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
The price is €148 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€148
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (870 reviews)
"This property is an Oasis in the desert and against Big Bend National Park. The staff are amazing in every way possible, going out of their way with a smile on there face. The food was amazing and the grounds were well kept and lush. The room was spotless and the bed was so very comfortable. Can't ..."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa
Terlingua Ranch Lodge

Terlingua Ranch Lodge

3 out of 5
16000 Terlingua Ranch Rd, Terlingua, TX
The price is €129 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
€129
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (469 reviews)
"Loved how quiet and dark the area was. Great hospitality also from the crew at the Bad Rabbit Cafe on the property. My cabin was a simple one which was what i was looking for. Only minor improvement I would wish for was an updated window unit-A/C so i could have made the room ice cold to sleep in. ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Terlingua Ranch Lodge
Big Bend Station

Big Bend Station

2 out of 5
53623 Texas 118, Terlingua, TX
The price is €121 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
€121
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Terlingua. Enjoy free parking, a snack bar/deli, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Big Bend Library and Many Stones are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (37 reviews)
"The room was very clean and beautiful, unfortunately the bed was hard as a rock and extremely uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Big Bend Station
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.
Stardust Big Bend Luxury A-Frames

Stardust Big Bend Luxury A-Frames

4 out of 5
23121 FM170, Terlingua, TX
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Terlingua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Big Bend Library and Starlight ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"The bed position was great. At night we were able to see the stars out the back window and it was amazing. Will definitely be going back some time."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Stardust Big Bend Luxury A-Frames
Big Bend Lodging at Ten Bits Ranch | Room #3 (The Gun Shop)

Big Bend Lodging at Ten Bits Ranch | Room #3 (The Gun Shop)

Terlingua
Stay at this cabin in Terlingua. Enjoy free breakfast, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Starlight Theatre and Big Bend Library are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (183 reviews)
"Ten Bits Ranch is a fantastic place to relax and unwind for a few days. The cabin is outfitted well; comfortable bed, clean shower, plenty of hot water, and a great air conditioner. A common kitchen is provided for guests and is more than I expected...well stocked and outfitted. The scenery in this ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Big Bend Lodging at Ten Bits Ranch | Room #3 (The Gun Shop)
Terlingua Casita de Chiles Barndominium

Terlingua Casita de Chiles Barndominium

TERLINGUA
Stay at this apartment in Terlingua. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (193 reviews)
"If you’re looking for an off the beaten path getaway, this place is for you. It’s quite remote, but well worth the drive. The hosts are very welcoming and friendly, and they’ll show you everything you need to know when you check in. The place is clean and has good WiFi. The hot tub is exactly what ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Terlingua Casita de Chiles Barndominium
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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