About the location
Big Bend National Park in SW Texas is one of the most beautiful yet untouched areas of this country. It's no question why it's featured on Anthony Bourdain's Season 12 of Parts Unknown. The park is larger than the entire state of RI and home to the gorgeous Chisos Mountains, the iconic Rio Grande river, tall limestone canyons, desert, sand and forests.
Here you will find a blending of cultures, breathtaking landscapes, a warm and passionate community, a slower pace, and an oasis of beauty, peace and solitude. The park offers hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, camping, plant and wildlife spotting, stargazing, touring Mexican villages, horseback riding, delicious BBQ, and more.
It's remoteness and low number of visitors make it that much more special, but are also what requires careful planning. This comprehensive guide is informed by personal experience, deep relationships w/ locals, and thorough research that is otherwise not easily available. Whether you camp or stay in a lodge, plan and bring everything or leave it all to the professionals - or somewhere in between - this is for you!
My cousins and I visited Big Bend in Jan 2017 for a 3-night canoe trip through the Santa Elena Canyon. It was simply one of the coolest, most meaningful, and most challenging experiences to date.
Guide Highlights
Find the top rated mountain hikes, desert walks, and canyon adventures - and the best panoramic views that come with them.
The Park has 200 miles of trails to explore and 118 miles of river. Check out the must do's, such as Emory Peak and Santa Elena Canyon.
Experience a US-Mexico border crossing at Boquillas.
Boat across the Rio Grande for a small fee and explore this Mexican village through food, artisans and color. Don't forget your passport!
Guide Summary
This comprehensive guide has everything you will need for your outdoor adventure in Big Bend, including -
An overview of the Park
Getting there
Where to stay and eat in the Park as well as neighboring towns Terlingua and Lajitas
What to do and see in the Park
Recommended local guides and outfitters
Tips & Etiquette
Packing checklist
Getting there
Where to stay and eat in the Park as well as neighboring towns Terlingua and Lajitas
What to do and see in the Park
Recommended local guides and outfitters
Tips & Etiquette
Packing checklist
Get planning your ultimate adventure and leave your mark in Big Bend National Park!
Featured in this guide
Photo spots
Laid-back or relaxation
Hiking
Historical
Biking
Kayaking / Canoeing
Great for these trips
Solo
Cultural / Historical
Family with kids
Girls / Guys Trip
Family without kids
Romantic / Honeymoon
Backpacking
Active / Adventure
Reviews
This guide has not been reviewed yet.
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Guide Architect
Maddie McElhenny
On a mission to see and experience as much of this incredible world as possible!
