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6. Santa Elena Canyon Trail
The dramatic canyon walls and sparkling blue water of Santa Elena Canyon will be a highlight of your trip to Big Bend. It doesn’t get more beautiful than this!
What You Need to Know
This canyon is popular…and for a good reason. A short 1.7-mile roundtrip trail travels between the canyon walls next to this peaceful section of the river.
You’ll start next to the river, climb stairs and switchbacks up the cliffside, and then head back down to the river as you enter the canyon. The trail flattens out at that point as you stroll along the river’s edge.
If you have small children, you’ll want to watch them carefully {and probably hold on to them} in a few spots as you’re climbing up and down the cliff. Some sections of the trail made me a little nervous with my 3-year-old. During times of high water, wading through the water may be necessary at the beginning of this trail.
You may also consider floating this section of the river! You can find more information about that here.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
This trail 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 30 miles to the very end of the road. This is the trailhead for Santa Elena Canyon.
7. Chisos Basin Loop
Find solitude and stellar views in one of the busiest areas of the park! The Chisos Basin Loop offers a quiet hike through this unique mountain area of Big Bend.
What You Need to Know
This trail is an often-overlooked hidden gem! It’s generally used by avid hikers to access some of the park’s longest and hardest trails, but it’s a great hike by itself. The Chisos Basin Loop is 1.8 miles roundtrip and provides stunning views of The Window and other surrounding mountains.
I suggest hiking the loop counter-clockwise to put the best mountain views in front of you as you hike this 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.
8. Fossil Discovery Exhibit
See evidence of the many creatures that used to roam through the Big Bend area! At the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, you’ll explore 130 million years of history through fossils, bones, and artwork.
What You Need to Know
This facility was recently built, can fully accommodate wheelchairs, and features tactile displays for the vision impaired.
No water is available here, but there is a pit toilet and picnic area. The exhibit is self-guided and is open from dawn until dusk.
Getting Here
This exhibit is located near Panther Junction.
From Panther Junction, drive approximately 8 miles north {toward the Persimmon Gap Entrance and Visitor Center}. You’ll see the signs and parking area just off the east side of the road.
This parking area is small and doesn’t have space to accommodate RV’s.
9. Hot Springs
Soak in the soothing geothermal waters of this Big Bend hot spring! Beautifully built on the edge of the Rio Grande, what remains of an impressive bathhouse is now a place to rest your weary feet after a long day of hiking.
What You Need to Know
A 0.5-mile roundtrip hike is required to reach the hot springs from the parking area. There is no place to change into a swimsuit at the hot springs, so put it on at your lodging or in the bathroom at the beginning of the hike.
Please read the guidelines here before you go for a fun, safe experience at the hot springs.
Pets are not permitted in the river or hot springs.
Getting Here
This trail is located near the Rio Grande Village.
From Panther Junction, travel east toward the Rio Grande Village. After about 17 miles and before reaching the Village, you’ll see a sign for the hot springs on your right. Turn here.
This road to the hot springs is 2 miles long, unpaved, and extremely narrow. RVs and oversized vehicles are not permitted.
10. Lost Mine Trail
Most people agree that if you can only do one longer dayhike in Big Bend, make it the Lost Mine Trail. This trail climbs up the mountains to a phenomenal view of the park and the surrounding area!
What You Need to Know
The Lost Mine Trail is 4.8 miles roundtrip and climbs about 1100 feet. Along the way, you’ll learn about the flora and fauna of Big Bend as you take in the beautiful views.
If you don’t want to hike the whole trail, never fear! About a mile up you’ll reach a clearing with a bench and some fabulous views. You can turn around here to make your hike 2 miles roundtrip instead. Whatever you decide, I highly suggest at least starting the trail and making it to this clearing.
After the clearing {also known as a saddle}, the trail begins to steeply climb up some seemingly never-ending switchbacks! Bring plenty of water and sunscreen….you’ll want to start this trail early to avoid the heat of the day if you can.
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 5 miles. There’s a sign marking the trailhead and the small parking area on the south side of the road.
Enjoy your time in Big Bend National Park. Happy trails!
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!