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Now that you’re here, what can you do?
A Guide To Touring Big Bend
You’ve driven many miles to get here, and have finally arrived at your
destination: Big Bend National Park. But now what? Now that you’re here,
how do you spend your time? Where should you go? What should you explore?
The park is big, and often visitors have a limited amount of time to explore.
Here are suggestions for seeing the park if you have a limited amount of
time to enjoy Big Bend.
Interpretive Programs and Activities Join a Park Ranger for a guided walk, talk, or evening slide program. Programs are scheduled year-round.
Hey Kids: Become a Junior Ranger
One Day Visit
If time allows, drive to the Chisos Mountains to take in the spectacular
mountain views. Walk the 0.3-mile self-guiding Window View Trail to get
a feel for the mountain scenery.
A trip along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive will give you a taste of the Chihuahuan Desert and will lead you to the Rio Grande. There are scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way. Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Overlook and Tuff Canyon are all worthwhile stops. The short walks to the Old (Sam Nail) Ranch and Homer Wilson (Blue Creek) Ranch and a visit to the Castolon Historic District will give you a glimpse into Big Bend’s past.
A highlight of the trip is the short (1.7-mile round trip) walk into Santa Elena Canyon—one of Big Bend’s most scenic spots. Drive to the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to access the trailhead. You may return to the main road by returning on the Ross Maxwell Drive or on the Old Maverick Road, a 13-mile gravel road linking the Ross Maxwell Drive to the Maverick (west) Entrance. Be sure to check on road conditions first.
Three Days
With three days to spend in the park, you can explore the major roads
more thoroughly and still have time for some great
hikes. In the Basin area, consider
hiking the Window Trail (5 miles round trip) or the Lost Mine Trail
(4.8
miles round trip); consult the Hiker’s Guide to Trails of Big Bend National
Park (available at the BBNHA Web Page Book Store)
for trail descriptions.
In addition to the Basin and Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive (see suggestions for “one day”) you can drive to Rio Grande Village, perhaps stopping at Dugout Wells along the way to walk the short Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail. The Rio Grande Village Visitor Center (open November through April) offers a brief introductory slide program. Walk the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail which begins near site 18 in the campground. The bluff overlooking the Rio Grande at the end of the nature trail is a particularly beautiful spot at sunset.
Boquillas Canyon road will take you to an overlook of the small village of Boquillas, Mexico, and to the border crossing. At the end of the road is the Boquillas Canyon trail, which takes you to the entrance of this spectacular canyon.
Hiking in Big Bend National Park
One Week
With a week or more to spend in Big Bend, endless possibilities are
open to you. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the roads mentioned
in the “One Day” and “Three Day” sections and will also have time to hike
or to drive some of the “unimproved” dirt roads.
For these, you’ll need a high clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle; don’t
forget to check at the visitor centers for current road conditions. You
may also want to consult the Road Guide to Backcountry Dirt Roads of
Big Bend National Park. The River
Road, Glenn Springs
Road, and Old
Ore Road are some of the more popular backcountry routes. A visit to Ernst
Tinaja near the south end of the Old Ore Road is a Big Bend highlight.
If you don’t have high clearance or four-wheel drive, gravel roads such as Dagger Flat, Grapevine Hills and Old Maverick Roads will get you “off the beaten path.” Hike the Chimneys Trail, Mule Ears Trail, or Grapevine Hills Trail for a closer look at the desert environment. If you'd like to explore the Chisos Mountains, trails to Boot Canyon, Emory Peak and the South Rim offer good views of the park and take you into another world which seems far removed from the desert. There are plenty of opportunities for overnight backpacking along these trails. A free backcountry use permit is required and can be obtained at park visitor centers.
If you have the time and the inclination, you may want to consider a river trip. Seeing the park’s canyons from the middle of the Rio Grande is both fascinating and gratifying.
No matter how limited your time in Big Bend, remember that you will
enjoy the park more if you
stop your car and explore on foot.
Big Bend National Park has a multitude of great hikes.
That doesn’t
mean that you have to hike miles on steep grades; there are also many short,
easy walks and roadside exhibits where you can
stretch your legs and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the Chihuahuan
Desert.
Hiker’s guides and road guides are available at book sales areas throughout the park, and they offer more detailed information about Big Bend’s trails and roads. Attending ranger led activities and evening programs is also a good way to learn more about Big Bend; check at the visitor centers and park bulletin boards for current activities.
Remember, you don’t have to see everything on one trip. You will probably enjoy the park more if you choose a few spots and explore them thoroughly to get a taste of what Big Bend has to offer. Then, come back another time to see the rest!
Great
Hikes in Big Bend National Park
Bicycling in
Big Bend National Park
If
you
are a "night owl" check out Big Bend After
Dark.
Trip
planning materials are available at the BBNHA Web Page
Book Store.
