Things to do in Big Bend National Park

There is a never ending list of things to do in Big Bend – so many, in fact that your head will be spinning at the thought of trying to cram them all in. You’ll need to take several trips to this park to experience all it has to offer. 

Hiking

There are more than 150 miles of trails within Big Bend National Park, making this one of the park’s most popular pastimes. Note that hiking is the only thing allowed on these trails. Mountain biking is prohibited on the trails and horses are permitted only a few select trails.

Not sure where to start? Check out my detailed (and brutally honest) trail reports from the area where you’re planning to stay.

My personal favorite hike is the East Rim. Read all about it if you’re willing to put in some miles to discover the park’s most spectacular views.

Driving 

For those with a regular car – maybe even a lowly Prius – the 30 mile Ross Maxwell scenic drive is a jaunt that can be enjoyed by all.

This road skirts the Chisos Mountains, runs along the Rio Grande and then makes its way to Santa Elena Canyon trailhead. There are several pullovers from which to hike out a bit, take a selfie and multiple scenic vistas such as Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Overlook, and Tuff Canyon. 

For the more seasoned adventurer, Big Bend offers some truly challenging unimproved roads from which to access the most remote corners of the park. Driving out to the Mariscal Mine District and Mariscal canyon can be quite the thrill.

Always check with a ranger for current road conditions before attempting!

Rafting 

Rafting the canyons in the park is also a popular activity. Permits are required and there are several local companies that offer river tours.

This is not the place for a newb to try their hand at rafting solo. People have died trying to paddle the canyons. Be an expert or hire one.

Popular locations for rafting are through Santa Elena canyon, Mariscal Canyon and Boquillas Canyon. Beavers, turtles, blue heron, kingfishers are commonly seen. Because the canyon walls are so high in some of the canyons sunlight hardly ever shines.

Depending on water levels, some trips can be challenging, with some sections of Class IV rapids or downright dry with portaging. You can check the CFS flow rates here.

These trips can be as short or long as you please, with options from day trips to overnight trips. 

Some local companies that offer a variety of rafting services:

• Angell Expeditions (432) 384-2307
• Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company (469) 607-9869
• Big Bend River Tours 800-545-4240
• Desert Sports (432) 371-2727
• Far Flung Outdoor Center (432)-371-2633
• Far West Texas Outfitters (432) 229-2054
• Hidden Dagger Adventures (512) 788-1707
• WILD Adventure Outfitters (432) 247-3262

Note: I don’t endorse any particular outfitter. Do your own research.

Horseback Riding

While I’ve never personally seen people on horseback in the park, they are allowed. There are several stables that also offer guided horseback rides. Horses are not allowed on paved roads and road shoulders but are permitted on all gravel roads. Cross-country travel is permitted in the park except for select trails within the Chisos mountains. See all the rules and regulations here. 

The Hannold Draw primitive campsite has a corral large enough to hold 8 horses. It is the only primitive campsite with a corral.

There are two horseback riding outfitters in the area that I know of:

• Big Bend Stables 800-887-4331
• Lajitas Livery 800-887-4331

Note: I don’t endorse any particular outfitter. Do your own research.

Stargazing 

We’ve all heard the famous line in the song: “the stars at night are deep and bright… *insert rapid claps* deep in the heart of Texas!” and Big Bend National park is an exceptional place from which to admire these deep and bright stars.

In fact, Big Bend has the least light pollution of any other national park unit in the lower 48 states and was designated as an International Dark Sky park in 2018. As long as there is no cloud cover, even those of us with no astrology knowledge will be blown away by the twinkling of a million stars.

Pro Tip: Pack a stand-alone hammock if you want to enjoy the stars in comfort. 

Birding

For the ornithology geek, BBNP is a fabulous place (so I am told) to bird. There have been over 450 species documented in the park. You can read more about some of the most interesting ones in my Big Bend wildlife guide here.

Because Big Bend is relatively rich in water compared to much of the surrounding desert land, bird populations tend to be more concentrated here.

Spring is the most popular birding season due to the large number of migrant birds that come through – some quite rare. The peak season occurs the last two weeks of April through the first week of May. 

Particularly fine places for birding are:

• Rio Grande Village on the Nature trail and the Daniels Ranch district
• Laguna Meadow and Boulder Meadow in the Chisos
• Cottonwood campground
• Dugout Wells
• Sam Nail Ranch

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