We visited Big Bend National Park in April 2026 and spent several days exploring the park and surrounding area. We wanted to see the scenery, do some hiking, explore the back roads in our 4x4, and fit in a few historical stops along the way. We also had plans for kayaking and the hot springs, but the weather had other ideas.
Big Bend turned out to be a great place for the way we like to travel. There's plenty to see from the road, interesting history to stumble across, and some excellent off-roading. I was also still recovering from cancer treatment, so we needed to keep our hikes relatively short. Fortunately, that didn't stop us from having a good visit.
Our Visit
The Scenery and Short Hikes
Big Bend is a huge park, and the landscape changes quite a bit as you explore. There are mountains, desert, the Rio Grande, and miles of open country. We spent a lot of time stopping to take in the views, which was easy to do because there was often something interesting just around the next bend.
I thought the scenery was excellent. Evan liked it, too, although he wouldn't necessarily put it at the top of his list of most beautiful parks. That's one of those differences in opinion that doesn't really need resolving. We both enjoyed the landscape, even if we ranked it a little differently.
Because of my health at the time, we stuck to shorter hikes rather than taking on anything particularly strenuous. We visited Santa Elena Canyon, one of the park's best-known features, and stopped at an old homestead and a windmill. The historic structures added some variety to the day, and we didn't feel that we had to hike for miles to enjoy the park.
We also had some lovely views of the mountains beneath a sky full of sun and clouds. Big Bend has plenty of dramatic scenery, but I enjoyed the quieter views just as much. Sometimes the best part of a stop was simply standing there for a few minutes and looking around.
Old Ore Road and Off-Roading
Off-roading was one of the highlights of our visit. We enjoy exploring in our four-wheel-drive vehicle, and Big Bend gives us a chance to get beyond the paved roads and see more of the landscape.
Old Ore Road was a favorite for both of us. It was an enjoyable challenge and gave us a different perspective on the park. We also drove River Road, which was another highlight. The combination of remote roads, changing terrain, and scenery made these drives well worth the time.
You don't need a 4x4 to enjoy Big Bend, but having one opens up additional opportunities. The primitive roads aren't suitable for every vehicle, and conditions can change, so it's important to check current road information and know what your vehicle can handle. For us, exploring these roads was a big part of what made the trip special.
Wildlife and Desert Plants
We saw birds of prey, roadrunners, horses, donkeys, and fish. We also noticed desert plants such as ocotillo and prickly pear.
I enjoyed seeing the variety of wildlife and plants, although Evan had hoped to see more animals. Wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, especially in a large desert environment, so I wouldn't plan a trip around expecting to see a particular animal. We were happy with what we found, even if it wasn't an endless parade of wildlife.
History and the Boquillas Crossing
Big Bend isn't just about scenery. We came across historic structures and other reminders of the people who have lived and worked in this region. The old homestead and windmill were interesting stops, and we enjoyed seeing these pieces of history as we explored.
We also crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico at the Boquillas Port of Entry and visited Boquillas del Carmen. It was a memorable part of the trip, and the people we encountered were welcoming. Crossing the border added something different to our park visit, rather than simply giving us another trail or overlook to check off the list.
The Terlingua area has its own history and character, too. We spotted the Terlingua Abajo roadside sign while exploring the area. It's the kind of detail I like to photograph along the way, even when it isn't the main reason for a stop.
If you plan to visit Boquillas, check the port's operating schedule and current crossing requirements before you go. You'll need the appropriate identification and must follow the official border procedures.
The Night Sky
The night sky was another highlight. Big Bend is known for its dark skies, and we enjoyed getting outside after dark to look at the stars.
After a day of driving and exploring, stargazing was a nice change of pace. It didn't require a long hike or much planning, just a clear enough sky and some time away from artificial lights. If you enjoy astronomy, bring binoculars or a telescope if you have room, and give yourself an evening to enjoy the view.
What We Didn't Get To Do
We had hoped to visit the hot springs and go kayaking on the Rio Grande, but neither worked out.
The wind made kayaking a poor choice, particularly given my physical limitations at the time. Rain and the resulting conditions also interfered with our hot springs plans. We stopped by, but we didn't get to enjoy a soak.
I was disappointed to miss both activities, but we had plenty to do without them. They're good reasons to plan another visit.
Favorite Things
My favorite part of the trip was off-roading, particularly Old Ore Road. I enjoyed the driving, the scenery, and the chance to explore a part of the park that felt different from the main tourist routes.
Evan's favorites were also Old Ore Road and River Road. He enjoyed the driving opportunities and the variety of terrain. We both liked the night sky and the Boquillas crossing, too.
We had slightly different opinions about the scenery and wildlife, but we agreed that Big Bend offered plenty to enjoy. Even with my hiking limited, we were able to explore a lot of the park and have a satisfying trip.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Give yourself enough time. Big Bend is a large, remote park. You can see some of the main sights in a day or two, but you'll need longer if you want to hike, explore the primitive roads, visit historic sites, cross into Mexico, and spend time stargazing.
Plan around the weather. April worked for much of our visit, but wind and rain affected our plans. Summer heat can be intense, too. Check current forecasts, park alerts, and road conditions before setting out, especially if you're planning a river activity or a drive on a remote road.
Plan your fuel stops. Services are limited in this part of Texas, and distances can be substantial. Don't assume you'll find fuel or supplies exactly when you need them. Plan ahead and fill up when practical.
Choose your roads carefully. The paved roads are great for sightseeing, but primitive roads such as Old Ore Road require an appropriate high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. Check conditions before leaving, carry suitable safety and recovery equipment, and don't take on a route beyond your experience or vehicle's capabilities.
You don't have to hike long distances. We kept our hikes short and still enjoyed the park. Scenic drives, overlooks, historical features, and wildlife viewing offer plenty of ways to explore without committing to a long trail.
Check the details for crossing into Mexico. The Boquillas crossing has specific operating hours and border requirements. Verify current information before your visit so you don't arrive only to find that your plans need adjusting.
Consider your accommodation options. We stayed in domes outside the park and enjoyed the experience. Staying outside the park can work well, but factor in the driving time when planning your days.
Our Ratings
We use a five-point scale: 1 = Poor, 2 = Below Average, 3 = Average, 4 = Good, and 5 = Excellent.
| Category | Judy | Evan | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenery | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Hiking | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Wildlife | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Off-roading | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5.0/5 |
| History and historic features | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Facilities | 3/5 | Not rated | 3.0/5 |
We didn't complete our planned kayaking trip or visit the hot springs as intended, so those activities aren't rated. Our facilities rating reflects the facilities we used, not a full assessment of camping options.
Judy's overall impression: I'd definitely return. I loved the scenery and the off-roading, and there was plenty to enjoy even with my hiking limited. I'd like another chance to kayak and visit the hot springs.
Evan's overall impression: Evan would return, too. The off-roading was a major highlight, and he enjoyed the park's landscape, history, and dark skies.
Official Park Information
For current information, visit the official National Park Service website for Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend National Park is in far West Texas along the Rio Grande, which forms part of the international boundary with Mexico. The park protects a large area of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, river canyons, and a variety of desert and mountain habitats. Visitors can hike, take scenic drives, explore historic sites, watch wildlife, camp, and enjoy river activities when conditions permit. The park is also recognized for its exceptionally dark night skies, making it a good destination for stargazing. Because it is remote and includes a range of terrain, visitors should plan ahead for fuel, supplies, weather, and road conditions.
Final Thoughts
Big Bend is worth visiting if you enjoy scenic drives, history, stargazing, and exploring places that feel a long way from a city. It's especially appealing if you have a suitable 4x4 and want to explore some of the park's more remote roads.
We spent several days exploring and still had things left on our list. Old Ore Road would be enough to bring me back, and next time I'd like to add kayaking and the hot springs if the weather cooperates.
Big Bend isn't a park you have to experience entirely on foot. That worked out well for me on this trip, and it gave us plenty of reasons to return.
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