After some time spent at home for the Holidays, we were excited to head South and explore a part of the country we had never seen before. Big Bend National Park was supposed to be the first park we visited after our van build was complete, but sadly a wildfire went through the park in April of 2020 and we had to change plans. A winter visit turned out to be just what we needed, with cool weather and low crowds, we had a great time exploring this beautiful landscape.
Where is Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend is one of the most remote parks in the United States. Located in southwest Texas, the Rio Grande River forms the boundary between the park and Mexico for 118 miles. It covers approximately 800,000 acres, but is relatively far from any city making a day trip to the park difficult.
Where to Stay in Big Bend National Park?
Because of the park’s remote location, we recommend visiting for at least 2 days and staying inside the park. There are many options, from roughing it in the backcountry to the lovely Chisos Mountains Lodge. There are also a few developed campgrounds in the park at Rio Grande Village, Chisos Basin, and along the 30 mile scenic drive. Reservations for these campgrounds can be made in advance on Recreation.gov. After an extended closure due to covid, the Chisos Mountain Lodge and restaurant were up and running, and were close to full when we visited in February.
We chose to stay at the Chisos Basin campground. It provided a great central location in the park and had a small general store where could pick up any item we might have forgotten. The drive up to Chisos Basin was beautiful and felt like a green oasis, even in winter. Emory Peak, the highest point in the Chisos Mountain Range sits at 7,825 feet, a huge contrast to the rest of the park.
Can’t Miss Spots in Big Bend National Park
Sunset at Window View – After a long day of exploring the park, the best place to catch the sunset is in the Chisos Basin Area. The Window View Trail is a very easy and paved 0.4 mile loop right behind the General Store in the Chisos Basin Area. It offers the best sunset views in the park. In the summer, the sun sets right down the middle with the Chisos mountains framing it like a window, hence the name. Although the sunset does not line up in the middle in the winter, it still made for a beautiful place to sit and watch the sun go down. We even got to see a mule deer chasing a doe. Be careful not to confuse this Window View Trail with the Window Trail. The Window Trail, which leaves from the Chisos Basin Campground, is a 5.6 mile out and back that takes you to the mountain peaks that form the frame for the Window View Trail. This is also a beautiful hike and place to watch the sunset, but do not expect to get the classic window view picture from here.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive – This 30 mile road takes you through arguably the most beautiful part of the park. Along the way there are many overlooks and short trails. Stop and take in the view of this vast park at places like the Sotol Vista Overlook, and the Mule Ears Viewpoint. This scenic drive starts off the Panther Junction Road and ends at our favorite part of the park, Santa Elena Canyon.
Santa Elena Canyon – This was by far the highlight of the park for us, and a trip to Big Bend National Park would not be the same without at least a stop to look at the Rio Grande entering into Santa Elena Canyon. This 1.7 mile hike takes you right along the edge of the Rio Grande and inside the canyon looking up at the 1500 foot rock walls around you. We actually made two trips to this area, one just before sunset and one early the next morning. Both times, we saw a few people packing their gear into canoes preparing to float the Rio Grande. Fun fact, since the international border is technically in the river, these trips are treated as international trips and you are required to have your passports if you are approached by authorities.
We had to make a short water crossing to get to the trail when we visited. The height of the crossing varies throughout the year, but the water was freezing! Totally worth it to take in the beautiful sights along the trail.
