Big Bend National Park: Our Review & Ratings

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.

Denali National Park & Preserve: Mountains, Glaciers, and a View from Above

Date Visited: August 17, 2019
Location: Alaska
Official Website: Denali National Park & Preserve

Our Review

Some places are beautiful, and some places make you stop and reconsider just how much there is to see in the world. Denali was firmly in the second category for me.

I visited Denali National Park & Preserve with my dad before an Alaskan cruise. We had limited time, and unfortunately, part of the park road was closed during our visit. That meant we didn't get to explore as much of the park from the ground as we would have liked. Still, we found a way to see some incredible scenery, and the experience left a lasting impression.

One of the highlights was taking a plane tour from outside the park. Seeing the mountains, snow, and glaciers from the air was spectacular. I was overwhelmed by how many different views there were, and watching my dad enjoy the experience made it even more memorable. Sometimes the best part of a trip isn't just what you see, but getting to see someone else experience it, too.

The glaciers were especially fascinating. Growing up in Texas, ice isn't exactly something I spend much time thinking about beyond the occasional winter storm and a freezer full of it. I hadn't fully understood the movement and formation of glaciers before this visit. Seeing them in person, and learning more about the science behind these enormous rivers of ice, gave me a new appreciation for the landscape. It was beautiful, but it was also a chance to understand a part of the natural world that felt very far removed from home.

We saw birds during our visit, although wildlife viewing wasn't a major highlight for us. Denali is known for its wildlife, including moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears, and wolves, but sightings are never guaranteed. With the road closure limiting our exploration, we didn't get the opportunity to experience as much of the park as we might have under different circumstances.

That road closure was easily the biggest disappointment. We spent about three hours between entering the park and taking in the surrounding scenery from the air. A significant portion of our time was also spent driving from Anchorage, so this was a fairly short visit to a very large park.

Even so, Denali was absolutely worth visiting. The mountains and glaciers alone made the trip memorable, and the aerial experience gave us a perspective we couldn't have gotten from the road. I'd love to return someday with more time to explore, see more wildlife, and experience more of the park on the ground.

Our Ratings

Scenery & Views: Excellent

The mountains, snow, and glaciers were spectacular. The variety of views from the air made a huge impression on me, and this was easily my favorite part of the visit.

Wildlife: Fair

I mainly remember seeing birds. Denali offers opportunities to see much more wildlife, but our limited exploration meant I couldn't give this category a higher rating based on our own experience.

History & Education: Good

Learning about glaciers was a real highlight. I came away with a better understanding of how glaciers form and move, which made the landscape even more interesting.

Scenic Driving: Unable to Assess

The park road closure prevented us from exploring as much as we had planned. I don't think our experience was a fair test of what driving through more of the park would be like.

Overall Rating: Worth Visiting 🖒

Denali made a strong impression despite our limited time and the road closure. The scenery was unforgettable, and the experience of seeing glaciers from the air made the visit worthwhile.

How Much Time Do You Need?

We spent approximately three hours in the park and viewing the surrounding mountains and glaciers from the air. That worked for our particular visit, but I would recommend allowing more time if you want to explore the park in greater depth.

Denali is enormous, and the amount you can experience depends heavily on road access, transportation options, and the activities you choose. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring farther along the park road can turn a brief visit into a multi-day adventure.

Practical Tips for Visiting Denali

• Check road conditions before you go. This was the biggest issue during our visit. A road closure can substantially change what you can see and do, so check the official Denali conditions page before committing to your plans.

• Consider an aerial tour. Seeing the mountains and glaciers from above was one of my favorite parts of the experience. Our flight departed from outside the park, so research departure locations and travel time when planning.

• Give yourself more time if possible. Three hours was enough for our abbreviated visit, but Denali has far more to offer than we managed to experience.

• Don't count on seeing specific wildlife. The park is home to many iconic Alaskan animals, but sightings depend on conditions, location, and a little luck.

• Prepare for a different kind of landscape. If you're visiting from somewhere like Texas, the glaciers alone may give you an entirely new appreciation for how the natural world works.

Official Park Summary

According to the National Park Service, Denali National Park & Preserve protects approximately six million acres of wilderness in Alaska. Its landscape ranges from taiga forest to alpine tundra and snow-covered mountains, with Denali, North America's tallest mountain, as its defining feature. The Denali Park Road provides access to much of the visitor experience, with transportation options and road access varying by season. The park is known for its wildlife, expansive wilderness, and opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

For current information about transportation, road access, activities, and seasonal conditions, visit the official National Park Service website.

Final Thoughts

Denali was a worthwhile stop on our Alaskan adventure, even though we didn't get to see as much of it as we had hoped. The mountains and glaciers were beautiful, and sharing the aerial experience with my dad made it even more special. I also left with a better understanding of glaciers, which was an unexpected bonus.

The road closure was frustrating, but it didn't erase what made the visit memorable. If I return, I'd plan for more time and a better opportunity to explore the park itself.

Would I return? Absolutely. There is still so much of Denali I haven't seen, and I'd like to give this incredible place the time it deserves.

Everglades National Park: Our Review & Ratings

We visited Everglades National Park on January 14, 2012, during a cruise trip. We spent a few hours exploring the area, with a guided boat tour as the main event. We wanted to see wildlife, and the Everglades delivered on that front.

Our Visit

We took a guided boat tour through the wetlands, which gave us a chance to see the landscape and its wildlife from the water. There was a wide variety of scenery, from trees to wetlands, and it was interesting to see how much life was packed into the area.

The alligators were the big attraction for me. We saw lots of them. Lots. I'm glad we were watching from a boat at a comfortable distance, though. I expected to be more scared than I actually was, but that doesn't mean I wanted to get any closer. I have a healthy respect for animals that could decide I'm lunch.

Evan especially enjoyed the airboat experience and seeing the animals. He liked how distinct the Everglades felt compared with other national parks. Each park has its own character, and the Everglades has a very particular one, shaped by its wetlands and the variety of life they support.

We didn't do any hiking or explore the park on foot, so our visit was limited to what we could see from the boat. There was plenty to keep us interested for a few hours, and we got what we came for: wildlife and a look at a very different environment.

Favorite Things

The alligators were my favorite part. Seeing so many of them in their natural habitat was memorable, and the boat was a good way to observe them without getting uncomfortably close.

Evan's favorite was the combination of the airboat tour and the wildlife. The Everglades isn't just another place with a nice view. Its ecosystem gives it a character of its own, and the animals are a big part of what makes it interesting.

Things to Know Before Visiting

• Allow a few hours at minimum. We spent a few hours focused on wildlife and felt that was worthwhile. Evan thought a day or two would give visitors a more complete experience.

• Consider a guided boat tour. This was the main way we explored the park, and it worked well for us. There are different ways to experience the Everglades, including boat tours, airboats, hiking, and paddling.

• Keep your distance from wildlife. The alligators were fascinating to watch, but I was perfectly happy to observe them from the boat. Admiring them from a safe distance is a good arrangement for everyone involved.

• Think about the weather. Evan would avoid the height of summer. South Florida's wet season typically runs from May through November, when rain and mosquitoes can be more of a factor.

• Bring ear protection for an airboat tour. Evan's advice was to bring your favorite earplugs. It is probably worth taking that suggestion seriously if you're sensitive to noise.

Our Ratings

We use a five-point scale for activity ratings: 1 = Poor, 2 = Below Average, 3 = Average, 4 = Good, and 5 = Excellent. Ratings below reflect the activities we actually tried.

Category	Judy	Evan
Scenery	4/5, Good	4/5, Good
Wildlife	4/5, Good	5/5, Excellent
Water activities	4/5, Good	5/5, Excellent
Overall experience	4/5, Good for a specific interest	4/5, Worth visiting

Judy's overall rating: Good for a specific interest. I enjoyed the wildlife and the boat tour, and the Everglades was worth visiting for that experience.

Evan's overall rating: Worth visiting. He especially enjoyed the airboat tour and the wildlife, and appreciated how different the Everglades is from other national parks.

We didn't hike, geocache, camp, or explore the park's historical sites, so those activities aren't rated as experiences from this visit.

Official Park Information

Visit the official Everglades National Park website for current information and trip planning.

Everglades National Park protects approximately 1.5 million acres in South Florida, including wetlands, mangrove forests, coastal areas, and other habitats. Established in 1947, it was the first national park created specifically to protect biodiversity. The park supports a wide variety of wildlife, including American alligators, crocodiles, wading birds, and the endangered Florida panther. Visitors can explore by boat, bicycle, kayak, or on foot, and guided tours offer ways to learn about the park's ecosystems. Because the park is so large, its different entrances provide access to distinct areas, so it's worth planning ahead to choose the experience you want.

Final Thoughts

We enjoyed our visit to Everglades National Park, particularly because of the wildlife and the opportunity to see the wetlands from the water. A few hours was enough to give us a taste of the place, but there is clearly much more to explore than we managed on this trip.

If you enjoy wildlife, especially alligators, the Everglades is worth visiting. I'd be interested in trying a ranger-led wetland walk if we return. For now, I'm happy with the alligators we saw from the boat. We had a good view, and they had no reason to know we were there.

Yosemite National Park: Our Review & Ratings

Date Visited: July 2008
Location: California
Official Website: Yosemite National Park

Our Visit to Yosemite

Some national parks are best explored on foot, with hiking boots and a trail map. My visit to Yosemite National Park took a different route: I saw most of the park from a raft on the river.

I spent a day at Yosemite with friends and went white-water rafting. I'm a fan of rafting, so this was a great way to experience the park while doing something I already love. The views were beautiful, and I enjoyed watching the mountains and trees change as we moved along the river. There was something particularly memorable about experiencing the landscape from the water instead of simply driving past it.

The sound of the water was one of my favorite parts of the visit. Between the rushing river and the surrounding scenery, there was plenty to take in without needing to cover miles of hiking trails. I mainly remember seeing birds when it came to wildlife, but the scenery itself was the real highlight.

One thing I hadn't fully appreciated before getting on the river was just how cold the water could be. Even wearing a wetsuit, I was shocked by the initial chill when we got in. It was definitely refreshing, although there was a moment when I wondered whether the river had been holding its own private winter.

Once I got past that first shock, the rafting was a great experience. The trip was run by guides who weren't affiliated with the National Park Service, so this was a separate guided activity rather than a park-operated tour.

I spent about a day at Yosemite, and that felt like the right amount of time for the experience I wanted. I love rafting, and the physical effort was worth it. The rest of the visit was relatively easy on my body, too.

Of course, Yosemite has far more to offer than one rafting trip. I didn't record visits to specific trails, famous landmarks, or other attractions, so I won't pretend I explored every corner of this enormous park. What I do remember is the water, the views, and how enjoyable it was to share the experience with friends.

Our Ratings

These ratings reflect the activities I actually experienced during my visit, rather than everything Yosemite has to offer.

Scenery & Views: Very Good

I saw most of the park from the river, and the views were lovely. Watching the mountains and trees change along the rafting route was a highlight of the day.

Wildlife: Good

I mainly saw birds during my visit. Wildlife was a pleasant part of the experience, although it wasn't the main reason I enjoyed the park.

Water Activities: Good

White-water rafting was a great experience. The water was shockingly cold at first, even with a wetsuit, but the trip was well worth the effort.

Overall Rating: Worth Visiting 🖒

Yosemite was a beautiful place to experience from the water. I enjoyed the scenery, the sound of the river, and the rafting adventure with friends. I'd happily recommend it to someone who enjoys outdoor activities and spectacular natural surroundings.

How Much Time Do You Need?

I spent one day at Yosemite, and that was perfect for the visit I wanted.

If you're interested in rafting and taking in the scenery, a day can provide a satisfying experience. However, Yosemite is much larger than its famous valley, and there are plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, viewpoints, and other areas to explore. If you want to experience several parts of the park, I'd recommend allowing more time.

The amount of hiking and physical effort required will depend on what you choose to do. My rafting trip took some work, but the rest of my visit was relatively easy on my body.

Practical Tips for Visiting Yosemite

• Consider seeing the park from the water. A rafting trip offered me a different perspective on the scenery and was one of the highlights of my visit.

• Don't underestimate the cold water. Even with a wetsuit, the initial shock of getting into the river surprised me. Ask your outfitter about equipment and conditions before your trip.

• Check rafting conditions and seasonal availability. River conditions vary throughout the year, and the timing of your visit can affect which trips are available. Confirm details with a rafting outfitter before planning your day around it.

• Allow enough time for your interests. One day worked well for my rafting-focused visit, but hikers and visitors hoping to explore multiple areas should plan for longer.

• Check the official park website before you go. Road access, trail conditions, seasonal services, and any reservation requirements can affect your plans. Start with the National Park Service's Yosemite website.

Official Park Summary

Yosemite National Park protects nearly 1,200 square miles of the Sierra Nevada in California. The park is known for its dramatic granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, deep valleys, giant sequoias, mountain meadows, and diverse wildlife. Its landscape was shaped in large part by glaciers, which carved many of the distinctive rock formations visitors see today. Yosemite offers opportunities for hiking, camping, scenic sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and river-based recreation. The park was first protected in 1864, and its remarkable natural features continue to draw visitors from around the world.

For more information about the park, its attractions, and planning a visit, see the official Yosemite National Park website.

Final Thoughts

Yosemite was a memorable day outdoors, and white-water rafting made it a particularly fun way to experience the park. I loved the sound of the water and the views of the mountains and trees along the route. The cold water was a surprise, but it didn't take away from the experience.

I didn't explore enough of Yosemite to claim that I've seen everything it has to offer. What I did experience was beautiful, enjoyable, and worth the visit. For someone who enjoys rafting and scenic outdoor adventures, Yosemite offers a wonderful setting for a day on the river.

Would I recommend Yosemite? Yes. My visit was centered on rafting rather than hiking or sightseeing on foot, but the scenery made the experience special. I'd be interested in seeing more of the park on a future visit.