If you haven’t heard of Big Bend National Park before, you are in good company (assuming we are good company). First of all, this park is absolutely majestic with geological features that adorn many-a-screen saver. It rivals Glacier National Park in Montana. Second, this is not a “pop-in” park so don’t plan it that way, you have to commit! This is the most remote place we’ve ever been, and proven by the warning on the lodge wall that you’re 100 miles to the nearest hospital! Wow!
Accomodations
Accommodations are limited to the Chisos Basin Lodge (in the park) and the small town of Terlingua west of the park, outside of that you are looking at an 80-mile drive. These accommodations sell out quickly, especially during the busy times of the year. Definitely plan ahead and book 6-12 months in advance. We stayed in both during our stay, the views from the lodge are incredible and you can’t beat the proximity to trails and sights in the park. In Terlingua, on the other hand, you’re roughing it, but we did enjoy the authentic dining and shopping.
Hiking Trails
Big Bend is a solid three day plus park to truly experience it to it’s fullest. At 800,000+ acres, it is massive! We hiked the Santa Elena Trail, The Window, Balanced Rock, and the Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff trail, ranked in that order. Santa Elena in the crème de la crème. Ever watched Game of Thrones? Well imagine “the wall” (less the ice) with a canyon running through it, yes its that impressive. The narrow canyon lies between 1,400 foot cliffs along the Rio Grande that separate the United States from Mexico. The only (paved) way to get down to Santa Elena Canyon is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. On our way back we found the best picnic spot at the pull off for the Santa Elena River access, and enjoyed our lunch right next to “the wall”. Our boys loved all the rock scrambles and boulder dashes that are common on these trails, and conquering some tough elevation. Bring solid hiking shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water or things will go off the rails pretty darn quick. We would recommend a 4×4 high clearance vehicle if you want to really explore the park, particularly the Balanced Rock Trail was a rough ride.
Other Exhibits and Activities
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit and the Junior Ranger Program make the experience educational and interesting for kids. We are huge fans of the Junior Ranger Program and recommend checking it out at all the National Parks. The only downside was when I was pointing out a huge plateau to my 9-year old Josh, he corrected me: “Dad, that’s a mesa” …… he’s already smarter and wittier than me. We all learn together during these programs!
Best time to visit:
With this location practically Mexico and in the desert summer temperatures can be HOT! I would definitely recommend Winter, Spring, or Fall. Keep in mind Spring Break (March/April) can be very busy.
Where we stayed:
We loved the Chisos Mountain Lodge, located inside the park. Since we booked our trip only a couple months out, I called everyday to finally snag a cancellation for a one night stay.
We also stayed at Big Bend Resort & Adventures in Terlingua out of necessity. There’s not a lot to choose from, but this gets you close to the park. Check out the Terlingua Ghost Town.
Other things to do:
We did not make it to Rio Grande Village Visitor Center on the eastern side of the park, where you’ll find Boquillas Canyon Trail along the Rio Grande. This is also a point where you’re allowed to cross into Mexico for lunch and shopping if you bring your passport.
Another highly recommended trail in the Chisos Basin is the Lost Mine Trail (4.9 miles)
