Embark on a captivating journey to Big Bend National Park with our comprehensive guide, crafted for an unforgettable long weekend adventure. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or seeking a new escapade, Big Bend, with its extraordinary landscape, promises a surreal experience, especially for Texas residents. 

One thing we could not help but think about as we arrived at Terlingua was how other-worldly the landscape looked. A mix between deserts, mountains, and valleys leaves you in awe of its grandeur. The landscape was both a reminder of the marvels of our planet and a trip to a Martian scene.

Chisos Basin, Window Trail

Contents

• Hikes

• Where to stay, when to go, what to do!

• Final tips

• Reels we've made for this trip

Take a hike!

No seriously! This is what you come to Big Bend National Park for, the AMAZING hikes in magical landscapes. For that reason, we're starting this blog off with our hike recommendations. Our itinerary is tailored for both leisure and exploration. Start your mornings at a relaxed pace, savoring breakfast, or visiting a local café, before heading out to the trails. We've handpicked hikes that are not only breathtaking but also allow you to cherish your evenings back at the campsite.

Lost Mine Trail (4.8 m round trip • Moderate) The Lost Mine Trail offers a compelling journey through varied landscapes. It’s known for its breathtaking vistas, especially at the trail’s peak. As you ascend, you’ll witness panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the vast desert expanses. This is the number one rated hike on All Trails and is a must. The trail’s name adds an element of mystery, stemming from local legends about a hidden mine. Parking is very limited at the trailhead so prepare to get here earlier or have an alternative plan if you can't find a spot.

Window Trail (5.5 m round trip • Moderate) This trail is famous for its unique ‘window’ formation through which the vast desert and sky are beautifully framed. The path descends through Oak Creek Canyon to the Window pour-off, offering views of the Chisos Basin. It’s particularly enchanting for photographers and nature lovers. If you take a right as the trail splits towards the Window, you can climb above the Window peak to view the vastness of the desert from a higher and less obstructed spot. Plan the timing of this hike wisely, it's a descent to the peak and the hike truly begins as you come back up. The trail is in direct sun and can become very hot. It's recommended that you bring plenty of water (we were sharing sips every 20 min by the end of the hike, as we started running out of water).

Santa Elena Canyon (1.6 m round trip • Easy to moderate) Santa Elena Canyon, with its towering 1,500-foot cliffs, offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in the park. The trail takes you along the Rio Grande, offering a close-up view of the natural boundary between the United States and Mexico. The trail’s end, where the canyon walls nearly touch, is a breathtaking sight. We didn't have time for this canyon as it had a longer drive to reach, so we stopped at Boquillas Canyon instead.

Boquillas Canyon (1.6 m round trip • Easy) Boquillas Canyon features a serene and relatively easy trail that leads to stunning views of the Rio Grande as it winds through towering cliffs. The trail offers a peaceful experience, ideal for families and those looking for a leisurely walk. The echoing walls of the canyon provide a unique acoustic experience.

You can hit all of these hikes above on a long weekend Thursday - Sunday.

The next two we did not hike as they require more of a commitment and preparation but we've heard wonderful things about them. If you intend to visit these hikes we'd recommend you go for more days.

Emory Peak (10.5 m round trip • Strenuous) Emory Peak, the highest point in the park, provides a challenging but rewarding hike. The trail is steep and rugged, culminating in a small scramble to the summit. The panoramic views from the top are unparalleled, offering a 360-degree vista of the entire Big Bend area. It is recommended that you start this hike early in the day.

South Rim (12-14 m round trip • Strenuous) The South Rim Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Big Bend, known for its stunning vistas and diverse ecosystems. The trail takes you along the southern border of the Chisos Mountains, offering views of the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande. It’s a long hike, but the ever-changing views and the chance to spot wildlife make it a must-do for serious hikers. Like Emory Peak, it is recommended you start this hike early.

While these sound amazing, we were very satisfied with what both The Lost Mine and The Window Trail offer as an alternative.

View from Lost Mine Trail Peak

Chisos Valley, The Window Trail

View from Lost Mine Trail Peak

Boquillas Canyon

On our way to Boquillas Canyon Trail

The Window Trail Peak

Where to stay, when to go, what to do!

You have a few options of where to stay. You can stick to one or do a mix, each have their pros and cons.

Airbnb in Terlingua (What we did!):
Terlingua is a must see while in West Texas, and may be worth your choice of accommodation for Big Bend National Park. The benefit of staying in Terlingua is that there are many options from chic tiny homes, hip desert campers, teepees, and so on. Staying in one of these options will allow you to enjoy Terlingua highlights like Venga Cafe or the Ghost Town. With a good population of Airbnbs, you do not have to worry too much about booking far in advance like with the other two options. The one downside is that depending on which hike you are choosing, your Airbnb may be quite the commute to the actual park. For reference, our Airbnb was a 30-minute commute to the park gate, which can become crowded with cars and campers entering at the same time as you, creating a slow-moving line. From the gate to your hike it can take another 20-30 minutes or up to an hour.

Chisos Mountain Lodge: Chisos Mountain Lodge is nestled within the park at the Chisos Basin and is close to quite a few trailheads, making it convenient for hiking the longer Emory Peak and South Rim. You do have to book far in advance and it’s a bit more expensive than most Terlingua Airbnbs but the location is stunning, offering convenient access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. The lodge provides essential amenities like dining options, guided tours, and ranger programs, enhancing your overall park experience. One downside to Chisos Mountain Lodge is that you're pretty closed off from society, and the nearest town is Terlingua.

Camping in the Park: Camping within the park allows you to connect more closely with nature, enjoying the sights and sounds of Big Bend. It's budget-friendly, as camping fees are generally more affordable than lodging options, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious travelers. Camping will provide amazing stargazing opportunities: Big Bend is renowned for its dark skies, and camping provides the perfect stargazing conditions. We will say however, we still saw the Milky Way from our Airbnb in Terlingua. You'll likely get good stargazing anywhere in this area. The downsides here are the elements of nature and availability. Your experience will vary dramatically based on weather factors: depending on the season, weather conditions can impact the camping experience, from scorching heat to chilly nights. You also need to prepare to be in harmony with wildlife, as most of Big Bend is mountain lion and bear territory. Lastly, these camping sites can be just as difficult to book as Chisos Mountain Lodge in terms of availability.

Where to stay

Our camper, Terlingua Ruins

View of Teepees from our site

View from our Airbnb in Terlingua

The best time to visit Big Bend National Park depends on your preferences and the experience you seek. Generally, the fall months of October and November are considered optimal, offering milder temperatures. Spring, particularly March and April, is another favorable period when the desert blooms with wildflowers, and temperatures are moderate.

Keep in mind that summer, from June to August, brings scorching temperatures, making outdoor activities challenging. On the other hand, you can expect December through February to be quite chilly. Regardless of the season, the park's stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and dark skies for stargazing make it a one-of-a-kind destination, with each season offering a unique and captivating experience.

When to go

View above the Window Trail with a cool rock!

Random Hunk at the peak of Lost Mine Trail

1. Scenic Drives through Big Bend Park: Simply driving through Big Bend National park is breathtaking. From the iconic Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, offering panoramic views of canyons and desert landscapes, to the Chisos Basin Loop Drive, each route unveils a different facet of Big Bend's beauty. Don't forget your camera; the vistas are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

2. Hiking: Lace up your hiking boots and embark on the myriad trails that wind through Big Bend. Whether you're a seasoned hiker tackling the challenging South Rim Trail or a casual stroller enjoying the Window View Trail, there's a path for every skill level. The trails lead to mesmerizing overlooks, serene riverbanks, and encounters with the park's diverse flora and fauna.

3. Explore the Ghost Town of Terlingua: Step back in time as you wander through the ghost town of Terlingua, a once-thriving mining community now frozen in time. The remnants of adobe structures and the Terlingua Cemetery tell tales of a bygone era. Uncover the town's vibrant history and capture the essence of the Wild West against the backdrop of the Chisos Mountains.

4. Big Bend Dinosaur Exhibit: Channel your inner paleontologist (aka your inner Ross Geller) at the Big Bend Dinosaur Exhibit. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of prehistoric giants through life-sized dinosaur replicas and informative exhibits. It's an educational yet entertaining experience for visitors of all ages, shedding light on the ancient creatures that once roamed this region.

5. Panther Junction Visitor Center: Make a pit stop at the Panther Junction Visitor Center to enrich your understanding of the park's ecology, geology, and history. Knowledgeable park rangers are on hand to provide valuable insights, trail maps, and guidance, ensuring you make the most of your Big Bend adventure. This is also a great spot to pick up some sweet Big Bend merch.

6. Detour to the Prada Store in Marfa: For a unique and unexpected experience, take a detour to the Prada Marfa art installation in the nearby town of Marfa. This quirky and Instagram-worthy landmark, resembling a high-end boutique in the middle of the desert, adds a touch of contemporary art to your journey.

What to do

Prada Store Art Installation, Marfa TX

Venga Cafe, Terlingua

• Refuel in Alpine before reaching Terlingua, as gas is much cheaper there. You will need to refuel in Terlingua at some point but it's best you minimize the impact of that heightened price.

• Fill up your gas tank before entering the park, as gas stations are limited. This is crucial, especially if you plan to explore the more remote areas of Big Bend.

• If you're hiking at dawn/dusk, travel with a group. These are very active times for mountain lions and bears.

• Prepare for possible very hot temperatures during the day and very cold temperatures at night, it's a desert after all!

• Before embarking on hikes or scenic drives, check trail conditions at the visitor center, at the park entrance, or online. Some trails may be closed due to weather or maintenance. Rangers can provide valuable information on current conditions.

• Familiarize yourself with park regulations and follow Leave No Trace principles. Protect the environment by packing out all your trash and respecting the natural beauty of the park.

Final tips!

Check out Reels we've made for this trip!