Planning Your Time

Big Bend in One Day

Essentially, the park has a west-side and an east-side paved route to its storied attractions, branching apart at the foot of Chisos Basin Road in the heart of Big Bend. Attempting both in one day, covering an aggregate 110 miles, could be hectic and ultimately frustrating, and you'll miss the striking details that bring the park and its history to life. To the west, the goal is Santa Elena Canyon, carved by the Rio Grande. From Chisos Mountains Lodge, drive 7 miles north on Chisos Basin Road, turn west on Route 118 and connect with Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which curls past silent homesteads, stunning overlooks, the Castolon Historic District (old adobe buildings and a working general store), and a campground near the Rio Grande. Explore as many overlooks and historical sites as time allows on this 30-mile stretch until you reach Santa Elena Canyon at the southwestern rim of the park. From there, walk the Santa Elena Canyon Trail (1.7 miles round-trip). You might need to wade Terlingua Creek, then ascend a moderately steep trail cut into the canyon wall, which eventually steps down to a sandy clearing by the river. The majestic canyon is framed by gargantuan rock formations, with the Rio Grande sandwiched between sheer cliffs. Back at the trailhead, return to Route 118 via Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive or unpaved Old Maverick Road (12.8 miles; high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles only) and return east toward Chisos Basin.

A second one-day option is to explore the east side of the park from Chisos Mountains Lodge: Head east on Route 118 toward Rio Grande Village and explore Panther Junction Visitor Center, Dugout Wells, Mariscal Mine, Hot Springs, Glenn Spring, Daniels Ranch, and Boquillas Canyon. At Rio Grande Village, stroll through cottonwoods by the river, home to many birds. There's also a well-stocked convenience store for a midday snack, with gas pumps. If you have time, and a passport, cross the river at nearby Boquillas Crossing and while away a few hours in the rustic village of Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico. Return to Chisos Basin by the same route, hopefully in time to hike the short Window View Trail, where prime-time hues are captured at sunset.