Last Updated on 23 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

Situated in the ‘big bend’ of the Rio Grande River in Southern Texas is a National Park like no other. Desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and vast canyons stretch for miles on end, inviting visitors to explore a unique ecosystem rich in fossilized and geologic history.

At 801,163 acres, it can be a little overwhelming visiting Big Bend for the first time. You may be wondering where you should go, the best hikes, the hidden gems, and where to stay. If so, you’ve come to the right place!

This Big Bend National Park guide covers everything a first-timer needs to know:

1. Why Big Bend is unique
2. How to get to Big Bend
3. Entrance fees & visitor centers
4. Best seasons to visit Big Bend
5. Where to stay
6. Must-see stops for first-timers
7. Best hikes for your first visit
8. Big Bend tips
9. Bringing dogs to Big Bend
10. Sample Itineraries

The Dirtbags and their furbags spent 3 days exploring this beautiful National Park, so trust me when I say it’s soooo worth a stop! Let’s kick off this Big Bend National Park guide with a little information about the park and why it’s so unique.

1. Why Big Bend Is Unique

National Parks around the world represent the most diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and plant species, and Big Bend is no different. The National Park Service tells us that, in Big Bend alone, there are:

• 1,295 species of plants
• 75 species of mammals
• 450+ species of birds
• 3,600 species of insects
• 56 species of reptiles
• 11 species of amphibians
• 38 species of fish

Additionally, Big Bend is home to 201 miles of hiking trails, 196 miles of the Rio Grande River, and contains fossils that span a 130-million-year slice of geologic time – including the dinosaur extinction event!

That’s not to mention the unique biosphere of the Chihuahuan Desert, which is home to several endemic species (plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth!).

Needless to say, there are many reasons to visit Big Bend National Park. Whether you’re a hiker, bird watcher, plant enthusiast, wildlife photographer, or just looking for beautiful landscapes to see on a scenic drive, Big Bend has a little something for everyone.

Want to know about the unique features of other National Parks? Head over to our National Park Guide page for more information!

2. Big Bend Entrances: North and West

Now that we know why you should visit Big Bend, let’s talk about how to actually get there! Big Bend is located in Southwest Texas along the Mexico border. The Rio Grande River separates the United States from Mexico and also acts as the southern border of the park.

If you’re visiting Big Bend for the first time, below is a breakdown of how to get into the park and where each entrance is.

Big Bend has two entrances (click for Google Maps):

• Maverick Entrance (West): This entrance is closest to the towns of Terlingua and Study Butte.
• Persimmon Gap (North): The north entrance is closest to the town of Marathon.

Most folks coming from the east go through the northern entrance, while those coming from the west or north go through the Maverick Entrance. The western (Maverick) entrance typically sees more traffic than the Persimmon Gap (north) entrance.

The north entrance has a longer commute (about 40 miles) than the western entrance (about 20 miles). Both offer a scenic drive from the entrance to Panther Junction, the central hub of the park.

3. Big Bend Basics: Entrance Fees, Passes, and Visitor Centers

Let’s explore some of the basics of our Big Bend National Park Guide. How much does it cost to get into Big Bend?

• Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle ($25 for motorcycles, $15 for walk-ins and bicyclists).
• Passes accepted: America the Beautiful Pass, Annual Pass.

There is an entrance station at both the north and west entrances. Cash is not accepted, so make sure you have a debit or credit card to pay the entrance fee.

Visitor Centers

For many, visitor centers are the first place to stop when entering a park. They offer valuable information about the park and have friendly staff waiting to answer any questions. Visitor centers also typically have a park store where you can purchase souvenirs from your trip. 

Don’t forget your National Park Passport so you can collect stamps and stickers to remember your trip! (Not required for entry).

In this Big Bend travel guide, we definitely recommend stopping at one of the visitor centers if this is your first time visiting the park. It will help orient you to the park’s landscape and get you ready to explore!

Big Bend National Park has four visitor centers:

• Panther Junction: This is the main hub of the park. Here you can obtain river access and backcountry use permits, explore exhibits, and watch a park orientation video in their theater. Drinking water and restrooms can be found here as well.
• Chisos Basin: This visitor center is nestled near the basin of the Chisos Mountains. It offers many of the same amenities as Panther Junction, but it can be more difficult to get to due to the paved but narrow, winding road.
• Castolon: The Castolon Visitor Center is located in the southwest portion of the park off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. It is only open during the winter months (November 1 – April 30).
• Rio Grande Village: Located on the park’s eastern side near the hot springs, this visitor center has exhibits that highlight the Rio Grande River and the specialized species that call this area home.

Water bottle filling stations are available at all four visitor centers and in the campgrounds. The low humidity in the Chihuahuan Desert makes adequate water intake essential!

Free Entrance Days!

Scattered throughout the year are days when entrance fees into Big Bend are suspended, and visitors can explore the park for free! 

• President’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Flag Day
• Independence Day
• August 25 (Birthday of the National Park Service)
• Constitution Day
• October 27 (Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday)
• Veteran’s Day

Fuel

If you’re visiting Big Bend for the first time, you may not be aware of just how BIG this park is. To get from the west entrance to Santa Elena Canyon, it’s 40 miles. To get from the west entrance to the hot springs, it’s 42 miles. 

In other words, make sure you fill up on fuel before heading into the park. 

Here are the closest towns to fill your tank near Big Bend National Park:

• Study Butte (near west entrance)
• Marathon (near north entrance)
• Stillwell Ranch (near north entrance)

Two gas stations are also available inside the park near the Panther Junction and Rio Grande visitor centers, but prices are high compared to outside the park.

4. Best Seasons To Visit Big Bend National Park

For many, summer is the best time to go on vacation. But things are a little different in the Chihuahuan Desert, and knowing the best seasons to visit Big Bend can make or break a trip!

Let’s break down each season so you’ll know when to visit this beautiful park for the best experience.

• Spring: This is the most pleasant season to visit Big Bend. Temperatures range from the low-70s to low-90s, depending on where you are in the park, and sunshine is abundant.
• Summer: Summers in Big Bend start in May and run through August. Temperatures range from mid-80s in the mountains to over 105℉ on the desert floor. Summers should be avoided if possible due to high temperatures.
• Fall: Rainy weather is typical in the fall at Big Bend, but it can be a pleasant time to visit. Afternoon thunderstorms cool the desert, offering pleasant evenings and cool mornings.
• Winter: Winters are typically sunny and mild, but cold weather occasionally blows through. Snow is rare, but it happens, and nights can drop into the 30s and 20s.

If you’re looking for the absolute best season to visit Big Bend, go in the spring. If you don’t mind a little rain or cold weather, consider going in the fall or winter to avoid the crowds. Summer is the worst season to visit the park due to extreme heat.

We visited Big Bend at the end of January and found it very pleasant. We wore long sleeves and pants in the morning, but were in shorts and T-shirts by midday. If you plan to visit in the winter, check out our winter hiking guide to learn how to properly layer for cold weather.

Weather Variations In The Park

The weather in Big Bend is constantly changing depending on the elevation. Elevations in the park range from 1,850 feet at the Rio Grande Village to 7,832 feet at Emory Peak. 

Temperatures will vary drastically between elevations, with the Rio Grande Village typically seeing temperatures 10 degrees warmer than Panther Junction (3,750 feet elevation). Chisos Basin (5,401 feet elevation) is usually 10 degrees cooler than Panther Junction.

Make sure to pack layers so that you’re comfortable no matter where you go!

5. Where To Stay

If you plan to stay for more than just a day in Big Bend (and I highly recommend that you spend a couple of days!), you might be wondering where you can stay. 

Despite being in a somewhat desolate area of Texas, there are plenty of options for accommodations, ranging from roughing it in a tent to a comfy rental with all the plush amenities.

Stay In The Park

Staying overnight inside Big Bend National Park is the best option for those wanting the full park experience. The absence of light pollution makes for stunning, glittering night skies, where you can even see the Milky Way drift on clear nights.

To stay in the park, you have a wide variety of options:

• Chisos Mountains Lodge: Located at the basin of the beautiful Chisos Mountains, this lodge offers exceptional views, modern comforts, and a place to come back to relax after a day of adventuring. Rooms range from motels and hotels to stone cottages. Reserve through Aramark at Chisos Mountain Lodge.
• Rio Grande Village RV Park: The only campground in the park with electrical hookups. This campground is also operated by Aramark. It has 25 full hook-up sites with a vehicle limit of 38 feet. The cost is $36 per night. Reservations can only be made by calling 855-765-1324.
• Chisos Basin Campground: Epic mountain views await at this non-electric campground nestled in the Chisos Basin. Vehicles over 24 feet are not recommended due to tight turns and narrow roads. The price is $16 per night. Reservations are required and can be made at recreation.gov.
• Rio Grande Village Campground: Located near the RV park but operated by the National Park Service, the Rio Grande Village is in a low-elevation area, meaning it gets hotter than the rest of the park. The cost is $16/night. Reservations are required and can be made at recreation.gov.
• Cottonwood Campground: This campground is closed during the summer. When open, the Cottonwood Campground is quiet and consists of dry camping only. 22 sites are available, and the cost is $16 per night. Reservations are required and can be made through recreation.gov.

If you’re looking for a quiet oasis, check out the Cottonwood Campground. For more amenities and a location closer to the park’s best trails, head for Chisos Basin or Chisos Lodge. If you’re interested in the history of the park or the hot springs, head to Rio Grande.

Stay Outside The Park

If you’d rather stay outside of Big Bend National Park, you still have plenty of options! Several rental locations, ranches, hotels, and motels are available just outside the western park entrance and in the town of Marathon near the north entrance.

We have an excellent guide on Big Bend National Park Lodging, which offers a look at the top 12 places to stay just outside of the west and north entrances. Check it out for a more in-depth look at places to stay outside of the park!

6. Must-See Stops For First-Timers

Next up in our Big Bend National Park Guide are the must-see stops for first-timers. Big Bend has gorgeous views from almost anywhere in the park, but there are a few special places that every first-timer should go to experience the true scenic beauty of the land.

Chisos Basin

You can’t get much more centralized in the park than at Chisos Basin. It sits at an elevation of around 5,400 feet, making it a cool excursion during the sweltering Texas summer.

Here are some of the highlights you’ll experience at Chisos Basin:

• Emory Peak, the highest point in the park (7,832 feet in elevation)
• Lost Mine Trail
• Emory Peak Trail
• Window Trail
• South Rim Trail Loop
• Outer Mountains Loop
• Lodging, Ranger Station, Store, WiFi, and Picnic Areas

If you’re looking for epic mountain views, Chisos Basin is the place to go. One thing to note about the basin is that the road to get there is narrow and winding and may not be suitable for vehicles over 24 feet.

Santa Elena Canyon

The Santa Elena River Canyon is a whopping 20 miles long and worth the long drive down the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the trailhead. While the entire canyon can only be accessed by kayak or canoe, there is a short 2-mile out-and-back hike that offers a taste of the beauty of Santa Elena.

The canyon walls tower 1,500 feet above the Rio Grande River, offering impressive views with every step or paddle. 

If you’re interested in a river trip upstream or downstream, you’ll need to obtain a backcountry use permit at the Panther Junction visitor center. Permits are free for day use.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

I mentioned this scenic drive in the Santa Elena Canyon section above, but it’s worth separating it into its own section! This gorgeous paved road gives you a deep dive into the geologic splendor of Big Bend.

This 30-mile stretch of road has several scenic stops that are worth pulling over for if you’re visiting Big Bend for the first time (Click for Google Maps):

• Sam Nail Ranch: A small pull-off leads to a short trail that takes you to the remnants of a once-active homestead. A functional windmill is still on-site and pumping water.
• Sotol Vista: A stunning overlook that highlights the western side of the park. This stop is fantastic at sunrise, sunset, and at night for stargazing due to the lack of light pollution.
• Mule Ears: Mix history with beautiful views at the Mule Ears Overlook. This distinctive geological feature was used to navigate before GPS and paper maps. This is also a stunning place to watch the sunrise.
• Tuff Canyon: This stop combines an overlook with a short 0.5-mile hike with three viewing platforms. Take a short walk to view evidence of the violent geological history that has shaped Big Bend into what we see today.
• Blue Creek Ranch Overlook: A small pull-off leads to a paved path down history lane. Here you’ll see the remnants of the Homer Wilson Ranch buildings and a glimpse of what was once one of the largest ranches in the area.
• Lower Burro Mesa: A slightly longer detour, but worth the stop! Drive 1.5 miles to the base of Burro Mesa and take in the colorful cliffs. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the 1-mile trail at the turnaround to see a box canyon and a waterfall that only runs in spring.
• Castolon Historic District: Immerse yourself in pioneer and military history at this worthwhile stop. A fire damaged a few of the historical buildings in 2019, but many remain intact, and history is very much alive at this stop along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

The Scenic Drive ends at the Santa Elena Canyon trail. If you want a different view on the way back, you can jump on Old Maverick Road. Just note that Old Maverick Road is unpaved and may be difficult for some vehicles after heavy rains.

Hot Springs Historic District

Another must-see stop for first-timers at Big Bend is the Hot Springs Historic District. The land was once owned by a gentleman named J.O. Langford and his family. He acquired the land through the Homestead Act, seeking the healing powers of the hot springs.

Today, visitors can view the historical buildings, including a post office, general store, motor court, and various houses from folks throughout history. 

A 1.2-mile loop hike will take you on a scenic adventure past rock wall art and past the famous healing hot springs, where you can take a dip in the 105℉ waters in the old foundation of the bathhouse.

7. Best Hikes For Your First Visit

Big Bend is split into three broad hiking ecosystems: the desert, the mountains, and the Rio Grande River. Each area contains unique challenges, spectacular views, and trails for all skill levels.

The problem is, there are so many trails in the park! With 201 miles of hiking trails, it’s impossible to hit every trek. 

Luckily, this Big Bend National Park guide will break down the absolute best hikes in the park for first-timers. Before heading out, check out our day hiking gear list to ensure you have everything you need for a safe, fun adventure.

Best Desert Hikes

You might think that hiking in the desert means boring, bare rocky views and hot weather. But the desert hikes at Big Bend are so much more interesting! Unique animals and plants have adapted to the harsh environment, offering a glimpse into their daily challenges.

Here are the best desert hikes to do at Big Bend, including easy, moderate, and difficult hikes.

• Easy:
  • Lone Mountain Trail (2.7 miles): Great views
  • Tuff Canyon (0.5 miles): Viewing platforms into a canyon
  • Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off (1 mile): Waterfall (Dry except for rainy season)
• Moderate:
  • Chimneys Trail (4.8 miles): Volcanic formations
  • Upper Burro Mesa (3.8 miles): Scrambling, cool rock formations
  • Dog Canyon (4 miles): View into a canyon
  • Mule Ears Spring (3.8 miles): Rare glimpse into lush vegetation at this spring
• Difficult:
  • Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail (6.5 miles): Remote. Rewarding view atop a mountain.

If you could only choose one desert hike, I’d recommend the Upper Burro Mesa. It takes a little bit of effort due to scrambling, which makes it all the more fun. 

Best Mountain Hikes

The mountains are calling! Hiking in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend is an excellent way to escape the heat and take in the grand vistas. Mountain hiking comes with a cost; these hikes are more challenging due to the elevation gain, but are also more rewarding with their views!

• Easy:
  • Window View Trail (0.3 miles): Paved path. Excellent sunsets
• Moderate:
  • Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles): Stunning views. Chance to spot wildlife and tracks.
  • Window Trail (5.6 miles): Pour off with stunning framed views.
• Difficult:
  • Emory Peak (10 miles): Conquer the highest peak in the park and be rewarded with outstanding views.

If you can only choose one mountain hike, I recommend the Lost Mine Trail. It offers incredible views of Casa Grande, Juniper Canyon, the Chisos Basin, Pine Canyon, and the Sierra del Carmen.

Best River Hikes

Hiking near and along the Rio Grande River offers a unique perspective in a desert environment. This river is the lifeblood of many plant and animal species. 

Hiking along the shore is an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife tracks and see the many bird species that rely on the river.

• Easy:
  • Hot Springs Historic Trail (1 mile): hot springs, rock art, beautiful vistas.
• Moderate: 
  • Santa Elena Canyon: Epic rock cliffs and canyon views.
  • Boquillas Canyon: Overlooks the Rio Grande.

The clear winner here is Santa Elena Canyon. If you can only choose one river hike to do, choose this one! You’ll hike right along the Rio Grande River between cliffs that tower over a thousand feet above you.

8. Big Bend Tips: What To Know Before Visiting Big Bend

If you’re unfamiliar with a desert environment, you may be wondering how to prepare for spending time in Big Bend National Park. After all, there’s more than just heat to worry about in the desert!

Below, I’ll provide some Big Bend tips for heat and sun management, water requirements, backcountry concerns, and a few items to pack that are Big Bend-specific.

Heat Management

Big Bend National Park has one of the highest fatality rates of any National Park due to extreme heat. It’s definitely something to be concerned about, but also something very manageable with proper preparation.

Here’s what to know:

• Temperatures can soar above 110℉ in the summer.
• Hottest areas in the park:
  • Chihuahuan Desert Floor (Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Old Maverick Road, Rio Grande)
  • West Side of Park (Castolon, Santa Elena Canyon)
  • East Desert Zones (Dog Canyon, Mariscal Canyon)
• Be off the trails by 11 am in the summer. Or start hikes after 4 pm.
• Many trails have no shade and no escape from the relentless desert sun.
• Use sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, neck gaiter, bandana, and/or UPF long sleeves.

Signs of heat illness include headache, nausea, chills, dizziness, and sudden fatigue. Take plenty of breaks if you’re unaccustomed to desert heat and elevation.

Water Requirements

Drinking enough water is essential when hiking in the desert. Humidity in Big Bend is extremely low, which means you’ll probably sweat less, but you’re still losing moisture. Additionally, shade is almost nonexistent, and the sun reflects off the pale rock and sand, increasing heat exposure.

Here’s a general rule of thumb when hiking in Big Bend:

• Drink 1 liter of water per hour of hiking.
• Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
• Never drink from an unfiltered water source.

If you plan to hike in the backcountry, remember that springs and creeks regularly dry up and that seasonal rains don’t always guarantee a flowing water source. Pack all the water you will need and prepare for a heavier pack when hiking in Big Bend.

Essentials Packing List

Big Bend National Park has a unique set of challenges, and having the right items in your pack is essential to having a safe, fun adventure. Below are some items that I would recommend packing for your first-time trip to Big Bend.

• Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, a hat, bandanas, long sleeves with UPF, breathable pants, sunglasses, and SPF lip balm.
• Electrolytes: Drinking too much water without electrolytes can be dangerous. Bring electrolyte tablets, powders, or salty snacks to keep your electrolyte levels up.
• Emergency gear: Bring a first-aid kit, headlamp, whistle, compass, and download offline maps before heading out.

9. Bringing Dogs To Big Bend

As we are the Dirtbags with Furbags, we couldn’t have a complete Big Bend National Park guide without mentioning pets!

Big Bend NP isn’t very dog-friendly. Dogs are not allowed on any trails, in the river, or in any buildings. Additionally, the extreme heat of the desert is another obstacle for our precious pups.

That said, there’s still plenty to do at Big Bend with a dog in the cooler months. Dogs are allowed in the following areas of the park:

• Roadways, including unimproved (dirt) roads.
• Campgrounds
• Parking lots
• Overlooks

While this may not seem like a lot, Big Bend is so gigantic that there’s actually quite a lot of space for you and your canine companion to enjoy the park! 

For a deeper look at where you and your pup can explore, check out our article on Big Bend National Park with Dogs!

Dog Safety At Big Bend

Below are some Big Bend tips for bringing your dog to this beautiful desert park.

• Come in the right season: for the most pleasant experience with your pup, consider coming in early spring, late fall, or winter.
• Hike in the right areas: Avoid roadways and campgrounds on the desert floor, such as Cottonwood Canyon and Rio Grande. Aim for higher-elevation roads to hike with your dog.
• Start early: If you plan to hike on a road with your dog, start at or a little before sunrise and plan to finish before 11 am.
• Pack water: Pack enough water for both you and your furry pal, at least 0.5 ounces per pound of body weight per day.
• Paw safety: Avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or rocks. Consider booties to protect from cacti.
• Sun protection: If your dog loves to lounge with their belly up, use sunscreen to protect their skin. We have first-hand experience with this, as our previous dog, Gatsby, had skin cancer because he had white fur on his belly.

Our pups are our family. Keep them safe and happy with these Big Bend tips! You can also check out our dog hiking gear list for a deeper look at what to bring to hike with your pup at this beautiful park.

10. Big Bend Itinerary For First-Timers

If you’re ready to hit the park, check out some sample itineraries below to plan your big trip and get the most out of each day. I’ve included a 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day itinerary plan!

1-Day Itinerary

If you only have one day to experience Big Bend, I highly recommend taking advantage of the scenic drives and one of their short hikes. It allows you to experience beautiful views and put boots to the ground for a short introduction to this spectacular park.

• Morning: Santa Elena Canyon
  • Start out on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, taking in the views, and park at the Santa Elena Canyon Trail.
  • Hike the short 1.4-mile Santa Elena Canyon Trail for epic river views and towering cliffs.
• Midday/Afternoon: Chisos Basin
  • Drive back through the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and toward Chisos Basin
    • Consider stopping at Tuff Canyon, Mule Ears Overlook, and/or the Castolon Historic District
  • Head to Chisos Basin for a cooler afternoon
    • Hike the Window View Trail or, if you have enough time, the Window or Lost Mine trail (remember to start after 4 pm to avoid the heat!)
• Sunset/Evening: Mule Ears or Sotol Vista
  • Head to the Mule Ears overlook or the Sotol Vista overlook for an epic sunset.
  • Hang around to stargaze after dark if time permits.

2-Day Itinerary

If you have two days to spend in the park, you have a lot more options and breathing room to see the most the park has to offer.

• Day 1: Scenic Drives and Short Trails 
  • Morning: Santa Elena Canyon
    • Beat the crowds and enjoy a cool morning hike into Santa Elena Canyon
  • Late Morning: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
    • Stop at some of the overlooks to enjoy views or short walks during the hottest part of the day.
  • Afternoon/Early Evening: Upper Burro Mesa Pour-Off
    • Hit the slot canyon as the temperatures cool off
  • Sunset: Mule Ears Overlook or Sotol Vista
    • Beautiful views. Hang around for stargazing at night.
• Day 2: Mountain Views and Hot Springs
  • Morning: Hot Springs Historic Trail
    • Beat the heat in the morning and take a refreshing dip in the hot springs
    • If time permits, explore the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail for beautiful views.
    • Consider stopping at dugout wells on your way out.
  • Afternoon/Early Evening: Lost Mine Trail
    • Enjoy cooler weather in the Chisos Basin on the Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles)
  • Sunset: Window View Trail
    • A short 0.3-mile walk to an epic framed sunset in the mountains.

3-Day Itinerary

In my opinion, three days is the perfect number to spend in Big Bend. It lets you explore all three ecosystems in the park, dedicating one day to each area. It allows you to hike longer trails, see more epic views, and take in the profound wilderness surrounding this park.

• Day 1: The Desert
  • Morning: Chimneys Trail (4.8 miles)
    • Start early to avoid high temperatures. There is no shade on this trail
  • Midday: Castolon Historic District
    • Explore an old trading post and adobe buildings with plenty of shade.
  • Afternoon: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overlooks
    • Check out some of the overlooks and short walks as temperatures begin to cool off.
    • Consider hiking the Upper Burro Mesa Pour-Off if temperatures allow.
  • Sunset: Mule Ears or Sotol Vista
    • Gorgeous sunsets
• Day 2: The Mountains
  • Morning: Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles) or Emory Peak Trail (10 miles)
    • Start early to beat the heat and crowds.
    • The Lost Mine Trail is a good alternative to Emory Peak if that hike is too strenuous.
  • Midday: Explore the Basin
    • Grab some food from the Chisos Mountain Lodge store
    • Enjoy the cooler temperatures during the hottest part of the day.
  • Sunset: Window View Trail
    • Short, 0.3-mile walk to a framed sunset perfect for photos.
• Day 3: The River
  • Morning: Santa Elena Canyon
    • Iconic canyon with beautiful morning lighting.
  • Midday: Old Maverick Road
    • Crank up the air conditioning while you drive down this improved dirt road and take in the sights.
    • Passes old homesteads and desert badlands.
    • Most vehicles can make it down this road except after heavy rain.
  • Late Afternoon: Hot Springs Historic Trail
    • A short riverside walk with bathhouse ruins
    • Rock art
    • Take a dip in the hot springs
  • Sunset: Rio Grande Overlook
    • A peaceful end to your Big Bend adventure

Big Bend National Park Guide For First-Timers: Wrap-Up Session

Phew! That was a lot to take in! This Big Bend National Park Guide is meant for first-timers and should give you a thorough understanding of what to expect on your first visit to Big Bend.

To recap, here are some of the main things to know about Big Bend if this is your first time visiting:

• Big Bend has three distinct zones: the desert, the mountains, and the river.
• Temperatures are hottest on the desert floor and can be deadly in the summer.
• Temperatures are coolest in the Chisos Basin.
• Entrance fee is $30 per vehicle.
• There is a north and west entrance.
• There are no restaurants in the park, but there are park stores that offer snacks.
• Lodging can be found inside the park at one of their four campgrounds or outside the park.
• Dogs are not permitted on any trails in Big Bend.
• The park has four visitor centers and two gas stations.

Until next time, give your furbags an extra pet from us and keep exploring this beautiful world of ours! For more guides like this one, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!