.jpg%3F1462663388&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overview30 mile drive that is designed to highlight the most scenic parts of the western side of the park.
Big Bend
A vast and isolated corner of Texas, Big Bend National Park combines rugged desert terrain, dramatic canyons, and the winding Rio Grande.
Top Stops
Top places to visit in Big Bend, from signature stops to easy additions for the trip plan.
.jpg%3F1462663417&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Chisos Basin Visitor CenterOpen 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. year-round with daily, brief lunch-break closures and reduced hours on Christmas Day.
Information
Explore Information inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
.jpeg%3F1462545409&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%3F1651088668&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%3F1462663714&w=3840&q=75)
Auto Tour
Explore Auto Tour inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overview30 mile drive that is designed to highlight the most scenic parts of the western side of the park.
.jpg%3F1462662847&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Lower Burro Mesa PouroffA 1.5 mile drive and 0.5 mile hike lead to a dry waterfall and amazing rock formations off this underrated side road.
.jpg%3F1462663181&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Mule Ears ViewpointA crystal clear view of famous rock formations, the Mule Ears Peaks!
Hiking
Explore Hiking inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
.jpg%3F1462663606&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Sam Nail RanchEasy 0.3 mile hiking loop off of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive that leads to the remnants of a ranch that is great for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Point of interest
Lower Burro Mesa PouroffA 1.5 mile drive and 0.5 mile hike lead to a dry waterfall and amazing rock formations off this underrated side road.
Point of Interest
Explore Point of Interest inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Blue Creek Ranch OverlookStop here for a view of the valley and one of the last remaining historic structures.
.jpg%3F1462663865&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Sotol Vista OverlookThis stunning vista offers a view of the entire western side of the park from its high position above the desert.
.jpg%3F1462662281&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Boquillas CanyonA moderate 1.4 mile hike that takes you up close to the longest and deepest canyon in the park.
Food
Explore Food inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Castolon StoreHistoric convenience store with basic groceries, camping supplies and souvenirs. Open year-round.
Point of interest
Basin Convenience StoreProviding everything travelers need year-round during regular business hours.
Point of interest
Rio Grande Village StoreOpen year-round during regular business hours and offers laundry, WiFi, gas, diesel and showers.
Camping
Explore Camping inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Cottonwood Campground$14/night, year-round, 24-hour campground with pit toilets, grills and water. No frills but a whole lot of fun!
.jpg%3F1462663336&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Rio Grande Village Campground100-site campground with flush toilets, running water and access to showers and laundry.
Point of interest
Rio Grande Village RV Campground25-site campground with full hook-ups and easy access to laundry, showers and groceries.
Lodging
Explore Lodging inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
.jpg%3F1462662483&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Chisos Mountains LodgeOnly lodging available within Big Bend. It has direct access to hikes and other Chisos Basin activities.
Wildlife Viewing
Explore Wildlife Viewing inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Blue Creek Ranch OverlookStop here for a view of the valley and one of the last remaining historic structures.
Point of interest
Dugout WellsGreat shady spot for watching wildlife as well as natural and cultural history.
.jpg%3F1462662415&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Chisos BasinThe Chisos Basin's cooler climate makes it a much more hospitable home than the desert so wildlife sightings are very common, including black bears.
Restrooms
Explore Restrooms inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
.jpg%3F1462662341&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%3F1462663454&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Santa Elena River AccessParking and river access at the Santa Elena Canyon off of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Point of interest
Castolon Visitor CenterThe Castolon Visitor Center is open seasonally from November - April from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a brief midday closure for lunch.
Parking
Explore Parking inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Mule Ears ViewpointA crystal clear view of famous rock formations, the Mule Ears Peaks!
.jpg%3F1462663680&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Tuff CanyonSporting some of the coolest geology in the park, the walls of Tuff Canyon are made of ancient volcanic ash.
Picnicking
Explore Picnicking inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Fossil Bone ExhibitA 0.3 mile trail through desert floor, wildflowers and newly renovated fossil display.
Point of interest
Dugout Wells Picnic AreaGreat spot to cool down and eat a meal while surrounded by a beautiful oasis. Restrooms available.
Support
Explore Support inside Big Bend with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Big Bend ConservancyA wife and husband duo founded Big Bend Conservancy to help raise money for their favorite park, and have raised over $3.2 million so far.
Point of interest
Big Bend Natural History AssociationPrivate non-profit that strives to further education about the park and provide resources to visitors of the park.
Nearby Parks Around Big Bend
Compare nearby parks around Big Bend when planning alternatives, extensions, or a follow-up trip.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Big Bend
Explore nearby points of interest around Big Bend to build stop-level options beyond this park's top picks.
0.0 mi away
Big Bend National Park
A swath of Chihuahuan Desert larger than the state of Rhode Island is protected at Big Bend National Park, located in West Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border.
0.0 mi away
Big Bend National Park
A swath of Chihuahuan Desert larger than the state of Rhode Island is protected at Big Bend National Park, located in West Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border.
0.2 mi away
Panther Junction Service Station
One of two service stations inside the park, Panther Junction Service Station has gas, diesel and limited groceries and souvenirs.
2.7 mi away
Chihuahuan Desert
Covering over 190,000 square miles of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico is North America's largest desert.
3.1 mi away
Chisos Basin Road
Steep 6-mile road that leads to the Chisos Basin area which includes a campground, visitor center and store.
4.4 mi away
Pine Canyon Trail
An easy 2.6-mile out and back trail that packs a lot of scenery into a short distance.
