6 Best Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

Located in the vast Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, Big Bend National Park is a remote and rugged paradise offering some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States. Covering over 800,000 acres, the park features towering mountain ranges, deep canyons, desert landscapes, and the winding Rio Grande River.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a photographer, or a traveler looking to explore one of the most remote national parks, Big Bend has something for everyone. From breathtaking hikes to scenic drives, here are some of the best things to do when visiting Big Bend National Park.

1. Hike the Lost Mine Trail – The Perfect Intro to Big Bend

• Hike Distance: 4.8 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures

One of the most rewarding hikes in Big Bend, the Lost Mine Trail offers stunning panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding desert. The trail gradually climbs through juniper and pine forests, leading to a breathtaking ridge-top overlook with sweeping vistas of the park.

This is an excellent introductory hike to Big Bend, especially for visitors short on time but looking for epic views. The best part? The views start appearing even before you reach the summit, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Arrive early—the small parking lot fills up quickly.
✔️ Pack plenty of water—temperatures rise quickly, even in cooler months.
✔️ Look for wildlife—deer and even mountain lions have been spotted on this trail.

2. Explore Santa Elena Canyon – A Must-See Icon of Big Bend

• Hike Distance: 1.7 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best For: Families, photographers, and first-time visitors

Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights in Big Bend National Park. The towering limestone cliffs rise up to 1,500 feet on either side of the Rio Grande, creating a dramatic and unforgettable landscape.

The short and easy Santa Elena Canyon Trail crosses Terlingua Creek (which may require getting your feet wet) and then follows the canyon, providing stunning views of the river and sheer rock walls.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Bring water shoes—crossing Terlingua Creek can be tricky after rainfall.
✔️ Best visited in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
✔️ Consider a river trip—kayaking through Santa Elena Canyon is a bucket-list experience.

3. Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive – A Journey Through the Desert

• Length: 30 miles (one way)

• Best For: Sightseeing, photography, and short hikes

If you want to experience Big Bend’s diverse landscapes without a strenuous hike, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is the perfect choice. This beautiful 30-mile drive winds through stunning desert scenery, offering plenty of pullouts for photos and short hikes along the way.

Notable stops along the drive include:

• Sotol Vista Overlook – One of the best sunset viewpoints in the park.

• Tuff Canyon – A short hike leading to a volcanic rock canyon.

• Mule Ears Viewpoint – Unique rock formations resembling mule ears.

• Castolon Historic District – A former trading post with old buildings and a visitor center.

The drive ends at Santa Elena Canyon, making it an excellent day trip itinerary for those who want to see a lot in one day.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Fuel up before heading out—there are no gas stations inside the park.
✔️ Drive early or late in the day for the best lighting for photography.
✔️ Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially javelinas and roadrunners.

4. Visit the Hot Springs – A Relaxing Desert Oasis

• Best For: Relaxation and unique natural scenery

• Hike Distance: 0.5 miles round trip

One of Big Bend’s hidden gems, the Hot Springs offers a unique opportunity to soak in 105°F natural geothermal water while overlooking the Rio Grande River. Located in a historic area that once housed a 1920s bathhouse, the springs are easily accessible via a short hike past pictographs and historic ruins.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Go early or late—midday can be scorching, and the small pool gets crowded.
✔️ Wear water shoes—the rocky terrain can be slippery.
✔️ Look for ancient petroglyphs on the trail leading to the springs.

5. Hike the Window Trail – A Classic Big Bend Hike

• Hike Distance: 5.6 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best For: Sunset views and photography

The Window Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the park, leading to a natural rock pour-off that frames a stunning “window” view of the desert below. The hike descends from the Chisos Basin through colorful rock formations and a desert oasis, ending at the Window pour-off, where water has carved a smooth chute through the rock.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Hike in the afternoon—sunset views through the Window are spectacular.
✔️ The return trip is uphill—save energy for the way back.
✔️ Watch your step—the rock pour-off can be slippery.

6. Stargazing – Experience the Darkest Skies in Texas

• Best For: Astronomy lovers and night photographers

Big Bend National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has some of the clearest night skies in the country. With little to no light pollution, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even planets on a clear night.

Best Stargazing Spots:

🌌 Chisos Basin – Great for viewing the Milky Way framed by mountain peaks.
🌌 Rio Grande Village – Open desert landscape perfect for panoramic star photos.
🌌 Santa Elena Canyon – The canyon walls create an epic night photography backdrop.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Check the moon phase—new moons offer the best stargazing.
✔️ Bring a headlamp with a red light to preserve night vision.
✔️ Use a stargazing app to identify constellations and planets.