Big Bend National Park is located in southwest Texas along the Rio Grande River and the border to Mexico. The park offers several different ecosystems including deserts and mountains along with access to the Rio Grande River and the border with Mexico.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Santa Elena Canyon Trail an easy/moderate 1.7 mile, 610 feet elevation gain along the Rio Grande River. The trail leads to the mouth of the Santa Elena Canyon and river edge before you ascend on a series of switchbacks. The trail then descends back down to the water edge until the canyon wall meets the water. The majority of this trail is in the shade which makes it a great hike when it’s warm out.
The trail begins at the end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. There are vault toilets in the parking lot.
Boquillas Canyon Trail
Boquillas Canyon Trail is an easy 1.4 mile, 102 feet elevation gain hike along the Rio Grande River. The vista offers views of the river and Mexico on the other side of the river. Children will love to play along the banks of the river. This entire trail is in sun, so be prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen, and/or a hat.
We did see several individuals who had crossed over from Mexico selling goods along the trail.
If you only want to do one canyon hike, I would recommend Santa Elena over Boquillas.
The trail begins at the end of the Boquillas Canyon Spur Road. There is a vault toilet in the parking lot.
Balanced Rock
Grapevine Hills Trail (leads to balanced rock) is an easy 2.2 mile out and back trail to the heart of the Grapevine Hills. The last quarter of a mile of the trail does climb steeply into the boulders.
The trail begins 6 miles down Grape Hills improved dirt road.
Chisos Basin
There are many hiking options in the Chisos Basin area including the Window Trail or Lost Mine. This mountainous area of the park is. beautiful! If you want to see the Window without a hike check out the 0.3-mile Window View Trail.
Scenic Views
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offers beautiful views with lots of pull-offs and hiking trails. I would highly recommend the following pull-offs because they have great views with minimum walking required:
Sotol Vista for 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
Tuff Canyon for the unique landscape, desert plants, and views into the canyon.
Currently closed the Boquillas Crossing to Mexico and Hot Springs Trail are definitely on my must-do list for a future trip.
Winter in Big Bend
Be prepared for some roads or trails to be closed due to inclement weather.
Junior Ranger
The Junior Ranger Program is an activity-based educational program at most national parks for children (designed for ages 5-13, although anyone can participate). By completing the activity book at a national park your child can earn a Junior Ranger badge. You can pick up or turn in your Junior Ranger booklet at any visitor center.
Have you visited Big Bend National Park?
