Heres everything you should probably know before visiting Big Bend National Park in Texas.
From there, let your eyes wander southeast.
You see that dip in the Texas border along the Rio Grande?
Rock formations in Big Bend National Park in Texas.Credit:Jon Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure
That dip is called the Big Bend.
Theres a lot here to see and to unpack on any visit.
Meet the Expert
Tom VandenBerg is the chief of visitor services at Big Bend National Park.
Landscape of Big Bend National Park in Texas.Jon Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure
Hes lived and worked in the area for over 15 years.
Adam Brower has visited the park almost every year, multiple times a year, for 20 years.
He runs The Big Bend Guide.
Bird flying over the landscape in Big Bend National Park in Texas.Jon Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure
Lou LaGrange is a custom trip consultant at MT Sobek, specializing in the Big Bend area.
How to Get There
Theres no easy airport to fly into.
Many in-state travelers drive.
Volcanic tuff in Big Bend National Park in Texas.Jon Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure
From Houston or Austin, its about a nine-hour drive.
Know Before You Go
This is an adventurous trip.
Its rural, rewarding, and fascinating, and it feels like youve gone away from it all.
River in Big Bend National Park.Jon Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure
But adventure is the key word here, Lou LaGrange says.
As mentioned, Big Bend is extremely remote and takes hours to reach from any major city or airport.
People are surprised at how long it takes to get here.
Hiking trail in Big Bend National Park in Texas.Jon Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure
Its hours and hours and hours from anywhere.
Thats what makes it great.
Its a good place to disconnect and leave it all behind for a while, says VandenBerg.
But he also warns its not a place to show up without a plan.
Lodging and camping spots fill up quickly, especially during holidays.
You may have to backtrack long distances to find accommodations if you dont plan.
Download maps in advance, expect stretches of highway without amenities, and always keep your gas tank full.
Plan to fill up in Alpine or Marathon before heading into the park.
A quick trip is minimum two days.
I would say a three-day trip would be good.
A four-day trip would be best, Brower says.
Winter can also bring occasional ice storms and snow, which might close roads or restrict trail access.
Were in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Its one of the hottest, driest areas in the United States.
May through September are extremely hot months, and temperatures can reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wildlife
The Chihuahuan Desert has some pretty cool wildlife.
A population of about 40 black bears lives in the park.
They came from Mexico and repopulated the park in the late 80s and 90s.
Its one of the great success stories of Big Bend, VandenBerg says.
There are also mountain lions, though theyre pretty elusive.
Best Things to Do
Take a scenic drive.
There are over 120 miles of paved roads for scenic drives accessible to all vehicles.
you might take a 4x4 tour into the backcountry if youre extra adventurous.
Probably make arrangements before you show up, VandenBerg advises.
Cross the Rio Grande into Mexico.
Buy a gift and a snack from some local entrepreneurs, and then head back.
you might theoretically do this independently, but its better with a guide.
Hang out in the hot springs district.
You cant reach the hot spring by car, but its only a 0.5-mile round-trip loop from the trailhead.
Go for a horseback ride.
Local outfitters can take you on a day trip or a journey that lasts several days.
Float down the Rio Grande.
This river doesnt have much in the way of rapids instead, it offers a leisurely float.
Its an amazing experience, VandenBerg says.
Big Bend is home to three 1,500-foot canyons cut through limestone, and the river winds its way through.
River conditions change frequently, so consult with local outfitters about water levels and trip availability.
If people come with their own gear, we can give them a river permit, he says.
Visit McDonald Observatory.
Best Hikes
Big Bends trails range from easy little paved loops to 30-mile, multi-day outings.
We want to ensure people dont overestimate their abilities or underestimate the desert.
Big Bend offers the chance to experience three distinct environments in one visit.
I think everybody should do The Window, Brower says.
Also in this area is the 4.8-mile round-trip Lost Mine Trail, which has incredible views.
Its more of a primitive trail, so not for everybody, Brower says.
Its a pretty iconic view, he says.
It feels like an Old West town, he says.
You get nice sky views, and they have a fire pit.
Chisos Mountains Lodge
Chisos Mountains Lodge is the only lodge in the park.
The ranch even has its own landing strip.
Campgrounds
There are several park-maintained campgrounds.
Check out our Big Bend National Park camping guide for an in-depth guide to all your options.
Airbnbs
The Big Bend area has a seemingly endless array of Airbnbs.
Some are rustic, some funky, some luxurious.
Youll find interesting bubbles, domes, and yurts, many new in the last five years.
The Perch, an entirely off-grid house on a limestone plateau.
Places to Eat
Aside from a handful of convenience stores, the park has limited food options.
For now, you still have the dining room at the Chisos Mountains Lodge.
In Terlingua, the historic Starlight Theater shines.
If I had a hard day hiking, I reward myself with their ridiculously big burger.
Its a unique, eclectic place with great food that captures the spirit of the town.
Just dont complain about the service.
Youre going to have to leave that kind of stuff at home if you visit Terlingua, Brower says.
