Located in Texas, Big Bend National Park is a massive park that has stunning scenery and so much to see and do. It is home to scenic drives, beautiful canyons, and excellent hiking. Other activities include soaking in natural hot springs, enjoying world-class stargazing opportunities, camping, and even a potential stop in Mexico for lunch.
Read on to learn about the ultimate guide to Big Bend National Park to help you plan your visit!
Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon.
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Ultimate Guide to Big Bend National Park
Best Time to Visit Big Bend
The best time to visit Big Bend is during the fall and winter. Winter nights may get cold; however, there are fewer crowds and you can avoid the blazing summer heat.
Campgrounds in Big Bend
The main campground in the park is the Chisos Basin Campground. Campgrounds cost $16 per night. They have electric hookups and bathroom facilities. You can choose from the following campgrounds during your stay:
Backcountry Camping in Big Bend
Backcountry camping permits are available from the ranger stations or some are available to purchase online. Permits cost $10/night. There are several backcountry options, which include “car camping” on the side of some smaller roads.
The main backcountry campsites are on a first-come-first-serve basis on the popular South Rim Trail.
Top Hiking Trails in Big Bend
There are many hikes in Big Bend and you can stop at the ranger stations for hiking maps and route information. These were our favorite hikes in Big Bend:
- Hot Springs Historic Trail – 1-mile round trip, entirely flat
- *Santa Elena Canyon Hike – 1.7-mile hike round trip
- Boquillas Canyon Hike – the 1.4-mile hike is similar to Santa Elena
- Mule Ears Hike – 3.8 miles round trip to natural springs and to the Mule Ears
- Devil’s Den – 5.6 miles round trip into a slot canyon
- *South Rim Trail – 12-15 miles round trip with views of the Chisos Basin and Sierra’s Del Carmen
- *Emory Peak – 10.5 miles round trip, steep ascent up to the summit, the tallest peak
- Emory Peak and South Rim Trail – a 16-mile two-day loop with overnight along the South Rim
*Best hikes in Big Bend National Park
Best Places to Visit in Big Bend
Chisos Mountains
How to Get There: The Chisos Mountains are at the center of the park. Less than one mile from Panther Junction visitor center, turn on Basin Junction Road. This will lead you into the Chisos Mountains.
What to Do: There are several hikes that originate in the Chisos Mountains, including Emery Peak and the South Rim Trail. The main campgrounds are located in the Chisos Mountains, as well as the Chisos Mountain Lodge.
Historic Hot Spring
How to Get There: Drive roughly 15 miles towards Rio Grande Village from Panther Junction. There is a sign for the Historic Hot Springs. It is suggested for high clearance vehicles on this road to the parking lot. If you have a small 2wd car, leave your car by the main road.
What to Do: The hot springs are only 0.25 miles away. This trail continues for a one-mile loop if you want to enjoy a scenic walk. Bring a bathing suit and soak up in these natural hot springs right next to the Rio Grande river. You can even go for a swim in the Rio Grande, and those daring enough can swim to Mexico!
Santa Elena Canyon
How to Get There: From Panther Station, drive towards the Catalon Visitor Center. Turn left on Ross Maxwell Drive. This is one of the best scenic drives in Big Bend. Along the way, there are viewpoints and hiking trails for Mule Ears and Devil’s Den. At the end of the road is parking for the Santa Elena Canyon.
What to Do: There is a short trail that leads you into the Santa Elena Canyon, although it is not possible when there are floods.
Boquillas Crossing
How to Get There: From Panther Junction, head towards the Rio Grande Village. There are signs for Rio Grande Visitor Center, as well as the Boquillas Canyon and Boquillas Crossing.
What to Do: Most come here to go to the Boquillas Canyon. There is an overlook and a short trail into the canyon. For those with enough time, head to Boquillas Crossing, an official US-Mexico border post. Take the “ferry” across the Rio Grande for $10, payable to the singing man in Mexico.
You can hike one mile to town, take a car ($10 round trip) or hire a donkey/horse ($16 round trip) into town. Walk around town and grab some lunch at Jose Falcon.
Stargazing
Big Bend National Park is known for excellent stargazing and it is rated as an International Dark Sky Park. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars and the Milky Way.
What to Bring for Camping in Big Bend
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Headlamp
- Lighter
- Snacks
- Knife
- Cooking/grill utensils
- Plates/silverware
- Food
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
That’s it – we hope you enjoy exploring Big Bend National Park in Texas!
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