Big Bend National Park is a national park in West Texas that borders Mexico. The park has national significance as the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States, and was named after a large bend in the Rio Grande/Ro Bravo. The park protects over 1,200 species of plants, 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals.
Table of Contents
Here is everything you need to know in this guide:
- 8 Best Things To Do In Big Bend National Park
- Other beautiful spots along Big Bend National Park
8 Best Things To Do In Big Bend National Park
1. With more than 100 miles of paved roads, 150 miles of dirt roads, and approximately 200 miles of hiking trails. Mountains, desert, and the river all work together to make this an excellent outdoor playground for hikers, campers, canoers, birders, and nature lovers in general.
2. If you’re interested in boat riding. You must take a short boat ride to Mexico for lunch and find the best spot to watch the sunset.
3. If you just want to drive through the park, a wonderful view of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offers interesting sights and scenery, and a quick stop at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit as well.
4. You can also enjoy a luxury lodge or a soak in the hot springs will round out an excellent day. This will enlighten your day.
5. From the Chisos Mountain Lodge Restaurant and Patio, you can dine with a view of the Window, shop for everything from supplies to souvenir jewelry and clothing at the Basin Convenience store, or start one of several hikes at the Chisos Basin Trailheads.
6. Never forget to bring your camera. You must enjoy your trip while taking photos of the beautiful scenery.
7. The Rio Grande River runs for 118 miles through the park, providing opportunities for half-day floats as well as longer excursions by raft, canoe, or kayak.
8. You can also enjoy encountering Black bear, birds, javelina, skunks, and other wild animals that will explore your campsite looking for scraps of food.
Other beautiful spots along Big Bend National Park
1. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive – it is a 30-mile road through some of Big Bend National Park’s most beautiful landscapes. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive begins at Panther Junction Road and ends at the stunning Santa Elena Canyon.
2. Santa Elena Canyon – The 1.7-mile round-trip hike follows the Rio Grande River’s edge into the Santa Elena Canyon, where sheer, 1,500-foot-high walls rise up on either side of the river above you.
When the water level is low, you can wade out into the canyon from the trail’s end. The hike ascends about 80 feet in total, with spectacular views above the river near the beginning.
3. Tuff Canyon – You can just take a walk the short loop to the canyon overlooks or take the spur trail to walk through the canyon.
4. Hot Springs – Taking a dip in the 105-degree-Fahrenheit waters of the natural hot springs on the Rio Grande’s edge is one of the most popular things to do in the Rio Grande Village area.
If you get too hot, take a quick dip in the river to cool off. The primitive pool is only.25 miles from the parking area, along a trail that passes by pictographs and the ruins of an early 1900s resort.
5. The Lost Mine Trail – It is one of the park’s most popular hikes. The majority of the hike is a boring, steady uphill walk with occasional views of the Chisos mountain range. However, once at the top, the views are truly breathtaking. Your reward is a panoramic view of Big Bend National Park’s mountains and valleys.
6. Nature Trail – The Nature Trail is an excellent choice for a short, easy, scenic hike near Rio Grande Village. This trail leads from the campground out over a pond, where you can see turtles basking in the sun or fish swimming beneath the low bridge that spans the water. This lush area stands in stark contrast to the surrounding desert and is a good spot for bird watching. The trail on the opposite shore winds through desert scenery, offering views back over the pond and beyond to the Rio Grande River and distant mountains. The trail ascends to a lookout point via a loop.
7. South Rim Trail – The Lost Mine Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes. The majority of the hike is a boring, steady uphill walk with occasional views of the Chisos mountain range. However, once at the top, the views are truly breathtaking. Your reward is a panoramic view of Big Bend National Park’s mountains and valleys.
8. Mule Ears – Mule Ears is a unique rock formation that resembles mule ears. The Mule Ears can be seen from an overlook along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, but for a better view, hike the Spring Trail. This trail ends in a spring and does not take you all the way to Mule Ears.
Best time to visit Big Bend National Park
The best seasons to visit Big Bend National Park are spring and fall. The weather is pleasant during the day and cool at night. Because of the nice weather and the influx of spring break visitors, March is one of the busiest months in the park. The desert is a land of extremes. During the summer season, temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the winter, temperatures can drop to the 30s.
Conclusions
The things listed above will help you choose the places and activities you want to try when visiting the Big Bend National Park. Just remember the precautions and the things you need to bring. Never forget to bring extra money as well. Bring the stuff that is useful only.