Top Things to do in Big Bend National Park
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Big Bend National Park, Big Bend National Park
Huge national park in Texas that spans 801,153-acres filled with limestone canyons, rivers, sand and forests.
1. El Camino Del Rio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By GroverR - Pensacola, United States
We saw 5 national parks and 2 national monuments and they have some amazing scenic drives, but this is the best drive we did in West Texas, New Mexico or Arizona. First you have the open Chihuahuan desert, then great mountains and rolling hills and finally a river in the desert that is also an international border. All of that adds up to an incredibly, beautiful drive. To throw in on top of that you have the goat Clay Henry, the unofficial Mayor of Lajitas and teepee picnic tables along the river. The road is uncharacteristic of every other road in West Texas as it has dozens of curves, moving with the river. Finally it is the river that can be viewed so many times for this road that adds to the charm and experience. You constantly remind yourself that everything you see on the other side is another country.
2. Chihuahuan Desert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
This large desert makes up most of Big Bend National Park.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
The Chihuahuan, the largest desert in North America, spans parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico. There is no better place to enjoy the Chihuahuan desert than Big Bend National Park. As America's fifteenth largest national park, Big Bend is the largest protected portion of the Chihuahuan desert in the US. There are numerous desert hikes from easy to strenuous. Our group hiked Persimmon Gap Draw and the Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off Trails to name just a few. If you are a newbie to desert hiking, you might be surprised at how much water (2-3 liters), sunscreen (a lot), and adequate sun protection (hat/visor/bandanna) is required. My other surprise: the desert is not a barren expanse. Instead, it is green and lush, alive with colorful flowers and plants blossoming in unexpected places! It can also be extremely hot. Always keep an eye on the weather and plan your hikes accordingly.
3. Panther Junction Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By DarrenDaugherty - Texas, United States
The park rangers were very helpful here, and we were able to purchase our back-country permits. I was so glad to find a gas station near the visitor center. Because the drive into Big Bend is so long, the gas station was a great find - and the gas prices were not the high-priced, gouging prices you'd expect at a solitary location.
4. Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By weisbrew1 - Cave City, United States
If you can only hike one trail in Big Bend, then I vote for this one. The pour off is a beautiful dry waterfall (unless you are there in the rain). Be sure to take the Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff trail - not the upper. The two do not connect and the view is better from the bottom. The lower was not marked on some of the park maps but is beyond and at lower elevation than the upper. The hike is easy.
5. Cattail Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
We reached the trailhead to the Cattail Falls Trail by hiking down the Window and Oak Spring Trails from the Chisos Basin Trailhead located near the Chisos Mountains Lodge. (alternatively, you could hike in via the access road from Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive). The horizontal trunk of an aged oak tree marks the start of the trail. The falls were barely a trickle, but it amazing to see this beautiful oasis in the desert. Lush vegetation is complete with ferns, palms, flowering plants, and lots of shade - quite a contrast from the desert environment and unlike any other that we saw in Big Bend. Be careful what you touch because there is poison oak too. The final approach to the falls requires some scrambling over large boulders and small pools of water that require stone-stepping. The stones can be slippery when wet. Take extra care else you might end up with wet shoes (like me). This is not a high-trafficked trail which adds to the peace and quiet. Our group enjoyed lunch and a nice rest here. Bring plenty of water as the desert and access road hike can be grueling in the midday sun. If you are headed to the Chisos Basin – be prepared for a long climb up.
6. Ernst Tinaja Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By meganc738 - Broken Arrow, United States
We loved hiking this trail with our 3 small children. They enjoyed climbing on all the rocks along the trail. Very interesting and unique rock formations. You DO need a truck or other high clearance vehicle. It’s a 25 minute drive down a VERY rough dirt road to get to the trailhead. We thought the drive was worth it once we reached the tinaja!
7. Terlingua
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 252 reviews
Town which was abandoned after the mercury deposits were depleted.
Reviewed By themurphysix - Austin, United States
Our family really enjoyed our stay in Terlingua. It was the perfect spot in between Big Bend National Park & Big Bend Ranch State Park. We loved the rich history of the old mine town and the locals were very friendly and helpful. We visited many sites in both parks, the Starlight theatre, the trading post, the jail, the cemetery, and DBs Rustic Iron BBQ.
8. Tuff Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By charlesbY828CU - Argyle, United States
Our friends from out of state joined us for a three day visit of Big Bend NP. None of us had ever visited before and we were in awe of the beauty seen. We stopped for stroll at Tuff Canyon and walked to the overlook. Being camera enthusiasts we snapped away and were lucky to have hikers down in the canyon, providing a sense of scale. Great stop.
9. Dug Out Wells Picnic Area and Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By dirtdiggergal
I enjoyed this shady area for a nice relaxing lunch. The short trail was a good "leg stretcher" and had lots of very informative signs about the desert and its flora and fauna. Water in the desert is not to be ignored. So many birds and a serene and enjoyable stop.
