Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

One of Texas’ most remarkable natural wonders is Big Bend National Park, which is situated on the border with Mexico and is divided from it by a sizable bend in the Rio Grande river. This region is a superb outdoor playground for hikers, campers, canoers, birders, and environment lovers in general due to the combination of mountains, deserts, and rivers. Even if you only feel like taking a drive through the park, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offers interesting sights and scenery, and a quick visit to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit or a soak in the hot springs will make for an excellent day. If you want to reach big bend national park then you can take a flight to Midland/Odessa airport and choose Etihad Airways and EgyptAir for getting discounted flight tickets.

Hike Santa Elena Canyon

The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is one of Big Bend National Park’s most breathtaking hikes and unquestionably has the best reward-to-effort ratio of any hike in the park. The Santa Elena Canyon, where sheer, 1,500-foot-high walls rise up on either side of the river above you, is reached via this fantastic 1.7-mile round-trip walk that follows the Rio Grande River’s edge.

You can wade into the canyon from the trail’s far end when the water is low. Near the beginning of the hike, which ascends a total of about 80 feet, there are magnificent views above the river.

Soak in the Hot Springs

Swimming in the 105°F waters of the natural hot springs on the Rio Grande’s side is one of the most well-liked activities in the Rio Grande Village region.

You can take a quick dip in the river to cool down if you start to feel too heated. The trail leading to the primitive pool passes pictographs and the ruins of an early 1900s resort in just.25 miles from the parking area. It’s definitely worth walking the if you have time and want to take in some breathtaking views of the Rio Grande and mountains. Hot springs loop of 75 miles.

Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive for a stunning drive through the park, passing through some outstanding desert scenery en route to Castalon and the Santa Elena Canyon region.

Across the Chihuahuan Desert, distant mountain views are visible. Visit the Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook to see the historic house and take in the scenery.

Walk the Nature Trail at Rio Grande Village

The Nature Route is the best option if you’re searching for a brief, simple, and picturesque trail close to Rio Grande Village. This walk leaves the campground and leads you out over a pond where you can watch fish swimming beneath the modest bridge that crosses the water or turtles lazing in the sun.

In stark contrast to the desert surroundings, this lush area is a good place to see birds. The trail traverses a desert landscape on the other side of the pond, offering views of the Rio Grande River and distant mountains as well as views back over the pond. The trail ascends to a lookout point in a loop.

Take a Trip to the Mexican Village of Boquillas

If you want to make a quick detour to a Mexican village, don’t forget your passport. A border patrol agent will scan your passport at Boquillas Crossing before you proceed to the river and request a rowboat from the distant shore. You will be picked up by the boat and transported to the Mexican side of the Rio Grande River, where you can board a horse, donkey, or car. $5 per person is required to board the ferry.

The distance to the village from the river is around a mile. Although it is entirely uphill, you are welcome to walk there. It might be best to pay for the taxi into the village and then take a short stroll back out. It costs $5 to take a pickup or a burro into town. The journey will cost you $8.00 if you choose to ride a horse.

Bird-Watching

When birds are migrating north or south, Big Bend National Park is a great area to see them. With the Rio Grande serving as a reliable source of water, the park is ideally situated in the heart of one of North America’s largest primary flyways.

The park is home to a diverse range of birds throughout the year, but the spring is when you’ll find the most variety. Colima warblers, rufous-crowned sparrows, summer tanagers, and western screech owls are a few important species to look out for.

The Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, close to Santa Elena Canyon, the Cottonwood Campground, and the Chisos Mountains are excellent locations to see birds in the park.