11 Incredible Things to Do in Big Bend National Park
After visiting almost 40 U.S. National Parks, I can confidently say that Texas’ Big Bend is seriously underrated. Located within the Chihuahuan Desert, the park features soaring canyons, the rugged Chisos Mountains, and 118 miles of the snaking Rio Grande. After spending a week here, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Big Bend National Park—and plenty of tips to help make the most of your time in this wildly beautiful place.
Big Bend Hot Springs: Everything You Need to Know
Big Bend Hot Springs, also called “Langford Hot Springs” or "Boquillas Hot Springs", is one of the most unique things to do in Big Bend National Park. Not only are these hot springs located in the foundation of an old bathhouse along the Rio Grande, but you can also explore the ruins of a 20th century hot springs resort and even spot some ancient petroglyphs on your way to enjoy them. Here’s everything you need to know to include Big Bend Hot Springs in your next trip to the national park.
Visiting Boquillas del Carmen from Big Bend National Park: Everything You Need to Know
Big Bend, located in West Texas, is one of the most beautiful national parks, with sweeping desert vistas, towering canyon walls, and the Chisos Mountains. One of its most unique features, though, is that you can actually cross the iconic Rio Grande into the teeny town of Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico! Whether you want to get an authentic taco and marg fix or just want to walk your way into Mexico, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Boquillas del Carmen from Big Bend National Park.
The Window Trail in Big Bend National Park: Everything You Need to Know
The Window Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Big Bend National Park, leading you along the floor of a towering canyon and to the edge of a “window” in the cliff sides that overlooks the Chisos Mountains. Here’s everything you need to know about the Windows Trail in Big Bend National Park.
Lost Mine Trail, the Best Hike in Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park has a number of incredible hikes that take you through its dramatic landscape of towering canyons, rugged mountains, and the snaking Rio Grande. But if you only have time to do one hike in the park, make it the Lost Mine Trail, which takes you up to a dramatic ridgeline in the Chisos Mountains and offers spectacular views over the Chihuahuan Desert. Here’s everything you need to know about the Lost Mine Trail, Big Bend’s best hike.
Balanced Rock Trail, the Most Unique Hike in Big Bend National Park
The Balanced Rock trail, sometimes called the Grapevine Hills, may be the most unique hike in Big Bend National Park, offering some fun light rock scrambling and incredible views of quirky rock formations and volcanic pinnacles. Here’s everything you need to know about the Balanced Rock trail, the best short hike in Big Bend.