Things to do in Big Bend National Park

What is worth your time in Big Bend National Park

• Santa Elena Canyon TrailDo not miss

  This short trail enters the towering limestone canyon where the Rio Grande slices through the western edge of the park.

  Hike · 1.5 hr5

• Lost Mine TrailDo not miss

  The ridge walk gives the best moderate mountain panorama over Juniper Canyon and the Chisos without a full summit day.

  Hike · 3.8 hr4.9

• Chisos BasinDo not miss

  The enclosed mountain basin is the most distinctive developed setting in the park and the launch point for signature hikes.

  Viewpoint · 1.1 hr4.8

• Ross Maxwell Scenic DriveDo not miss

  The park classic drive links desert geology, historic sites, overlooks, and Santa Elena Canyon in one superb corridor.

  Scenic Drive · 4.5 hr

• Emory Peak Trail

  The summit climb reaches the highest point in the park with a final exposed scramble.

  Hike · 7.5 hr5

• Grapevine Hills Trail

  The desert trail reaches Balanced Rock, a photogenic granite formation reached by a rough-road approach.

  Hike · 2 hr5

• South Rim Trail

  This long Chisos loop reaches the park grandest mountain overlook above the desert and Mexico.

  Hike · 8.5 hr5

• Window Trail

  The canyon route ends at a pour-off framing desert lowlands through the Chisos Mountains.

  Hike · 3.8 hr4.9

• Boquillas Canyon Trail

  The easy canyon walk reaches a dramatic Rio Grande corridor on the park east side.

  Hike · 1.5 hr4.8

• Fossil Discovery Exhibit

  The open-air exhibit is the best low-effort stop for Big Bend fossils, geology, and deep-time context.

  Ranger Program · 45 min4.7

• Panther Junction Visitor Center

  The central visitor center is the key stop for permits, current conditions, exhibits, water, and route advice.

  Ranger Program · 45 min4.7

• Hot Springs Historic Trail

  The riverside site combines historic ruins, pictographs, and the famous hot spring beside the Rio Grande.

  Hike · 1.1 hr4.6

• Rio Grande Village Nature Trail

  This short wetland-and-hill loop is one of the best sunrise or sunset views across the Rio Grande into Mexico.

  Hike · 1 hr4.6

• Big Bend Night Sky

  The park dark skies make the Milky Way and desert constellations a major part of the Big Bend experience.

  Stargazing · 2 hr

And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.