Texas's Big Bend National Park is quite an interesting park to consider. It's burning hot, it's bone dry, it's in the middle of nowhere, and it's absolutely amazing. Seriously, forget Yellowstone, Big Bend is a land filled with enchanting secrets that are just waiting to be explored. There's no better place to go to get away from normal life and experience the unparalleled beauty of West Texas! Here's what you should see and do at Big Bend-- and why you should go:
215 Sunridge Way, Allen, Texas, United States
Boquillas Crossing, Alpine, Texas, United States
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, Big Bend National Park, Texas, United States
The Pine Canyon Trail is a not-frequently traversed hiking trail, but after a heavy rain the payoff can be pretty spectacular as it leads to a waterfall. Though most of the year there's just a trickle, after a downpour, there's a substantial cascade that makes this hike absolutely worth it.
The hike to Balanced Rock is pretty easy, although there is some rock scrambling towards the end, and the payoff is incredible. You get views of the surreal landscape, dotted with strange rock formations, culminating with the utterly massive balanced rock. Best taken in the morning or late afternoon since there's little shade, it's good for kids and adults alike.
One of the shortest but most impactful hikes at Big Bend is the trail to The Window. Rocks frame a stunning overlook providing an epic view of the desert landscape. It's a great photo op, and an easy trail to hike during sunrise or sunset, when soft, colorful light paints the desert in stunning beauty.
Big Bend is a desert, but in a hidden oasis, you'll find an unexpected sight: a waterfall, Cattail Falls. The lush greenery around the falls is blissful, and since it's a little tricky to find, the feeling of arriving here is one of triumph and delight.
Cottonwood Campground Road, Big Bend National Park, Texas, United States
For kayakers, Santa Elena Canyon is another must. Overnight and multi-night backcountry camping trips are popular with kayakers looking to spend time exploring the river as it winds through the canyon, with its incredibly huge 1,500 foot walls. You can also paddle upstream to Fern Canyon and then float back to the put-in for a day trip.
Indian Head Road, Terlingua, Texas, United States
In true Texas fashion, you can find Wild West ghost towns dotted in the region around the park. The main one is called Terlingua, a former mining community. You can see the abandoned Chisos Mining Company buildings, where they dug up cinnabar to extract mercury in the late 19th century. Terlingua is most known for the chili-cooking competition they hold each year!
The best time of year to visit Big Bend National Park is the spring or the fall. The desert is a land of extremes: summer brings heat that often reaches 100 degrees, and winter brings snow and temperatures that dip into the 30s. That being said, whether you choose to brave the heat or the crowds, Big Bend is absolutely worth visiting.
