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1. Rio Grande Nature Trail
If you’re looking for a fabulous view of the mighty Rio Grande River, the Rio Grande Nature Trail is the place to be! Great wildlife viewing, spectacular sunsets, and those stunning mountain views all characterize this short and sweet hike.
What You Need to Know
This isn’t your average nature trail. It’s an easy 0.75 miles to the top of a hill, where you’ll have a 360-degree view of the river below. From up here, you can see the Chisos Mountains {where the sun sets!} and the quaint town of Boquillas, Mexico.
This trail also provides river access to the Rio Grande if you’d like to walk down by the shore. The boardwalk area at the very beginning is a great place to look for wildlife in the morning or evening hours.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
The trail starts at the Rio Grande Village Campground. As you enter the campground, drive straight and then follow the road to the left as it curves around the backside. Look for the Nature Trail sign and take a right onto a small loop. There is a small parking pullout where the trail begins, across from campsite 18.
2. Balanced Rock
If a quiet and off-the-beaten-path hike is on your must-do list while in Big Bend, you’ll love making the trek to Balanced Rock. It’s the perfect combination of solitude, beauty, and adventure…and the whole family can come along!
What You Need to Know
This trail is 2.2 miles roundtrip and is considered an easy hike — that is mostly true. The trail is relatively flat, but there is no shade, and the last 0.25 miles involve a short climb up and around some boulders to reach the Balanced Rock. Just follow the signs and take your time!
The Grapevine Hills Road takes you to the trailhead for this hike. This road is considered an unimproved dirt road and can get a little hairy at times. You will need a high-clearance vehicle to safely get to this trailhead.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
The trail to Balanced Rock begins along the Grapevine Hills Road. You will need a high-clearance vehicle to get to the trailhead.
From Panther Junction, drive west toward the Chisos Mountains Basin Junction. After 3 miles, you’ll reach the road that takes you to the Chisos Basin. Don’t turn here — keep driving straight past the junction for another 0.5 miles until you see the Grapevine Hills Road on your right.
Turn here and follow the dirt road for approximately 6.4 miles {watch your odometer} until you reach a small pullout with a small sign marking the start of the Balanced Rock Trail.
3. Sotol Vista Overlook
You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world while standing up here at Sotol Vista! This enchanting overlook provides endless views of the western side of Big Bend and the desert floor below.
What You Need to Know
Sotol Vista is somewhere that can easily be overlooked as you travel through the west side of the park, but it’s definitely worth a few minutes of your time.
Getting Here
This viewpoint is located along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive on the west side of the park.
From Panther Junction, drive west for 13 miles until you reach the Castolon/Santa Elena Junction. Turn left here — this is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Travel south on this road for approximately 8 miles and then make a left to reach Sotol Vista when you see the sign.
4. Boquillas Canyon Trail
The river canyons in Big Bend are phenomenal and unique — absolute can’t-miss spots! Enjoy a stroll along the Rio Grande while gazing up at the stunning cliffs that rise high above you in Boquillas Canyon.
What You Need to Know
This hike is 1.4 miles roundtrip. You’ll climb up a hill to a beautiful overlook and then drop down to follow the river for the rest of the hike. It’s short, and the trail doesn’t take you very far into the canyon, so I suggest taking some time to enjoy the view from the sandy beach.
As a fair warning, along this trail, you will find vendors from Mexico who have crossed the river (sometimes illegally) to sell trinkets. The park strongly discourages the purchase of these items.Â
If you are interested, you can cross into Mexico using the Boquillas Port of Entry and buy souvenirs there. Visiting Boquillas is a fantastic way to support the Mexican Nationals along this border area and to discourage illegal river crossings!
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
This trail is located near the Rio Grande Village.
From Panther Junction, travel 20 miles east until you reach the junction to the Rio Grande Village. Instead of going straight to the Village, take a left here and drive for four more miles to the end of the road. This is where the Boquillas Canyon Trail begins.
5. Window View Trail
While standing high in the Chisos Mountain Basin region, you’ll likely notice a dramatic view of the valley below through a break in the mountains. Sit back and enjoy the mountain air from one of the most beautiful places in the mountains of Big Bend!
What You Need to Know
Sometimes it’s nice to get a great view without very much effort, and the Window View Trail provides exactly that. It’s a paved 0.3-mile loop that takes you to a fabulous overlook of the Window.
The sunsets from here are epic!
This trail is often confused with the Window Trail, which is much longer and more strenuous. Make sure you are on the paved Window VIEW Trail.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
This trail is located in the Chisos Mountain Basin area of the park.
From Panther Junction, drive 3 miles west to the Chisos Mountain Basin Junction. Turn left here and drive for 6 miles to the end of the road. Park in the parking area near the Visitor Center and the Basin Store. The trail begins on the left side of the Basin Store.
Click NEXT to see sights 6-10 {including an unforgettable hike near the river!}
Hello Ash,
Curious how many days you would recommend in Big Bend if time is not an issue?
We enjoy hikes under 7 miles and don’t mind longer drives to see views/etc.
We like to spend multiple days vs in and out. It will be a haul to get there and I want to make the most of our time. Would most likely go in Jan thru March timeframe. We could stay in campgrounds or the hotel.
Hey Tony! I like to give one day to each main section — 1 for Santa Elena, 1 for Chisos, and 1 for Rio Grande Village. Add another day if you want to make the trek into Boquillas, Mexico, which I highly recommend! And add another day if you want to check out Big Bend State Park while you’re already down there.
Hello Ash,
We are headed to Big Bend next March and I want to take my kids on a river trip one day. Have you ever done this, and if you have, do you suggest a certain company. There seems to be a lot of tour guides in the area.
Thanks
Monica
We have paddled into Santa Elena Canyon and back out, but have never taken an actual tour so I don’t have any specific recommendations. Sorry I’m not more help!
No problem. Did you rent your gear somewhere?
We didn’t, we brought our own. But I know that there are several good companies in Terlingua that should work well for you!
Thank you so much for this information! My family and I are planning a trip some time in November. We will probably be camping to save money, do the temps get below freezing at night? I know during the day it’s nice. I’m just wondering if it’s unbearable to camp at night?
thank you for putting this all together
It gets a little chilly (40s) but not usually below freezing!
This is such useful information! Do you think camping in mid January is advisable? My family and I want to go but the hotels are all very expensive. Thanks for all your tips.
Yes, that’s peak season in Big Bend so the weather should be pretty nice for you!
We kayaked the canyon in your picture. It was amazing! We were there in March and was not crowded at all.
Awesome!
Hello! We are hoping to visit over spring break, 2024 and would love to see Balanced Rock, but I heard that the road to Balanced Rock could be considered dicey. We will be driving an SUV, but it will be a rental. Do you think that we’d be able to drive to the Balanced Rock trailhead in a rental, or would you suggest not risking it? A few years ago, we were given the same warning regarding Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, but driving those gravel roads was fine. We also did some gravel roads in Capitol Reef and New River Gorge. Have you been to them? Would the road to Balanced Rock be comparable? Thank you!!!
The road isn’t usually too bad, especially if you’re in something with high clearance. But most rental companies don’t allow you to take their vehicles on dirt roads, so I would look into that. I wouldn’t recommend taking a rental on that road, especially if it’s not permitted in their agreement. I hope you have a great time in Big Bend!
I have driven to Balanced Rock a couple of times in my Mazda6. Take it slow and allow plenty of time (it’s a long drive at 15-20 mph), and you should be fine. Balanced Rock is one of our favorite hikes at Big Bend. Don’t miss it!
Have you been on Maverick Road in the West side of the park and do you know if it’s worth the washboards to see the different views? It goes from the Maverick Entrance Station to Santa Elena Canyon trail.
I really enjoy the backroads in Big Bend, and I do think they are worth the time if you have the right vehicle. The Old Maverick Road is beautiful :)
Hi Ash,
We are looking at visiting Big Bend next January. How many days would you recommend to spend in the park and do you think you will have an itinerary for Big Bend sometime soon?
Thanks for all your great information!!
Jean
Hey Jean! I don’t have plans to write an itinerary anytime soon, but I would give yourself 2-3 days if you can!
Hi Ash,
Have you written an itinerary for Big Bend yet?
Thanks
Saeed
No, I haven’t :( You can find all of my available itineraries here: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/
I see that many of the trails do not allow pets. Would a small dog be allowed if it is in a backpack?
If not, are there reputable day kennels in the area?
Hey Karin! You won’t be able to carry your dog on a trail that doesn’t allow dogs. The nearest kennel is probably in Alpine or Terlingua. Have fun in Big Bend!
Thank You for the information. We are heading to BB in a 28 foot motorhome. I want to enjoy all the great hikes, etc. but will I be able to find parking at trailheads in my RV? Is there a place to rent a vehicle near BB?
Hmmm there really isn’t anything near Big Bend, but you might be able to find a rental in Alpine. Most trailheads will have parking for your RV, but you’ll have a hard time up in the Chisos Mountain area. It gets pretty tight in there, and the parking lots are pretty small.
Have fun!
Thank you so much for all the information! Would December (between Christmas and New Years) be a good time to visit? Any recommendations for this time of the year? Thanks again!
Yes! Most people visit this park from about November-March for the best weather!
Hi- We are visiting the park this Halloween weekend. We are staying in Marathon, Texas. We have dedicated Saturday and Sunday to visiting Big bend. Any suggestion? We like hiking but not long ones. We want to get the most out of or at least the best out of in these 2 days. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
You’ll just want to work through this list with the time that you have! Enjoy!
Thank you for all the great information you’ve provided. Big Bend has been on my bucket list for a while now and I think I just may be able to swing it. However, my time slot available is the memorial day weekend. What should I expect as far as weather visitors at that time of year?
Also, I will be visiting via Motorcycle. Is there anything that leans more to motorcycle access? It is not an Adventure Cruiser though so not made for off road riding. What about Big Bend State Park? Any advice there?
Thank you for all of your efforts in making it easy for visitors to get around. Can’t Wait.
Hey Gregory! If you’re visiting over Memorial Day, you’ll want to plan on 100+ degree weather. It gets so hot! The park has some nice scenic roads that would be fun to experience on a motorcycle. As for Big Bend Ranch SP, it’s more suited for off-roading, but Highway 170 is a nice drive.
If you decide to visit this area, I’d try to spend some time in the river for sure!
Hi, Thanks for the information! I will be visiting in a few weeks. I’ve heard the roads are not great and that if it rains the muds sticks to your tires and they just spin. Is that true? I am in a small 23ft RV – no tow. Are there any of your recommendations that I should avoid because if what I am driving?
Many of the roads through the park are paved, so that shouldn’t be an issue. But you will definitely want to avoid the dirt roads if it rains….many of them require 4WD and higher clearance anyway. Have fun!
Ash, I need help planing a trip from Dallas for my 15 Girl Scouts, 5th grade – 8th grade. I don’t have a specific time of year. Where would be the be the best place for 20 people to camp and when would be the best time of year to go?
Hey Jessica,
I like the Rio Grande or Chisos Basin Campgrounds. You’ll need multiple sites (each fits 8 people) or a group site. Peak season in the park (when everything’s open and it’s not too hot) is typically November – March. I’d skip a trip in March due to the huge spring break crowds that visit the park at that time. Have fun!
Ash, on one of your videos you mentioned going into Mexico from Big Bend. It looks like the NPS website says Passports are required. Did you need one where you went? Or is that a new requirement?
Yes, we did need passports. They make you meet with officials when you get to Mexico and when you come back to the U.S., but it’s not too bad :)
Hello Ash
Ill be visiting the park this weekend. What places would you say I can see and enjoy if I were in a wheelchair?
Hi Carolyn,
You can find a whole list here: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm I like the Windows View Trail :) And all of the viewpoints along the main roads are accessible. Have fun!
Ash,
Are there any good places close by to stay for Big Bend? Any recommended eating places? We want to go but it seems to be away from everything. We are “older” than you & need some accommodations. :)
There is a lodge in the park, but otherwise, you’ll need to drive out to Terlingua or Alpine.
Thinking about going to Big Bend in early August 2020.
How is the weather during that time?
Will be first trip there. We are not really “camping folks.”
Where do you recommend for lodging (Chisos vs. Gage Hotel) if traveling with children?
We have about 5-6 days to spend at the park. What do you think? Thanks!
Big Bend is extremely hot in August, so be ready for that if you decide to go! The Chisos Mountains will be cooler than down in the valley, but probably still in the 80s. Summer is also the rainy season….it’s definitely the off-season for this park, so things won’t be as crowded. If you decide to go that time of year, just be prepared for the heat and the rain :)
Ash,
If I were to visit all 10 sites on your must see list for Big Bend, how many days do you recommend for this park? I read most of the trails are shorter and am thinking several sites could be visited per day. If I have time, I would like to add Carlsbad and/or Guadalupe to the trip as well. I have seven (7) “park” days available for my upcoming trip in March. The remaining days, I will need traveling to and from home.
If you have park day recommendations for the other 2 parks that would be helpful also. Thank you for all your insight! I love seeing your post on social media and having the option to purchase your iteneraries.
Hey Helen,
I’d spend at least 2, but probably 3, days in Big Bend. You can get away with 1 or 2 in Guadalupe Mountains and 1 in Carlsbad, so I’d spend more time in Big Bend for your upcoming trip. There’s a lot to do there! Have fun!
I keep hearing about this park! I feel like that’s a sign, right? My waiter the other day was telling me about it, I have some friends who just went and it seems like info about it is popping up everywhere. Sounds like I need to go!
Definitely a sign! It’s a cool park….you’ll love it!
Thanks, Ash! Great list of 10 things to see. We’ve had the park on our bucket list for awhile, but it’s kind of “in the middle of nowhere,” so we will have to double up with another place to visit when we fly out from Atlanta. Any suggestions for the best place to fly into — El Paso, San Antonio, ??
Are you going to publish a 2 or 3-day itinerary for purchase like you’ve previously done for several parks? We’ve really enjoyed using a couple of those.
Regards,
Don Nanney
Haha it is in the middle of nowhere! Worth the drive though :)
I will definitely be writing an itinerary for the park, just not sure when. Hopefully by the time you’re ready to visit!