10 highlights not to miss at Big Bend National Park
For outdoor enthusiasts looking for an exciting adventure, Big Bend National Park is the perfect destination. As one of the least visited national parks in the US you may be wondering just where is Big Bend. Located in Southwestern Texas near the US-Mexico border, Big Bend National Park offers visitors a chance to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. From its iconic Santa Elena Canyon to miles of hiking trails, there’s something for everyone at this unique national park. Let’s take a look at what you need to know before you visit Big Bend National Park and all it has to offer.
Where is Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is located about three hours south of El Paso and five hours east of San Antonio. The closest major airport is El Paso International Airport (ELP), which is three hours away by car. For those who prefer to drive, Interstate 10 runs through Van Horn, which is only a few miles from the park entrance.
Best Time To Visit Big Bend National Park
The best time to visit Big Bend National Park depends on what activities you plan on doing while there. If you’re a fan of hiking and exploring the outdoors, then springtime is ideal as temperatures are milder and rainfall tends to be lighter than other months. However, if you’d like to go camping or check out some of the sites inside the park, then fall or winter would be better since temperatures tend to be cooler during this time and crowds are typically smaller than during peak season in summertime.
Big Bend does not require a timed entry permit, however accommodation within the National Park is limited, so planning ahead is advisable. You can find all the information you need to plan your visit here.
The top 3 hiking trails in Big Bend
Big Bend National Park offers over 150 miles of trails ranging from easy strolls along desert paths with spectacular views all around you to more strenuous hikes up mountains with even more breathtaking scenery waiting for you at the top!
Popular trails include:
No matter what level of hiking you enjoy, there’s sure to be something that suits your interests!
Where To Stay In/Outside The Park
Those who plan on visiting Big Bend National Park have two main options when it comes to lodging – staying within the park itself or outside of it in nearby towns such as Marathon or Alpine. Within the park itself, visitors can stay at Chisos Basin Campground or Chisos Mountains Lodge where they can enjoy breathtaking views from their cabin windows or camp site as well as access to all sorts of outdoor activities like bird watching and stargazing.
Outside the park, visitors can find plenty of hotels or Airbnbs depending on their budget and preferences.
This may be one of the least-visited national parks in the country, but it offers some of the most unique scenery. Don’t miss out on these 10 highlights of Big Bend during your visit:
10 Highlights of Big Bend National Park that you will not want to miss
- Experience some serious stargazing at one of the many dark sky sites. With more than 200 nights per year clear enough for stargazing, Big Bend National Park offers one of the best views of stars in the US.
- Explore the variety of trails in the Chisos Mountain range. Chisos Mountain stands at nearly 8,000 feet and offers trails for hikers of all levels.
- Try your hand at fishing in the Rio Grande River. The river flows through Big Bend National Park, forming the US-Mexico border and has over 300 species of fish that call it home.
- Take a scenic drive down Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive for some stunning views.
- Take a boat tour down Santa Elena Canyon and marvel at the rock formations.
- Explore Rio Grande Village Nature Trail and see if you can spot some of the many native birds and animals that call Big Bend home.
- Marvel at ancient rock formations along Lost Mine Trail
- Take in the expansive views offered on the Window Trail. This trail leads you to an overlook with a view that stretches for miles past mountains and desert landscapes.
- Take a rejuvenating soak in the Langford Hot Springs, reached via a one-mile loop trail near Rio Grande
- Visit Terlingua Ghost Town. This one is not actually in Big Bend National Park but can be easily reached from the Chisos Mountain area. The town offices a laid back place with some funky and fun sites to check out.
Conclusion
Big Bend National Park offers something for everyone – whether they are looking for peaceful hikes through lush forests or thrilling rides down river rapids – making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventurers looking for an exciting getaway! With its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife and array of outdoor activities available year round, it’s no wonder why people keep coming back again and again! So come explore this amazing national park – we promise you won’t regret it!
