Things to Do in Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is among Texas’ most impressive natural marvels on the boundary with Mexico, divided by a big bend in the Rio Grande River.
Hills, deserts, and the river integrate to make this area an impressive outside play area for walkers, campers, canoers, birders, and nature lovers.
Even if you are simply up for a drive via the park, you’ll discover fascinating websites and scenery along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Also, a quick stop at the Fossil Discovery Display or a take in the thermal springs will produce a particular day.
If that’s inadequate, take a short watercraft flight to Mexico for lunch, find the most effective location to take pleasure in sundown, and stay in a deluxe lodge. Please make sure to quit at one of the visitor centers for a park map and information on problems; after that, go out to discover, using our listing of points to do in Big Bend National Forest.
1. Walking Santa Elena Canyon
Among Large Bend National Forests, the most spectacular walkins and the very best reward-to-effort ratio of any walk in the park are the Santa Elena Canyon Trail.
This wonderful 1.7-mile round-trip stroll adheres to the edge of the Rio Grande River right into the Santa Elena Canyon, where sheer, 1,500-feet-high wall surfaces rise on each side of the river over you.
When the water is reduced, you can wade out into the canyon from the far end of the trail. The walking ascends approximately 80 feet, offering outstanding views over the river near the beginning.
2. Soak in the Hot Springs
One of the most popular things to do in the Rio Grande Village location is to swim in the 105-degree-Fahrenheit waters of the natural warm springs on the edge of the Rio Grande.
If you get too hot, you can cool off with a fast dip in the river. The primitive swimming pool is located twenty-five miles from the parking area, along a route running previous pictographs and the remains of an old hotel from the early 1900s.
If you have time and wish to see some unbelievable views out over the Rio Grande and mountains, it’s worth walking the75-mile hot springs loop. This scenic trail adds along a ridge over the warm springs and uses views backward and forwards of the river.
3. Learn about the Area’s Natural History at the Fossil Discovery Exhibition
On the drive below Marathon, north of Panther Joint, quit at the Fossil Exploration Exhibit to learn more about the park’s geology. Opened up in 2017, this display screen includes outside spaces with functional plaques and screens.
The unique items are a giant alligator’s bronze head and a Bravoceratops dinosaur. Also, on the ceiling in one of the areas, a vast pterosaur, the largest flying animal ever understood.