nutria, an invasive
• Elk, introduced into the park by the NPS

Birding in Big Bend

Over 450 different types of birds can be found in the park, thanks to the migration route to warmer Mexico. Big Bend offers trees, supported by its oasis. 

The best place to see birds in the park is by water, especially the Rio Grande. Another spot is the Chisos Mountain Basin that offers trees along with cooler temperatures. The Cottonwood Campground is another birding hot spot. 

Horseback Riding in Big Bend

Horses are allowed in Big Bend and horseback riding is permitted on the gravel roads within the park. A backcountry permit is required and horse owners will need to bring vaccination records. Owners need to be prepared for their trip with feed and water containers, since water isn’t reliable in the park. 

For visitors who want to camp with their stock, the primitive campsites like the Hannold Draw site offers a corral. 

Wildflowers in Big Bend

For the flower lovers, blooms come early to Big Bend. For the Texas State Flower, the Bluebonnet, visitors should visit in late February and through March. The cactus bloom later, with its showy flowers coming in April and May. Smaller yellow wildflowers will bloom in May and June, especially after summertime monsoons.

Winter is peak season in Big Bend, due to its pleasant daytime temperatures and sunny skies. Though it is also the dry season for the Chihuahua desert though if it rains during the winter, a superbloom might occur afterwards. 

Night Sky Viewing at Big Bend 

Big Bend is an International Dark Sky Park and it is actually offers the darkest park skies in the lower 48 due to its remote location. Visitors can see the Milky Way at the Big Bend and the night skies are a part of the majestic scenery of the Big Bend. 

Ranger programming dedicated to the night skies is available, scheduled according to the moon phase. Visitors should consult the park calendar for ranger programming.

What to do with Kids in Big Bend

The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about a National Park Service site. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete. My kids love the badges that the Rangers present them after completing their booklet.

Big Bend offers ranger programming just for kids. Ranger Bob’s Panther Path Parade is one of those programs where kids can earn a special patch, the Panther Patch, by learning about the desert landscape near the Panther Junction Visitor Center. 

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Nearby Sites to Explore

Big Bend National Park is at the end of the road so it’s a destination of its own. Travelers can add a few stops and attractions along the way.

Balmorhea, right off Interstate 10, is a must for late spring, summer and early fall visits since it’s home to the largest spring-fed pool in Texas at Balmorhea State Park.

Fort Davis offers a National Park Service site dedicated to preserving its West Texas fort. It also home to the Davis Mountains State Park with the famed Indian Lodge. 

Marfa is a West Texas Art town and offers several galleries to explore along with The Hotel Paisano. 

The towns of Telingua and Marthon offer limited services outside of businesses that cater to the tourists. Both offer lodging and dining along with a gas.

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Where to Stay in Big Bend 

Chisos Mountain Lodge

As the only lodging within Big Bend National Park, the Chisos Mountain Lodge offers views of the mountains and is close to some of the top hiking trails in Big Bend National Park. The lodge offers a dining room that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

The Chisos Mountain Lodge offers 72 rooms, each with a mini-fridge and microwave. 

Camping in Big Bend National Park

Note: Wood fires and ground fires are not allowed inside Big Bend National Park. Charcoal fires in an above ground grill are allowed as well as camp stoves. 

Chisos Basin Campground 

• Year-round
• Reservations required 
• 56 sites with a Dump Station
• Potable water and flush toilets
• No showers 
• Trailers over 20 feet and RVs over 24 feet are not allowed

Rio Grande Village Campground 

• Year-round
• Reservations required 
• 93 sites with a Dump Station
• Potable water and flush toilets
• Showers

Cottonwood Campground 

• Year-round
• Reservations required 
• 22 sites
• Potable water and vault toilets
• No showers

Rio Grande RV Campground 

• Year-round
• Reservations required 
• 25 sites, no tents 
• Potable water and flush toilets
• Showers

How Long to Spend in Big Bend

One Day Trip to Big Bend 

Visitors can drive through on one day but might regret their lack of time (especially counting how long it took to get to Bend Bend. If one day is all there is, then enter at one entrance and depart from the other. 

The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon is one of the top places to see in Big Bend. Also a visit to the Chisos Basin offers a different landscape to explore. 

Both areas offers shorter hikes along with visitor centers (restrooms and water available) in the area. For a one day trip, preparation is key so back water, snacks and picnic meals. 

Three Day Trip to Big Bend 

Ideally a three day trip to Big Bend will allow visitors to see the park. One day for each area of the park is ideal: Castolon (Santa Elena Canyon), Chisos Mountain and the Rio Grande Village. 

Visitors can add a river trip down the Rio Grande, a day trip into Boquillas, Mexico, or an extended hike. For trips into Boquillas, a valid passport is required. 

My Trip to Big Bend National Park with Kids 

For our trip, we traveled over Christmas Break, settling on the week before December 25. This is high season for the area so make lodging reservations in the Fall, as early as possible. We stayed just outside of the park in Terlingua, an old mining town that’s got a quirky vibe.

Our lodging had outdoor grills so I took advantage of that and planned to grill off burgers for dinner. This worked well for my group and since West Texas is a ways from everything, I bought everything I needed. With basic cooking supplies, a cooler and a stocked picnic bag, I kept everyone fed and happy.

Don’t forget the marshmallows, ground fires are usually not allowed in the arid West though our lodge featured a gas-powered campfire. Roasting marshmallows under the night sky was amazing.

During the day we explored and did some short hikes, each at Santa Elena Canyon, Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village area. I advise visitors to start the day in the Chisos Basin area since parking is at a premium and fills. The late afternoon light was beautiful at Santa Elena.

For those who want to venture into Mexico, a valid passport book or passport card is required for all visitors. On our visit, the border was closed. It is open Wednesday thorugh Sunday during the winter and Friday to Monday during the summer.

Since I was visiting in the winter, the deer population was very active at night. Use extra care when driving at night, and my passenger helped by animal spotting so I could focus on the road. In addition to deer, we saw several javalina along the road.

How to get to Big Bend 

Big Bend National Park is open every day, all day. The 7-day vehicle pass is $30. Visitors can purchase an annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80 to gain entry into the majority of the national parks and monuments for one year. 

Reservations are not required to enter Big Bend National Park. It doesn’t restrict visitors or vehicles into the park. 

Big Bend National Park about 450 miles from San Antonio, Texas. 

It features two entrances. One is along Texas Highway 118 at Maverick Junction. This entrance is closest to Telingua and Alpine farther north. Alpine has an Amtrak and Greyhound station.

The other entrance near Persimmon Gap uses U.S. Highway 385, close to  Marathon, Texas. There is no public transportation into the park and Big Bend National Park doesn’t offer shuttle buses at the time.