In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Big Bend! It’s a pilgrimage to get to this remote national park, but it’s worth the trek to the bottom of West Texas.
Big Bend is totally different from any other national park, and there are so many fun things you can do during your trip. You’re going to fall in love with the Rio Grande River, the Chisos Mountains, and the unique desert landscape as we explore this park together.
Join us as we discuss:
- What makes this lonesome park so special
- Our favorite sections of Big Bend
- The closest gateway towns to Big Bend
- Tips for visiting Mexico while you’re at this park
- The incredible mountains you can see in the area
- Where to stay while visiting Big Bend
- Our favorite trails to hike
- The unexpected wildlife and fossils you’ll find in the area
- The most stunning canyon you’ll find in Big Bend
- Our favorite restaurants in the area
We hope you love hearing all about Big Bend! Check out the full podcast episode to catch all the tips you need before exploring Big Bend National Park.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
Big Bend National Park Overview
When you visit Big Bend, it’s a big deal. No matter your direction, it’s a journey to get to this remote National Park in West Texas. Despite its distance, Big Bend is one of our favorite National Parks to visit in the winter.
Fossils, the Rio Grande River, mountains, and desert ecosystems define Big Bend. Fun fact: 13% of the United States-Mexico border lies within Big Bend National Park!
Don’t be intimidated by the isolation; there is plenty of beauty to discover when you explore Big Bend.
The Lonesome National Park
Are you ready to explore Big Bend? Prepare for a lot of driving!
The nearest town with a grocery store to Big Bend National Park is Alpine, Texas, over 1.5 hours away (yet still considered a gateway town!). If you’re willing to give up some amenities, you may be able to score a place to stay in the growing Terlingua, Texas.
With great isolation comes excellent perks. Big Bend boasts the darkest night skies of any park in the lower 48 states.
The park is also a known bird-watching hotspot. Many bird species use the marshy areas and the Rio Grande as a migration path, attracting many birds you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.
Catch the Sunset Above the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande Village Campground area on the park’s east side stole our hearts. In Episode 34: Funny National Park Stories Volume 1, we talk about one of our funniest moments in a National Park that happened in this campground.
You can take a short nature trail from the Rio Grande Village Campground to get 360-degree views of Big Bend and the Rio Grande as it meanders between Mexico and the United States. This hike is our favorite spot to catch sunsets and stand in awe of the mighty Rio Grande.
If you time your hike just right, you’ll see birds on the way up and bats on the way down!
Cross the Border for a New Experience
You can also enter Mexico using the Boquillas crossing – yes, you’ll need your passport! If you’re looking for an adventure, you can wade across the Rio Grande or take a little boat.
Once you make it to the other side, donkeys are waiting to take you into town, where you’ll officially enter Boquillas, Mexico. The food is incredible, the people are kind, and you’ll have a totally different cultural experience than most National Parks.
Climbing into the Chisos Mountains
The Chisos Mountains rise out of the desert by a whopping 7,800 feet. They’re home to the only lodge in the park, a great option if you can snag a room. Compared to the Rio Grande section of Big Bend, this area feels more lush with life.
The Chisos Basin Loop will give you the mountain peak views you crave. If you want to summit one of these peaks, you can ascend Emory Peak. The Lost Mine Trail ended up being the one our family couldn’t stop talking about.
Fossil nerds rejoice! Big Bend’s unique geology lends itself to being a hotspot for fossil research.
You can visit the Fossil Discovery Exhibit and the Panther Junction Visitor Center. We talk more about the dinosaur bones at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit in Episode 17: Fossils in the Parks.
Bring your 4-wheel drive vehicles to Big Bend to open up even more adventures. If you can’t get a reservation at Rio Grande Village, Chisos Mountains, or Santa Elena, the backcountry sites you can reach via these roads will be your best option. We’re excited to go back to check out these sites for stargazing!
Visit the Picturesque Santa Elena Canyon
We recommend splitting up your lodging between parts of the park so you can see it all without spending your whole day driving. After seeing the Rio Grande and Chisos Mountains, head to Santa Elena Canyon.
When you show your family photos of your trip, we guarantee you’ll share the photos you take at Santa Elena Canyon. This is one of the best hikes in Big Bend!
Terlingua is the Ghost Town with A Lot Going On
Terlingua, Texas, is a fast-growing town near Big Bend that we love to stop by every time we visit the park. Whether you’re picking up souvenirs or stopping for a bite to eat, you’ll find a lot to do in this self-branded ghost town.
We love to eat at DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ or, if we can beat the crowds, the Starlight Theater. Make sure to plan ahead; otherwise, you’ll have to wait!
Read up on more stops you have to make in Big Bend in our post, 10 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit to Big Bend. We love Big Bend so much and can’t wait to go back! Let us know if you’re planning to visit Big Bend National Park!
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Big Bend National Park
- Alpine, Texas
- Rio Grande Village Campground
- Birds of Big Bend
- Boquillas, Mexico
- Soak in the Hot Spring
- Chisos Mountains
- Chisos Mountain Lodge
- Chisos Basin Loop Trail/Emory Peak/Lost Mine Trail
- Bears in Big Bend
- Camping in Big Bend
- Panther Junction Visitor Center
- Fossil Discovery Exhibit
- Backcountry Camping in Big Bend
- Santa Elena Canyon
- Santa Elena Canyon Trail/River Hikes
- Terlingua, Texas
- Rafting Trips
- DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ
- The Starlight Theater
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Listened to the Big Bend Podcast and loved it. Because I’ve got a new trailer, I can no longer stay in Chisos, 20’ is too long. So, in latter part of February, I’m going to camp in Rio Grand Village for 5 nights. I’ve spent some time in that part of the park, but this will give me an opportunity to really get into the southern part and explore. I’ll hit Santa Elena Canyon as well. Thanks for your insights on that area of the park. I probably will not be walking around in my underwear, but hey, who knows?!
Hahaha yeah hopefully you won’t have to do that :) We don’t camp at Chisos with our trailer either, but we really like RGV. It’s beautiful. I hope you have a great time in Big Bend!!!
My fav stargazing was in Moab this past Sept(’23). I wanted to stay out all night long, and my traveling companion wasn’t having it. We visited Bryce Canyon also but weren’t there at night… after listening to your podcast I want to go back to Bryce canyon and definitely adding Big Bend to my bucket list!!
I love you guys podcast and have told so many people about it too!
Thanks Sheila! Those are all amazing places to go stargazing!
I’m a fan, I love the podcast. I listen when I’m moving.
Sometimes it’s a little too chatty, does not have to be drawn out.
It would be helpful if you indicate what segment /topic starts at what minute. This will help those who want to cut to the chase and also to replay a specific section.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! We appreciate your support!