Best things to do in Big Bend National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
Tunnel in Big Bend National Park
Image credit: CrackerClips Stock Media

Big Bend National Park is a huge park located in southwest Texas near the Mexican border. The park is famous for its scenery, which includes canyons, mountains, and desert. The best things to do in the park are hiking, camping, and backpacking. There are also many other activities such as fishing, bird watching, and stargazing.

The park is home to many different kinds of animals, including javelinas, coyotes, black bears, and mountain lions. There are also more than 450 species of birds. The park is also famous for its night sky, which is one of the darkest in the United States.

1. Hike the Chisos Mountains Trails

A visitor's experience when hiking the Chisos Mountains Trails in Big Bend National Park is one of awe and beauty. The trails wind their way through vast, open spaces, with towering peaks in the distance. The views are awe-inspiring and the hike is difficult but rewarding. Hikers are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment at the end of the trail, having seen some of the most stunning scenery in the country.

2. Take a scenic drive along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

A visitor's experience when taking a scenic drive along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park would be filled with awe and wonder at the beauty of the desert landscape. The drive would take them through narrow canyons and up and over rocky hills, and they would be able to see vast expanses of open desert landscape and prominent peaks in the distance. The drive would provide a unique opportunity to experience the natural and cultural history of the area, and would be a unforgettable experience.

3. Visit the Big Bend Visitor Center

When a visitor visits the Big Bend Visitor Center, they will likely be interested in learning about the area's natural history, its attractions, and the various programs and services available. The center is staffed by knowledgeable attendants who are eager to provide information and help visitors plan their visit. The center is also equipped with a number of exhibits that provide an overview of the park's history, ecology, and attractions.

4. Go on a ranger-led hike or program

When someone visits Big Bend National Park and participates in ranger-led hikes or programs, they may expect to experience a variety of different environments and wildlife. Some hikes may take participants up high into the mountains, while others may take them along the banks of a river or through the dense desert scrub. Programs may focus on learning about the park's history, wildlife, or natural resources. Visitors may even get the chance to take a hike or participate in a program on their own.

5. Take a scenic float trip down the Rio Grande

A visitor's experience when taking a scenic float trip down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park is one of relaxation and tranquility. The river is wide and clear, the scenery is rugged and beautiful, and the sounds of the rushing water and the occasional bird are soothing. The trip is a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area and to enjoy the company of friends or family.

6. Go stargazing in the park

When someone visits the park to go stargazing, they will likely experience awe, as the night sky is filled with countless stars. The visitor may also feel a sense of silence, as there are few sounds other than the rustling of leaves or the occasional animal.

7. Visit the Santa Elena Canyon

When a visitor visits the Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park, they might be impressed by the sheer size of the canyon walls. They might also be struck by the colors of the rocks and the wildflowers that grow along the canyon floor.

8. Take a day trip to the Terlingua Ghost Town

When visiting the Terlingua Ghost Town, visitors will likely experience a mixture of emotions. Some may be excited to explore a historically significant site, while others may be scared by the seemingly abandoned town. Regardless of one's personal feelings, all visitors should be respectful of the town's history and the surrounding environment.