Big Bend National Park Tour: Self-Guided Drive

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4.8

8145 reviews + ratings

Tour Details

Tour Type: Driving
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Distance:72 Miles
Audio Stories: 75+
Purchase Qty: One Per Car
Tour At Your Own Pace
Tour Anytime, Any Day
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Welcome to the Big Bend National Park Tour

Discover the true American West with this self-guided driving tour of Big Bend National Park, Texas. Cruise across vast desert landscapes in the shadow of the Chisos Mountains. Unearth an embattled history of Spanish presidios, raiding parties beneath a Comanche Moon, and cursed silver in the mountains. Take in soaring panoramas from Sotol Vista and Tuff Canyon Overlook and visit the historic town of Castolon. This park is a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered!

About the Tour

Your tour begins with the iconic Big Bend National Park Sign, welcoming you to a landscape of immense natural beauty. Next, you’ll hear about how this landscape formed as you enter the vast desert expanse.

The Devil’s Den Hike offers a challenging yet rewarding trek through rugged terrain for those who want to give it a try. Beyond that, you’ll discover what makes the Chihuahuan Desert so special.

You’ll continue on to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit for a fascinating look into the ancient life that once roamed the area. Then revisit the age of the Spanish Presidios, raids under the Comanche Moon, and the embattled history of Big Bend.

And why not take a detour to Rio Grande Village? This scenic spot offers historic architecture and hikes right alongside this impressive river.

Further along, you’ll drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, famous for its photographic viewpoints and access to historical sites. The Marfa Lights, a mysterious phenomenon, offers a chance to witness unexplained lights dancing on the horizon.

Sam Nail Ranch and Homer Wilson ranch introduce you to more history of the park, while Sotol Vista Overlook and Mule Ears Viewpoint boast panoramic views that are quintessential Big Bend.

Next, you’ll swing by the Castolon Historic District for a glimpse at the frontier life, before continuing on to the main event: Santa Elena Canyon. Here, you can actually head down to the banks of the Rio Grande itself and hear the harrowing history of those who have braved its waters! Your tour concludes here.

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Map Of Big Bend National Park

Where To Start?

We recommend Starting From: Big Bend National Park Sign, Alpine, TX 79830

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome
Welcome to Big Bend National Park, where vast deserts and towering mountains await.
Entrance Station
At the Entrance Station, grab your pass—whether a $30 option for a week's visit or an $80 "America the Beautiful" pass for year-long access to national parks across the country—before diving into the park's wonders.
Earth-Wreckage
Witness the aftermath of ancient tectonic shifts that sculpted Big Bend's mountainous terrain, a testament to the earth's geological history and transformation over millions of years.
A Sea in the Desert
Delve into Big Bend's fascinating past as a seabed, uncovering marine fossils that tell the story of an ancient ocean that once covered the region, leaving behind its imprint in the desert landscape.
Devil's Den Hike
Prepare for a challenging trek through Devil's Den, a rugged limestone canyon boasting breathtaking vistas of the Santiago Mountains, promising an unforgettable adventure for intrepid hikers.
Santiago Draw
Traverse the barren expanse of Santiago Draw, once a lush grassland transformed by the presence of trespass livestock, offering insight into the delicate balance between human activity and natural ecosystems.
Chihuahuan Desert
Explore the Chihuahuan Desert's surprising diversity, home to over 3,500 plant species—including a quarter of the world's cacti—contradicting traditional perceptions of deserts as barren landscapes.
The Javelina
Encounter the javelina, a unique desert dweller with a distinct musky odor, whose survival story reflects the park's conservation efforts and the delicate interplay of predator-prey relationships.
The Mystery of the Rosillos Mountains
Unravel the enigma of the Rosillos Mountains' ancient archaeological sites, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, offering glimpses into the region's rich human history and cultural heritage.
Sierra del Carmen
Marvel at the rugged beauty of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains, a remote wilderness bordering the park, steeped in history and conservation efforts that have shaped the landscape over centuries.
First Inhabitants to Chisos
Trace the footsteps of Big Bend's first inhabitants, from Paleo-Indians to the Chisos tribe, reflecting on their nomadic lifestyles and deep connection to the land.
The Jumano
Learn about the Jumano tribe's strategic alliances with Spanish colonizers, serving as mediators between different cultures and facilitating trade routes across the region, shaping the park's cultural landscape.
You’ve Gone Batty
Explore the ecological importance of Mexican Long-Nosed Bats, vital pollinators crucial for the survival of desert succulents.
Hornfels
Marvel at the toughness of hornfels, metamorphic rocks formed by cooled magma, showcasing nature's resilience and the enduring legacy of geological processes in shaping Big Bend's rugged terrain
Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Explore the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, showcasing replicas of prehistoric fossils unearthed in Big Bend, including the massive Quetzalcoatlus bone, offering insight into the park's ancient inhabitants and ecosystems.
The Mosasaur
magine Big Bend's ancient seas teeming with formidable creatures like the mosasaur, a fearsome marine reptile that once ruled the prehistoric oceans before the landscape transformed into the desert we see today.
Avery Canyon
Delve into the history of Avery Canyon, named after an early rancher, offering a glimpse into the bustling settlements that emerged with the arrival of the railroad and the rugged frontier life in Brewster County.
Spanish Presidios
Reflect on the challenges faced by Spanish settlers in establishing missions and presidios along the Rio Grande.
Colima Warbler
Discover the avian diversity of Big Bend, home to over 450 bird species, including the elusive Colima Warbler
King of the Cattle
Trace the legacy of Mexican cowboys and American settlers who established ranches in Big Bend
The Comanche Moon
Recount the challenges posed by Comanche raids on Spanish settlements, evoking the perilous conditions faced by early settlers
Village Detour Ahead
Consider embarking on a detour to Rio Grande Village, offering a glimpse into the area's mining history and the remnants of 1800s settlements along the Rio Grande, providing a deeper understanding of the region's past.
Chisos Mountains
Marvel at the Chisos Mountains, a verdant oasis amidst the desert landscape of Big Bend, known as a "sky island" for its unique ecosystem and biodiversity.
Lost Oak of the Chisos
Learn about the discovery of the rare lateleaf oak in the Chisos Mountains, symbolizing the resilience of nature and the ongoing efforts to conserve and protect Big Bend's unique plant species.
Chico Cano
Explore the history of bandit raids and ranching in Big Bend, highlighting the struggles and conflicts that shaped the region's development and the resilience of its early settlers.
Johnson's Ranch
Consider the transformation of Johnson's Ranch into an airfield by the U.S. Army Air Corps, reflecting the evolving role of the frontier landscape in response to changing geopolitical and military needs.
Everett Townsend
Discover the pivotal role played by Everett Townsend in advocating for the creation of Big Bend National Park.

Preview The Tour

Tour FAQs

Key highlights include the Chisos Basin, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Boquillas Canyon and the Langford Hot Springs are also must-visit spots for their unique landscapes and natural features.

The ideal times to visit are spring (March to April) and fall (October to November) when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant.

Popular activities include hiking, bird watching, stargazing, and river trips along the Rio Grande. The park also offers guided tours and educational programs about its rich geological and cultural history.

A minimum of three days is recommended to explore the diverse landscapes and enjoy several hikes.

The park offers various accommodations, including lodges and camping sites. Chisos Mountains Lodge provides comfortable lodging within the park, while numerous campgrounds offer spots for tents and RVs.

Essentials include water, sunscreen, hats, comfortable hiking shoes, and seasonal appropriate clothing. Also, bring navigation tools like a map or GPS, as cell service can be limited.

Yes, the park is family-friendly with various trails and programs suitable for children. However, some hiking trails and activities may be more suitable for older children and teens due to their difficulty level.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife including roadrunners, Mexican black bears, and mountain lions. Bird enthusiasts can also spot a variety of bird species, especially during migration seasons.

Big Bend is renowned for its dark skies, making it a prime spot for stargazing. Night sky programs are often held by park rangers, weather permitting.

While general access does not require special permits, backcountry permits are needed for overnight hikes and river trips require permits as well. These can be obtained at visitor centers.

The Santa Elena Canyon Trail and the Lost Mine Trail are both excellent for first-time visitors, offering manageable hikes with stunning views.

The park offers several accessible trails and facilities. The Rio Grande Village Nature Trail and the Sam Nail Ranch are accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.

Visitors should be prepared for remote conditions with little cell service, check weather conditions regularly, and be aware of wildlife. It’s also important to carry plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun.