Things to do in  Big Bend National Park

Few of Big Bend National Park’s must-see natural features are as majestic as the Santa Elena Canyon—a deep, narrow gorge, which the Rio Grande has cut through the mountains inside the national park. Reach the canyon floor beside the river via a short hiking trail across Terlingua Creek and a series of stairs, then continue your adventure up or down the stream on rafts or canoes.

Part ghost town, part quirky desert outpost, Terlingua is among the most out-there towns in West Texas, where there are more than a few. There’s natural desert beauty all around the former mercury mining town and a ragtag community of artists and galleries—but Terlingua serves primarily as a gateway to Big Bend National Park and the rugged charm of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Boquillas is the other canyon within Big Bend National Park. Less known than the majestic Santa Elena Canyon, it's the longest and deepest canyon in the park and just as much a destination for river trips, hiking, and camping. In some places, the canyon depth from local mountains is greater than the Grand Canyon's.

Considered the heart of Big Bend National Park, this mountain range cuts about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Punta de la Sierra to Panther Junction, where you’ll find the park’s visitor center. Unlike the surrounding landscapes, the Chisos are forested with ponderosa pines and other hardy trees, and they comprise the only mountain range standing within a single US national park.

Take a break from exploring Big Bend National Park’s rough-and-tumble landscapes with this exhibit dedicated to millions of years of the area’s natural and geological history. There’s more than your typical aging visitor-center exhibit here, with ancient fossils (and touchable casts), life-size replicas of prehistoric creatures, interactive displays, and a short trail with views on geologic points of interest.

Big Bend National Park boasts more than hiking trails—scenic driving routes lace the park, with none more spectacular than Ross Maxwell, a curvy 30-mile (50-kilometer) stretch showcasing the region’s renowned geological features. A journey along the road takes you past sights including historic districts, vista points and overlooks, canyons, volcanic rock formations, and the Chisos Mountains.