This Remote National Park In The South Is Such A Beautiful, Under-The-Radar Gem
Do you want to get away from it all? Forget the city and your everyday life for a bit and take a trip to the southern border. In West Texas, you'll discover a gorgeous and remote park with some of the most incredible landscapes in the country. Big Bend National Park sits 220 miles from Odessa and 42 miles from the town of Terlingua. It has so much to offer, including an entire mountain range — the Chisos Mountains — inside its borders.
Visitors can go on incredible hikes and drives, kayak down the Rio Grande, see ancient rock art and volcanic formations, and camp under the shockingly beautiful night sky. In 2012, Big Bend National Park was declared an International Dark Sky Park, with the darkest night skies in the lower 48 states. Take advantage of this natural wonder by bringing a portable telescope to indulge in some astronomy.
The park, open all day, every day, all year, boasts over 150 miles of hiking trails through the mountains, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande and covers a whopping 800,000 acres. You can see over 450 types of birds, as well as mountain lions, elk, javelina, rabbits, black bears, pipistrelle bats, and bobcats. It has everything you could ask for in a park.
Hike, kayak, and drive through a magical landscape
People have lived in the area that makes up Big Bend National Park for over 10,000 years, and some left evidence of their presence. On the Chimneys Trail, you can see ancient pictographs at the base of "chimneys" or volcanic dikes. The moderate hike spans 4.8 miles roundtrip, with the chimneys about 2.4 miles in. If you prefer the mountains, you can embark on an intense trek to the top of Emory Peak at the Chisos Basin Trailhead. You'll travel 10.5 miles roundtrip, with a scramble up the rocks at the end, but it's worth it for the 360-degree view at the highest point in the park. Another stunning option is Santa Elena Canyon, which famous photographer Ansel Adams once photographed. Don't forget your camera; the relatively easy 1.7-mile roundtrip hike has drawn in many explorers with its excellent photo ops.
You can also drive along the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. You'll see the Mules Ears viewpoint, the 1916 Sam Neil Ranch, and the Santa Elena Canyon. Augment your trip by taking a kayak down the Rio Grande through the canyons as you watch turtles sunning themselves. Note that the opposite bank rests in Mexico, and you cannot land there. You will need a backcountry permit to complete the river trip, which you can get at the Panther Junction Visitor Center, an entrance pass for $30 per vehicle, or an Annual Park Pass. The center has a post office, exhibits, restrooms, and potable water.
Camping under spectacular starlight in Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is an incredible location for camping, but you'll need to make reservations in advance for its several campsites. (Ground fires are not allowed in the park, but you can use the above-ground grill with charcoal.) The Chisos Basin Campground provides tent-only options and a few larger group sites. It sits in the middle of the park at 5,400 feet above sea level in the center of the mountain range, with some wonderful sunset views. Many hiking trails start there as well.
If you want to camp by the river, consider the Rio Grande Village Campsite or the remote Cottonwood Campground near Santa Elena Canyon. The latter only offers vault toilets, but the scenery makes staying there worth it. (Try this pool noodle hack to keep your tent safe.) You can visit the Rio Grande Village RV Campground nearby if you've got an RV. For less primitive accommodation, head to the Chisos Mountains Lodge in Chisos Basin at 5,400 feet with charming rooms, cottages, a dining room, and a store.
You'll want to consider the weather when planning your trip, as it can hit over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer by the Rio Grande. The rest of the year feels much more comfortable, though it can get chilly in the winter. Ensure you use sunscreen (here are some reef-safe options to try) and stay hydrated.