Aug 11, 2021

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park has been on my to-do list for quite some time! I spent the night camping at Big Bend Glamping and the following morning I went exploring. Big Bend is not a one-day type of park, it's hug! However, my plan was to see as much as I could in 5 hours before making my way back home to San Antonio. I entered the park through Terlingua on 118 which will put you on Maverick Junction in the park. I drove to the first stop, Sam Snail Ranch, which is on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. From there I made my way back to the main road that took you through the most beautiful sceneries. You are completely surrounded by mountains, and you can see the road go for miles and miles. The next stop was Chisos Basin. Chisos Basin road is a 6-mile windy road straight up the mountain that leads to campsites, lodging, and the Window. The Window is the most popular stop at Big Bend. It allows you to overlook the Chisos mountains down to the valley. The view is undescribable!

After coming down the Chisos Mountains, I made my way to Panther Junction. Panther Junction has a visitor center where you can view Panther Peak and walk through a wildlife exhibit.

Next stop was the Rio Grande Overlook. Right before you pull off for the overlook, there is a tunnel within the mountain. Most definitely a popular picture spot, so get your camera ready. You will then continue on Maverick Junction, making your way to Rio Grande Village. There are a few trails to check out here; Hot Springs, Boquillas CanyonOverlook, and Ore Terminal Trail. The Rio Grande Village has camping and day use picnic areas available. If you drive down to Daniels Ranch, you will meet two very friendly horses.

Hot Springs Trail was by far the coolest trail I visited. The road to the trail is a two-mile gravel road descending a rough, narrow wash to the Hot Springs. There are also parts of the road that have two-way traffic, so be mindful traveling down. Once you reach the Historical District of Hot Springs, there will be parking and the entrance to the trail. The hot spring is a 0.5 mile round trip. A one-mile loop trail continues from the hot spring around on the bluff above the Rio Grande, returning to the trailhead area. Hot spring water is considered old water, fossil water, ancient and irreplaceable. Heated by geothermal processes and emerging at 105° F., the water carries dissolved mineral salts reputed to have healing powers. So be sure to pack your bathing suit!

Overall, I was able to accomplish a lot in the 5 hours I visited Big Bend National Park. One thing I wish I would have known before going was most of the trails required a 4x4 vehicle, therefore I did miss out on a few awesome sights, but I will be back to visit soon! I hope this guide helps you when visiting Big Bend!

Things To Know Before You Go:

1. Be prepared to run into Big Bend Wildlife; black bears, mountain lions, Javelinas, Rattlesnakes, and Coyotes.

2. Be Prepared to Drive, the park is 800,000-acre.

3. The busiest times in Big Bend National Park are November through January, and then again during Spring Break.

4. Pets are not allowed in Big Bend National Park.

5. Have a Full Tank of Gas. There are only two gas stations in the park, Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village.

6. Don't forget a Map. There is little to no service in the park, so don't forget to bring a park map and a compass.

7. Bring Snacks and Plenty of Water. There are three stores in the park, Camper Stores Rio Grande Village, Chisos Basin, and Castolon. They are very well stocked, however to avoid making extra trips bring food and water.

8. Watch Weather Conditions. Storms will periodically pass through the mountains, bringing in cooler weather. Be sure to bring a jacket and rain coat. According to the National Park Service, air temperature changes by five degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation change. This means that temperatures in the Chisos Mountains can be 20+ degrees cooler than temperatures down in the basin.

Big Bend Trails

Sam Nail Ranch - Located off of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, mile 3.

The trails is 0.8 miles and takes on average 1/2 hour. Easy: well-maintained trail leads through the old ranch site. The combination of water and shade makes this an excellent birding location.

Window Chisos Basin Trailhead or Basin Campground - 7.0 and takes 3 hours.

Moderate: Descends to the top of the Window pour-off. Great scenery and wildlife viewing. For a shorter hike, start from the Basin Campground (near campsite 51).

Window View Chisos Basin Trailhead - (near the Basin Store) 0.5 miles and takes 1/4 hour.

Easy Level, paved, accessible. Great mountain views. Best place in the Basin to catch a sunset through the Window.

Rio Grande Village Nature Trail - Rio Grande Village, across from campsite 18

1.2 miles and takes 1 hour

Easy First 300' leads to a wildlife viewing platform on a pond. Trail then climbs the hillside with views of the river and mountains. Great for birding and sunsets.

Boquillas Canyon Overlook is the longest and deepest canyon in Big Bend National Park. The vertical relief from nearby Pico del Carmen, to river level is over 7,000 feet, somewhat deeper than the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. 1.4-mile round trip.