17 Must-See Attractions in Big Bend National Park

After spending 5 days exploring Big Bend’s dramatic landscapes, epic trails, and star-studded night skies, Elliot and I are excited to share our 17 must-see attractions in Big Bend National Park! From the iconic Lost Mine Trail to the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this guide lays out all the top things to do in the park, complete with insider tips, relevant links, and our personal experiences.

1. Santa Elena Canyon

If we had to choose one out of all the attractions in Big Bend National Park that you absolutely couldn’t miss, it would be Santa Elena Canyon. With 1,500-foot cliffs that tower above the Rio Grande, this iconic canyon can be reached by the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive as well as Old Maverick Road.

When we visited, we chose to hike the Santa Elena Canyon Trail—a short but stunning 1.62-mile trail that took us around 45 minutes to hike in total.

You also have the opportunity to kayak or canoe down the Rio Grande, experiencing the canyon walls rising straight up beside you. This can be done by tour, or by bringing your watercraft. If going without a group, you’ll need a river use permit, even if just for day use.

2. Lost Mine Trail

Lost Mine Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Big Bend National Park—and it’s easy to see why! This 4.8-mile round-trip trail takes about 2.5 hours and winds steadily uphill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains almost the entire way.

One thing to note is that we arrived around 7:20 a.m. and found the main 24-car parking lot already full, so we had to come back later. There was a bit more parking further down the mountain for compact cars. Have a trail or two in your back pocket if this happens to you, too.

The first half of the hike climbs steadily, with plenty of scenic spots to catch your breath. Toward the end, the trail crosses an exposed rock section with steep drop-offs—though if heights aren’t your thing, you can stop just before and still enjoy incredible views. For cooler temps and golden light, we recommend hiking Lost Mine at sunrise or sunset.

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3. Chisos Basin

Sitting in the heart of Big Bend National Park, Chisos Basin is a must-visit area for tons of attractions in Big Bend National Park. Here, you get access to hiking, campgrounds, incredible views, and some of the coolest temperatures in the park!

Chisos Basin is home to the park’s only lodge, Chisos Basin Campground, and several iconic trailheads like South Rim and Emory Peak. If you’re looking for an easy hike, there’s the Window View Trail—a flat, 0.3-mile walk with a stunning view of “The Window” rock formation in the distance (not to be confused with the Window Trail that brings you right up to The Window).

To reach Chisos Basin, you’ll drive the 6-mile Chisos Basin Road, a scenic (and steep!) route not recommended for trailers over 20 feet. You can even catch a free ranger-led talk at the nearby Chisos Basin amphitheater.

4. South Rim Trail

If you’re up for a challenge, the South Rim Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in Big Bend—and our favorite trail in Big Bend! Park rangers told us the breathtaking views from the South Rim were a big reason this area became a national park in the first place.

This full-day (6 to 7-hour) trek winds through forests, grasslands, and springs before reaching dramatic cliffs overlooking the desert far below. As you can see below, the views at the top are amazing!

You can access the rim via the Pinnacles or Laguna Meadows trails—we started with Pinnacles (steeper) and returned via Laguna Meadows (gentler), and highly recommend that route. Make sure to start this trail early so you don’t get back too late!

With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!

5. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is easily one of the best ways to soak in Big Bend’s dramatic desert and mountain scenery. This 30-mile route winds past some of the park’s top stops—like Mule Ears Overlook and Tuff Canyon—before ending at Santa Elena Canyon (our #1 must-see!).

We drove it after visiting Santa Elena and spent over 3 hours stopping at overlooks, reading placards, and taking short hikes. There are plenty of pull-offs, so you can cruise at your own pace without feeling rushed. No matter which direction you drive, it’s stunning—just be sure to slow down and savor it!

6. Hot Springs Historic District

The Hot Springs Historic District is one of the most unique attractions in Big Bend National Park. Home to a natural 105°F spring tucked right along the Rio Grande, you’ll drive a narrow, winding dirt road to get there.

Once parked, you can take a short, scenic 1-mile hike past historic remnants of a 1920s bathhouse, post office, and motel once run by J.O. Langford.

We hiked in before sunrise, soaked in the warm spring, and learned about the area’s history by hopping on a ranger-led tour. For the best experience, visit early or at sunset to avoid crowds, and make sure to bring a swimsuit and towel! We ended up seeing wild horses cross the Rio Grande in the orange sunrise light, it was magical!

7. Boquillas Canyon

The Boquillas Canyon Trail is a beautiful, easy 1.4-mile round-trip hike leading into one of the most scenic canyons along the Rio Grande. The trail features towering limestone walls, sandy beaches, and you might even spot wild burros along the way!

We timed our hike just before sunset, which lit up the canyon walls with a golden glow and made for a stunning walk back to the car. The nearby Boquillas border crossing also gives you the chance to visit a small Mexican Village if you’re up for an international adventure, although that adventure needs to be completed by 4:00 pm when the US closes the border!

With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!

8. Balanced Rock

The Balanced Rock Trail is a popular 2.2-mile round-trip hike leading to one of Big Bend’s most iconic photo spots—a massive boulder perfectly perched between two cliffs. The trail is mostly flat until the last stretch, which requires a short rock scramble to reach the best viewpoint. The road to reach Balanced Rock is unpaved, so ask the rangers for the latest conditions.

Since there’s little shade along the way, it’s best to start this hike early in the morning to avoid the heat. Even though we didn’t get to hike out to the rock ourselves, it’s high on our list for next time!

With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!

9. Mule Ears Viewpoint

Mules Ears Viewpoint is a quick, iconic stop along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The unique twin peaks, which resemble a mule’s ears, are one of Big Bend’s most recognizable landmarks. You can simply pull over for a photo, or if you’re up for more adventure, there’s this moderate 3-hour hike that takes you closer to the formation and also on the Smoky Creek Trail.

10. Fossil Discovery Exhibit

The Fossil Discovery Exhibit is a must-see hidden gem just off the main park road near Panther Junction. This free outdoor exhibit blew us away, walking us through Big Bend’s prehistoric past, from when the area was an ancient sea, when it turned into a desert, and contains a continuous fossil history of the rise of mammals.

The building itself was designed with the environment in mind, which made the experience even more special. We were seriously impressed by how well the displays explained the different geological periods and showcased cast dinosaur fossils—including one the size of a school bus!

After reading through the exhibits, we climbed the small hill next to the pavilion and could picture dinosaurs roaming the vast landscape. It’s a quick visit (about 15–30 minutes), but it gave us a whole new appreciation for the land we were exploring.

11. Emory Peak

At 7,835 feet, Emory Peak is the highest point in Big Bend National Park, offering stunning panoramic views of the entire park. This 10-12 mile round-trip hike is strenuous, with a significant elevation gain. However, the reward at the top is worth the effort—spectacular views of the Chisos Basin, the Rio Grande, and the distant desert below.

This hike is for experienced adventurers, as the final stretch includes a bit of scrambling to reach the summit. If you’re up for the challenge, Emory Peak provides some of the most breathtaking vistas in the park, and it’s a must-do for anyone looking to experience the grandeur of Big Bend from the highest point in the area.

12. Tuff Canyon

To get to Tuff Canyon, we recommend taking this short, 0.75-mile loop trail that offers incredible views of the colorful, layered rock formations of the canyon. It’s an easy and accessible stop right off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, making it a perfect quick adventure.

From the overlook, you’ll get a striking perspective of the deep, narrow canyon carved into layers of volcanic ash. For those wanting a closer look, you can hike down into the canyon itself. Walking among the towering walls really gives you a sense of Big Bend’s dramatic geological history.

13. Rio Grande Village

Located on the far eastern side of Big Bend, Rio Grande Village is composed of a visitor center, campground, gas station, dump station, and small store. From here, you can walk the Village Nature Trail, a short and easy loop with boardwalks over wetlands—perfect for birdwatching, spotting wildlife, and catching a beautiful sunset over the river.

The nearby Rio Grande Overlook is a quick drive or walk from the campground, offering panoramic views of the river, Chisos Mountains, and Sierra del Carmen range.

Rio Grande Village is also the closest developed area to the Boquillas Crossing—the park’s official border crossing into the small Mexican village of Boquillas. If you have your passport, you can take a quick rowboat ride across the river and explore this charming spot for an afternoon. More on that next!

14. Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico

One of our favorite attractions in Big Bend National Park was actually in another country! Did you know that you can cross into Boquillas, Mexico, from Big Bend? All you need is your passport and to check in with U.S. Border Patrol before taking a short boat ride across the Rio Grande.

This tiny town of around 200 residents has two restaurants, a bar, and local artisans selling souvenirs, a huge source of income for the Boquillas economy. U.S. dollars are accepted, and the town is comfortably explored on foot.

We visited Boquillas on our last day and spent about 2.5 hours there digging into some seriously delicious tacos, shopping for souvenirs, and practicing our Spanish. We didn’t encounter any local guides offering tours during our trip, but it’s still a fun, relaxed visit on your own!

15. Go Stargazing

Big Bend is one of the best Dark Sky Parks in the U.S., making it a dream destination for anyone looking to stargaze. Top spots include Chisos Basin, Santa Elena Canyon, and Rio Grande Village. We were lucky enough to score a backcountry site off of Old Maverick Road. The stargazing from here was incredible!

It was incredible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Plan your visit around a new moon for the clearest views of the Milky Way. Regarding wildlife, most animals living in Big Bend are nocturnal, so you might even spot some creatures under the stars.

16. Canoe the Rio Grande

Paddling the Rio Grande is a stunning way to explore the region’s canyons. We booked a half-day tour with Angell Expeditions, which took place in Big Bend Ranch State Park, although they also hold tours in Big Bend National Park. As we had our dog, Ollie, in the van, we opted for their tour in the state park. This area was significantly quieter than the national park, yet equally scenic.

17. Go Camping in Big Bend

Camping in Big Bend offers everything from primitive campsites to developed campgrounds, making it easy to experience the park’s stunning landscapes overnight. The Chisos Basin Campground was our favorite, offering spectacular views of the Chisos Mountains and cooler temps—but it’s not the only option! Here’s a list of all the campgrounds in and around the park:

• Chisos Basin Campground – Our favorite! Cooler mountain temps and easy access to top hikes like Lost Mine and Emory Peak.
• Rio Grande Village Campground – Best for staying near the east side, with easy access to the Hot Springs and Boquillas Canyon.
• Rio Grange RV Park – The only option with full hookups inside the park, ideal for large RVs.
• Cottonwood Campground – Generator-free campground, a quiet retreat near Santa Elena Canyon on the park’s west side.
• Campgrounds outside of the park – Nearby campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping options to the north and west are great alternatives if the park fills up.
• Backcountry Camping – Ultimate seclusion with epic night skies. Permits are required, and some areas need high-clearance AWD/4×4.

⛰️ 3 Things to Do Near Big Bend

While there are plenty of attractions in Big Bend National Park itself, there are also some incredible spots just outside the park worth visiting. If you have extra time, here are three nearby places we visited that offer even more history, charm, and West Texas magic to explore.

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park

Not to be confused with Big Bend National Park itself, Big Bend Ranch State Park is located to the west of the national park. The state park covers over 300,000 acres of rugged desert terrain and the entrance fee is $5 per person. You’ll find numerous trails with dramatic views, such as the Closed Canyon Trail and the Big Bend Hoodoos Trail.

One of the most memorable experiences we had here was canoeing with Angell Expeditions along the Rio Grande. The trip allowed us to explore the river from a unique perspective, surrounded by the park’s stunning desert cliffs!

2. Ghost Town of Terlingua

Just a short drive from Big Bend, Terlingua is an eerie, historical ghost town filled with colorful ruins, quirky shops, and a few spots to eat. We made a quick visit after one of our days in the park and loved wandering through the old buildings. It’s a fun way to experience a completely different side of the region and learn about the once-booming mercury mining days.

There are also several camping options in Terlingua, ranging from rustic campgrounds to full-service RV parks. It’s a great choice if you want to stay close to Big Bend while enjoying the quirky, laid-back vibe of the town. More info in our Big Bend Camping Guide.

3. Marathon, Texas

Located about 40 miles north of Big Bend’s entrance, Marathon, Texas, is a charming small town that makes a great base or stop before or after your park adventures. We passed through on our way in and loved the peaceful, artsy vibe.

Stroll down the main street to find local galleries, cozy cafes, and historic hotels like the renowned Gage Hotel, dating back to 1927. Marathon is also a great spot for stargazing if you’re not camping inside the park — the dark skies here are just as stunning!

🗺️ Map of Attractions in Big Bend National Park

Here’s a map of all the attractions in Big Bend National Park (excluding stargazing spots, ranger-led programs, and campgrounds, since those can vary). For hiking trails, we recommend you defer to AllTrails to find exact trailheads and help guide your route.

How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.

Read Next:

Boquillas, Mexico: The Perfect Half-Day Trip from Big Bend

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