Big Bend National Park: The Ultimate Guide

Big Bend National Park is one of two national parks in my home state of Texas, so I have been excited to cross it off my bucket list. I am sure many more visits will come in my lifetime, but I hope this guide is helpful in planning your trip to the park. I have included an all-inclusive list of must-sees, places to stay, where to eat, and some of the best hikes. Hope this helps you plan your next trip to Big Bend National Park!

Overview of Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is in southwest Texas along the Rio Grande River, the international border between Mexico and the United States. Established in 1944, it is 118 miles and includes the entire Chisos mountain range and part of the Chihuahuan Desert. The Chisos Mountains are the only mountain range to be completely contained within a national park. The park is named after the “big bend” in the Rio Grande River. Due to its remote location, it is the least visited National Park with only 300,000 visitors a year.

How to Get to Big Bend National Park

There are no perfect options as the park is fairly remote. The closest airport is Midland International Air & Space Port which is approximately 4 hours from Big Bend National Park. Another good option is to fly into El Paso which has a bigger airport but is a bit longer of a drive at 5 hours. The last option would be to fly into San Antonio and take the 6-hour drive from there.

When to Visit Big Bend National Park

You can hike in Big Bend National Park year-round, but the best time for cooler temperatures is October to April. One of the busiest months is March with the influx of spring breakers paired with the good weather. During the winter months though, expect cold weather at night. May to September is off-season with the temperature getting very hot during the day.

Where to Stay In Big Bend National Park

1. Basecamp Terlingua Bubble: This was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Wake up to the beautiful sunrises in the Chisos mountains, grill your dinner on the patio, and end the evening watching the sunset from the hot tub.
2. Lajitas Golf Resort: This resort is on a gorgeous golf course with stunning views. You can relax poolside after a long day of hiking or enjoy dinner at their amazing restaurant, Candelilla Cafe.
3. The Gage Hotel: If you are visiting the Marfa area, this hotel has a “laid back luxury” feel with one of the best restaurants in the area.
4. Chisos Mountain Lodge: This is the only lodging available within the national park and allows for quick drives to hikes/viewpoints.

Best Places to Eat in Big Bend Area

Terlingua

1. Chile Pepper Cafe
2. Long Draw Pizza
3. Starlight Theatre Restaurant

Lajitas

1. Candelilla Cafe
2. Lajitas General Store
3. The Thirsty Goat
4. Boardwalk Bakery and Pizzeria

Marathon/Marfa

1. El Paisano: Gorgeous courtyard and happy hour drinks.
2. Brick Vault Brewery and Barbeque
3. 12 Gage: Fancy steakhouse with amazing food. We ended up here for 2 nights.
4. White Buffalo Bar
5. V6 Coffee
6. Food Shark
7. Cochineal
8. Al Campo Wine Garden & Bistro
9. Capri
10. Hotel St. George: Good happy hour drinks.
11. Do Your Thing Coffee: Fun toast and coffee shop.
12. Frama Coffee
13. Bar Nadar

Best Hikes in Big Bend National Park

Santa Elena Canyon

This is an easy, 1.5 miles hike that follows along the Rio Grande and opens up to a great view of the Santa Elena Canyon.

Window Trail

This is a 5.6 mile moderately strenuous hike that ends at “the Window,” a beautiful view of Big Bend National Park. 

Hot Springs Trail

This short, 1.2-mile trail takes you to 105°F hot springs which is a popular thing to do in Big Bend. 

Lost Mine Trail

This is a steady uphill, 4.8-mile hike that leads to a rewarding panoramic view of Big Bend National Park. 

Emory Peak

This is a strenuous, 10.4-mile hike that leads to the highest peak in the Chisos Mountains. 

Balanced Rock

This is a relatively easy 2.2-mile hike via the Grapevine Hills Trail that leads to one of the most unique rock formations in the park.

Ernst Tinaja Trail

This is an easy, 1.6-mile hike through a slot canyon featuring layers of limestone and waterholes.

Best Hikes in Big Bend Ranch State Park

• Closed Canyon Trail – 1.4 miles
• Hoodoos Trail – 1.2 miles
• Cinco Tinajas Loop – 1.3 miles

Things to Do in the Big Bend Area

1. Starlight Theatre
2. Terlingua Ghosttown
3. Visit the Mayor of Lajitas
4. Kayak along the Rio Grande River: We used Far Flung for our guided tour and can’t recommend them enough. We had a great time exploring and learning from our tour guide about the area.
5. Take River Road (FM 170/ El Camino del Rio): Drive along this road for amazing views of the Big Bend area.
6. Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course
7. Book the Movie Room at Lajitas: Call the front desk to book and put on a movie of your choice in the theatre room.
8. Star-Gazing: Big Bend National and State Parks are designated as one of the top 10 dark sky zones in the world. This means there is no light pollution and you can get some of the best views of the stars.

Things to Do in Marathon/Marfa

1. Go See the Marfa Lights: The official viewing area is located 9 miles east of town on U.S. 90, towards Alpine.
2. Prada Marfa: 40-minute drive outside of town in Valentine, Texas.
3. Visit Alpine, Texas: Cute town between Marathon and Marfa.
4. Gage Gardens: Beautiful garden grounds across the street from the Gage Hotel.
5. Shops
   1. Freda
   2. Communitie Marfa
   3. Raba Marfa
   4. Wrong Store
   5. Moonlight Gemstones: custom jewelry with stones
   6. The Sentinel Marfa
6. Museums
   1. Chianti Foundation
   2. Judd Foundation
7. El Cosmico: See the vintage trailers, take fun photos, and stop by the gift shop.

Other Activities in the West, Texas Area

1. University of Texas McDonald Observatory: It was closed when we went, but I hear nothing but great things.
2. Balmorhea State Park: Spring-fed swimming hole that is a fun pit stop along the way.
3. Monahans Sandhills State Park: Such a fun experience. You can rent a board from the check-in booth to slide down the hills.

Hope this guide helped you in planning your upcoming trip to Big Bend National Park. Have a great trip!

xx,

Ashley

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