Hikes and walks (4)
| Hike | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| List of Hiking Trails in Big Bend | Hiking trails | No pets |
| See the Rio Grande | The Rio Grande is accessible from a number of places in Big Bend National Park, and a variety of hiking trails provide even further opportunities to get up close and personal with our watery border with Mexico. | All year · No pets |
| Hike the Lost Mine Trail | The Lost Mine Trail climbs to the side of Lost Mine Peak, offering spectacular views of Juniper Canyon and the Northeast Rim of the Chisos. | All year · No pets |
| Hike Into Santa Elena Canyon | The trail begins at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon, and is one of the prettiest short trails in the park. The trail crosses Terlingua Creek, takes you to the river’s edge inside the canyon and continues farther winding among large boulders until it ends abruptly where the canyon wall mee | All year · No pets |
Other things to do (15)
| Activity | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacking Big Bend | Big Bend National Park is a backpacker's paradise. For those who come prepared, there are hundreds of miles of trails, and vast expanses to explore. | All year · No pets · Reservation needed · Fee |
| Get a Big Bend Passport Stamp | Are you a "Passport to Your National Parks" cancellation collector? Big Bend National Park has a cancellation stamp to commemorate your visit in your passport book. | No pets |
| Big Bend Junior Rangers | Big Bend National Park invites young visitors to become official Junior Rangers. | All year · Pets OK |
| View the Night Sky | Far away from most city lights, Big Bend National Park preserves pristine darkness. Take this chance to stargaze, and experience the half of the park that many of us miss - nighttime. | All year · Pets OK |
| Visit Boquillas, Mexico | Visiting the small village of Boquillas, Mexico through the park's Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is an option for visitors possessing a valid passport. | All year · No pets |
| Join A Ranger | Join a Park ranger for a guided hike, talk, or evening program. Discover the amazing stories behind the scenery of Big Bend. | All year · No pets |
| Become a Big Bend Expert | The bookstore carries a large variety of educational books, videos, park information, and high quality souvenirs to help you learn more about the park and its resources or just help you remember your trip to Big Bend. | All year · No pets |
| Birdwatch at Rio Grande Village Nature Trail | Rio Grande Village is consistently one of the best places to find a large number of birds in Big Bend National Park. The principal area to search is the Nature Trail, located in the southeastern corner of the campground. | 15 to 45 Minutes · All year · No pets |
| Birdwatch at Cottonwood Campground | Situated near the Rio Grande, under the shade of numerous large cottonwood trees, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to look for birds and other wildlife. | 15 to 60 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| Primitive Roadside Campsites | Off the Beaten Path! If you have a rugged vehicle, and wish to get away from it all...Big Bend offers a number of primitive campsites located along rough, remote, backcountry roads. | Winter, Spring, Fall · Pets OK · Reservation needed · Fee |
| Find The Perfect Sunrise & Sunset | Where is the best place to see the sunrise or sunset? Truly, the answer is anywhere in the park! With huge horizons and dramatic scenery, it is spectacular wherever you are. | All year · Pets with limits |
| Enjoy Sunset at Rio Grande Village | Photography can be a rewarding experience for visitors. One of the best places is the Nature Trail at Rio Grande Village | No pets |
| Bike Big Bend | Lightly traveled roads and varied terrain make Big Bend a premier bicycling location. | Winter, Spring, Fall · Pets with limits |
| Explore Backcountry Roads | If you have a high-clearance, four wheel drive vehicle, Big Bend's primitive dirt roads provide many opportunities to get off the beaten path and explore the remote corners of this park. | Winter, Spring, Fall · Pets OK |
| Float the Rio Grande | Take a Big Bend float trip on the Rio Grande. Experience the beauty of one of Big Bend's spectacular limestone canyons. | No pets |
Before you set out
Trail conditions change with snow, fire and storms. Check the park’s current alerts, carry the ten essentials and read know before you go.
Sources
- National Park Service: things to do in Big Bend National Park (Data API, public domain)
Last checked 1 November 2026.