14 Epic Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

Ready to uncover the wild, rugged beauty of Big Bend? Nestled along the Rio Grande in Far West Texas, Big Bend National Park is an absolute gem—think sweeping desert vistas, lush river canyons, and mountains that beg to be explored. This guide includes 14 of the most epic, best things to do in Big Bend National Park – perfect for every kind of adventurer!

I first visited Big Bend in 2022, and immediately fell in love with the rugged scenery, beautiful hikes, and awesome people. It really is a slice of the true wild west, alive and kickin’ out in Far West Texas.

Whether you’re here for jaw-dropping hikes, scenic drives, or a chance to dip your toes across the border into Mexico, Big Bend’s got something unforgettable for everyone.

Disclosure: This page may contain sponsored content or affiliate links, including Amazon links, where I earn a small commission from any purchase – at no extra cost to you. This commission helps keep Brooke In Boots up and running. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and my own!

Top 5 Things to Do in Big Bend 

If it’s your first visit to Big Bend National Park, these are the top best of the best activities you won’t want to miss:

1. Explore Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
2. Visit Santa Elena Canyon
3. Hike the Lost Mine Trail
4. Take a river trip down the Rio Grande
5. Visit Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico

This guide covers each of these incredible activities in more detail – plus a more ideas of my favorite things to do around Big Bend National Park in West Texas.

Take this info to-go! The Big Bend Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Big Bend trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time stressing and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.

About Big Bend National Park 

Big Bend National Park is a very remote desert park, located on the Rio Grande river in Far West Texas. The nearest town to Big Bend is Terlingua, Texas.

I first visited Big Bend in 2022, and the soaring cliffs, deep river canyons, rugged mountains, and vast desert trails capture what makes Big Bend so special, and one of my favorite National Parks.

Getting to Big Bend

The closest airport to Big Bend National Park is Midland-Odessa International Air and Space Port.  Midland is a pretty small airport, so flights here can get pricy.

It’s often cheaper and easier to fly into one of the closest international airports to Big Bend, either El Paso International Airport or San Antonio International Airport.

From the airport you’ll need to rent a car and drive 6-8 hours to the park. Consider renting a vehicle with AWD or 4×4 with high-clearance to navigate the park’s unpaved roads. Visitors in sedans should be able to drive most roads, as long as they are careful.

Entrance Fees & Reservations

Big Bend charges an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle (Credit / Debit card only – no cash). Your entrance fee permit is valid for 7 days. There are no reservations or timed-entry permits required to visit Big Bend.

Hotels & Where to Stay Near Big Bend

Lodging and hotels are sparse around Big Bend, so you’ll want to book your stay early unless you plan to camp!

There is only one hotel-style lodge inside Big Bend National Park, the Chisos Mountain Lodge. Outside the park, there are small independent hotels/motels, home rentals, and one resort, the Lajitas Golf Resort.

The Best Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

Looking for an epic mountain hike? Soak in a hot springs? Or would you rather sight-see from the car. If you’re wondering what to do in Big Bend, let me say, Big Bend actually does have it all!

Want to put it all together in the perfect itinerary? Check out my 3 day Big Bend itinerary that checks out a ton of these incredible spots – perfect for a first time visit!

Map of the Best Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

Big Bend is huge, it can take over an hour to drive between spots on this list. Use this map of the best things to do in Big Bend to help plan your epic west Texas trip.

Take a Hike! Best Trails in Big Bend National Park

Big Bend is a hiker’s dream park. There are dozens of trails throughout the Park, from easy day hikes, to strenuous overnight backpacking trips. In the center of the park, hike trails in the Chisos Mountains – the only mountain chain entirely contained within a National Park. Or explore wide-open desert vistas, and deep river canyons.

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Check out these five favorite Big Bend hikes – or explore more epic hikes here: 16 Best Day Hikes in Big Bend National Park.

Santa Elena Canyon (Easy) 

• Distance: 1.7 Miles
• Elevation Gain: 215 Feet
• AllTrails Trail Map

Santa Elena Canyon is one of Big Bend’s most iconic hikes—and a personal favorite from our trip!

This short but spectacular trail is perfect for families and deserves a spot on any Big Bend itinerary. Starting at the end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, it’s easily accessible and offers jaw-dropping views.

The trail takes you along a mix of dirt and boardwalk paths from the parking area to the canyon entrance, where the Rio Grande has carved an eight-mile, 1,500-foot-deep gorge through solid rock.

After crossing Terlingua Creek, a short set of stone switchbacks climbs up into the canyon before descending right to the river’s edge, where you can take in the views of the towering canyon walls above.

Window View Trail (Easy) 

• Distance: 0.4 Miles
• Elevation Gain: 0 Feet
• AllTrails Trail Map

This short, paved trail has sweeping views of The Windows rock formation and surrounding Chisos Mountains. The trail leaves from the Chisos Basin trailhead, located directly behind the Chisos Lodge and parking lot.

I found the Window View trail to be a particularly beautiful spot for sunset. In my experience, make sure to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before sunset to get a good spot on this short trail. Afterwards, head to the Chisos Mountain Lodge bar for a “Ranch Water” the go-to cocktail in West Texas.

This trail is wheelchair accessible. 

Lost Mine Trail (Moderate) 

• Distance: 4.8 Miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 Feet
• AllTrails Trail Map

If you only have time for one hike while at Big Bend, make it the Lost Mine Trail! The panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and surrounding desert are absolutely beautiful.

This was hands-down our favorite day hike in Big Bend. It’s the ideal mix of shady mountain forest, an invigorating but doable climb, and jaw-dropping desert vistas starting from about a mile up.

This moderately challenging trail climbs through oak and juniper forests to reveal sweeping views of the Chisos Basin, Juniper Canyon, and surrounding peaks.

The small parking lot for this popular trail fills up fast—arrive before 7:30 AM during peak season to snag a spot!

Balanced Rock Trail (Moderate) 

• Distance: 2.2 Miles
• Elevation Gain: 250 Feet
• AllTrails Trail Map

The unique Balanced Rock is the highlight of this easy-to-moderate desert trail.

Getting to the trailhead itself is half the challenge, however. The 6-mile gravel road to this trailhead, Grapevine Hills Road, requires a sturdy, high-clearance vehicle, and possible four-wheel drive. Do not attempt this road in a sedan, minivan, or oversized vehicle.

This is an easy hike that involves some moderate-level scrambling at the end to reach the rock formation. The trail is popular with kids and adults alike, but make sure to follow the directional arrows on the rocks, wear proper footwear with good traction, and especially take care while descending.

South Rim & Emory Peak (Strenuous)

• Distance: 12 Miles (15 Miles with Emory Peak)
• Elevation Gain: 3,200 Feet (including Emory Peak)
• AllTrails Trail Map

The grand-daddy of hikes in Big Bend, the South Rim Loop has it all: mountain summits, harsh deserts, shady canyons, and unbeatable views of the South Rim of Chisos Basin.

This loop combines the steep Pinnacles Trail, Emory Peak, Boot Springs and South Rim and Laguna Meadows Trail into a massive 15 Mile Loop (12 Miles if you skip the spur trail to Emory Peak) that is NOT for the faint of heart.

Want to spend the night exploring one of the prettiest parts of Big Bend National Park? There are numerous backcountry primitive campground sites along the trail, making it a popular backpacking loop.

Check out more easy and moderate hikes in Big Bend National Park, here.

Take this info to-go! The Big Bend Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Big Bend trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time stressing and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.

Spend the Day on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive 

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is an absolute must in Big Bend and, honestly, one of the most stunning drives you’ll find in any National Park.

This scenic route stretches 30.9 miles from the Chisos Mountains to the Rio Grande at the park’s southwestern border with Mexico.

The entire drive one-way takes 45 minutes without stops. But with stops at the many trailheads, viewpoints and points of interest along the way, you can easily spend a few hours to an entire day exploring Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Plan on spending a few hours—or even an entire day—exploring. Here are some can’t-miss stops along the way:

• Sam Nail Ranch
• Sotol Vista Overlook
• Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail
• Tuff Canyon
• Santa Elena Canyon

For more on this unforgettable drive, check out my guide to Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend.

Cross the Border to Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico

Care to cross the border for lunch? If you brought your passport, you can legally visit the quaint town of Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico from inside Big Bend National Park itself.

Visiting Boquillas del Carmen is one of the most unique experiences you can have while exploring Big Bend National Park, and one of the most memorable things we did on our visit!

To cross the border, you’ll head to the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry, near Rio Grande Village. Inside, you’ll show your passport and get a quick overview of the process from the ranger or border patrol agent.

From there, you’ll head down a marked trail to the river, where the “official” rowboat will take you across for $5 USD (cash only). From there, it’s a 0.5 mile road walk to town, or you can hire a horse and guide (or pickup truck) for cash to take you there.

About 200 people live in this tiny town – once a booming mining center – and catering to Big Bend tourists sustains this economy. People are friendly and the whole thing is very safe.

Shop for homemade trinkets along the main street, and stop in at one of the two restaurants in town: Jose Falcon’s and Boquillas Restaurant, for some delicious Mexican food.

Learn more about planning a day trip to Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico, here.

Take A River Trip on the Rio Grande

The Rio Grande is one of the defining and most famous features of Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of things to do on the river here: hike, soak in the hot springs – but to really experience it, you’ll want to take a guided river trip.

Several guide operators offer full day tours (and overnight river trips) through Santa Elena Canyon, Boquillas Canyon, Big Bend Ranch State Park and other stretches of the river.

Most day-tours are beginner-friendly and offer private as well as larger group tours. Day-trips depart Terlingua around 8 or 9 a.m. and return in the late afternoon, depending on your tour operator.

Learn more about Rio Grande river tours, including contact information here.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to take a river tour during our visit and its one of my few regrets from our visit! This will for sure be at the top of my list of things to do in Big Bend when we go back.

Soak in the Historic Hot Springs

After you’ve hit the dusty trails in Big Bend, nothing feels better than a hot soak in one of the park’s rare natural hot springs pools.

You’ll have to drive an unpaved road to reach the Hot Springs Trail. We drove in a 4×4 SUV, but saw plenty of passenger sedans make the trip just fine – albeit slowly.

A short sandy short trail leads to an active hot spring and the remains of the historic bathhouses and cabins that once existed along the Rio Grande.

While the bathhouses are now ruins, visitors can wade into a natural hot spring built right into the side of the Rio. Bring a bathing suit and some swim sandals.

You might also need to bring and an open mind, rangers warned us when we visited that most people find this to be a “clothing optional” hot spring once the sun sets.

If you plan on enjoying the hot springs along this trail, make sure to check the NPS website for updates – the hot spring closes during flooding and increased bacteria levels. Never submerge your head in a hot spring and never drink the hot spring water! Remember that crossing the Rio into Mexico is illegal here.

Go Stargazing in Big Bend

Big Bend is recognized as an international Dark Sky park, and its nighttime sky is considered the clearest in the continental US!

Set an alarm for early in the morning and drive to any number of roadside turnoffs, away from the campgrounds, lodges and Terlingua for the best views. Seeing the Milky Way above us and, literally, billions of stars was one of the highlights of our trip – and absolutely worth the lack of sleep to go see it!

Learn more about stargazing in Big Bend, including Ranger-led stargazing programs, here.

More Epic Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Fossil Exhibit 

Kids and anyone interested in the ancient history of Big Bend should check out the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. The Exhibit is located on Persimmon Gap Entrance Road, about 25 minutes from the Chisos Basin.

The recently built open air exhibit houses fossils found inside the Park and information about the geologic history of the area, which was once a lush dino-filled swamp.

We didn’t get a chance to see this spot, but after hearing great things about it from everyone else, I’m bummed we missed out!

The Fossil exhibit parking lot is not suitable for trailers and RVs.

Explore the Backcountry on Big Bend’s Unpaved Roads

If your vehicle is up for an adventure, there are epic unpaved roads to explore throughout Big Bend National Park! These primitive roads will take you to seldom visited and remote corners of Big Bend.

Along the way, you can also camp at one of the 67 designated primitive roadside campsites.

One of the most popular routes is Old Maverick Road. This 14-mile dirt road connects Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the paved road out of the park.

Old Maverick Road is accessible for most cars, although low-clearance vehicles should be especially cautious. RVs and oversized vehicles are not permitted. The road winds through the Terlingua Badlands, passing several historic structures and desert vistas.

Explore Big Bend Ranch State Park

Most visitors come to the Big Bend region for the National Park, but there is another often overlooked gem right next door, at Big Bend Ranch State Park. Like Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park has desert views, great hikes, and access to the Rio Grande River.

You can easily spend half a day to a full day exploring Big Bend Ranch, which is the largest state park in Texas. Don’t miss driving the River Road (Camino del Rio) the scenic drive through the Park with tons of places to stop for viewpoints and picnic areas. Hike the Closed Canyon Trail, the Hoodoos Trail, or the Cinco Tinajas Trail.

To reach Big Bend Ranch State Park from Terlingua, take State Highway 170 West, which leads directly to the Park entrance. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Big Bend Ranch State Park from Terlingua.

The cost to enter Big Bend Ranch State Park is $5 cash only.

Terlingua Ghost Town

If you’re staying in nearby Terlingua (and at the very least you should visit for a bowl of chili at the Starlight Theatre Restaurant) – don’t miss the historic Terlingua Ghost Town.

Located on the outskirts of “modern” Terlingua, the ghost town is what remains of what was once one of the the largest mercury mines in North America. But after the boom, the town slowly declined until the 1940s when the Chisos Mining Company went bankrupt, and most of the town closed for good.

The adobe and brick structures, church, and cemetery are what remain of the once thriving town. Today, Terlingua caters to visitors to Big Bend and is famous for it’s annual Chili Cook Off. It’s a real slice of the old west, still surviving in the Texas desert.