Big Bend National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rugged terrain, and unique cultural experiences. Nestled in West Texas, this park offers stunning landscapes, star-studded skies, and the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind. If you’re planning a trip to this iconic destination, follow my itinerary to help you make the most of your time while exploring Marfa, Terlingua, and Big Bend National Park.
Day 1: Journey to West Texas
Our adventure began with a scenic drive through Texas, traveling from Houston and arriving at our first stop in Ozona. Staying overnight at the Hampton Inn was the perfect way to break up the long journey and prepare for the days ahead. Ozona is a small, charming town where you can grab a hearty meal and get a good night’s rest before heading to Marfa the next morning.
Pro Tip: Pack plenty of snacks, water, and a great playlist for the long drive. West Texas roads can feel endless, but they offer some of the most beautiful skies and desert views.
Day 2: Discovering Marfa’s Charm and the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Attractions in Marfa:
- Prada Marfa: This quirky roadside art installation is a must-see. While technically located in Valentine, TX, it’s just a short drive from Marfa. Snap a photo in front of this iconic structure to kick off your day.
- “Giant” Murals: Pay homage to the classic 1956 film “Giant,” which was filmed in the area. The murals are a testament to Marfa’s ties to Hollywood history.
- Hotel Paisano: This historic hotel is worth a visit for its vintage charm and connections to “Giant.” Stop by for a coffee or a quick tour of the lobby.
Other Marfa Attractions to Consider: If you have extra time, check out the Ayn Foundation, the Chinati Foundation, or The Sentinel. Unfortunately, we couldn’t fit these into our schedule, but they’re highly recommended.
After exploring Marfa, we headed south through Alpine, Texas to Big Bend National Park via the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, one of the most breathtaking routes in the area. The drive offers panoramic views of the Chihuahuan Desert, with stops at Mule Ears and Sotol Vista for stunning photo ops. We caught the sunset at Sotol Vista, which was truly magical.
Attraction We Missed: The Santa Elena Canyon hike is highly rated for its incredible views of towering canyon walls carved by the Rio Grande. While we didn’t have time for it, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary if you can. In warmer temps, the canoe tours look amazing!
Dinner Stop: Long Draw Pizza in Terlingua
Before checking in to our unique Airbnb, we stopped in Terlingua for dinner. Long Draw Pizza serves up delicious, fresh-made pizza in a cozy atmosphere—a great way to refuel after a day of travel.
Day 3: Big Bend’s Hidden Gems and Terlingua Ghost Town
We started our day early with a sunrise hike on the Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park. This 4.8-mile trail is one of the most popular in the park, and for good reason—it offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and desert. Arrive early to secure parking, as spots fill up quickly. We spent a solid hour at the peak, enjoying the lunch we packed and taking plenty of photos.
Hike Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (some uphill climbing but worth the effort)
Hike We Missed: If you have time, consider adding the Window Trail to your itinerary. This 5.5-mile hike offers dramatic views of the park’s iconic “window” rock formation.
After our hike, we headed back to Terlingua for a mix of relaxation and local culture. Highlights included:
- Trading Post: Perfect for picking up unique souvenirs, like handmade pottery and local art.
- Ghost Town and Cemetery Tour: This self-guided tour takes you through the remains of Terlingua’s mining history. It’s eerie, fascinating, and offers a glimpse into the town’s past.
- Dinner at Starlight Theatre: One of the most iconic restaurants in Terlingua, this spot combines great food, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to arrive when they open at 5 PM to grab a table! The margaritas hit the spot, and they’re famous for their chili!
Day 4: Hot Springs, Boquillas, and Balanced Rock
Our final full day was packed with adventure, and it was definitely my favorite day, packed with so much fun. We began with a short hike to the Hot Springs Trail, where you can soak in the historic hot springs along the Rio Grande. One side of the river is the U.S., and the other side is Mexico. The warm water is a welcome treat, especially during the cool morning hours.
Next, we crossed the border into Mexico via the Boquillas Port of Entry. A quick “ferry” ride (small boat being ‘driven’ by a man walking through the waters on foot) took us to the small Mexican village of Boquillas. From there, we opted for a fun donkey ride into town (horseback rides are also available).
Lunch Spot: Jose Falcon’s Restaurant
This charming restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine with incredible views of the Rio Grande. The laid-back atmosphere and delicious food make it a memorable stop.
After returning to the U.S., we drove to the Grapevine Hills Trailhead to hike to Balanced Rock. This short 1.9-mile trail is relatively easy, with a bit of rock scrambling (“bouldering”) near the end. The reward? A massive, gravity-defying boulder perched between two rock formations, offering one of the most Instagram-worthy views in the park. Note: The 6-mile road you drive to get into the trailhead is a bumpy one; we would not have made it without our 4WD truck.
Hike We Missed: If time allows, consider tackling the Upper Buro Mesa Trail (3.5 miles), which offers sweeping views of the surrounding mesas.
Dinner at the Airbnb: We wrapped up the day by cooking fajitas at our cozy Airbnb. After days of restaurant meals, this was a refreshing way to wind down and enjoy a homemade dinner outside by the fire pit. We ended the night stargazing and cooking s’mores!
Day 5: Saying Goodbye to Big Bend
We packed up and began the long drive back to Houston, reminiscing about the incredible experiences and breathtaking landscapes of Big Bend. While the trip was action-packed, it also left us longing for more time to explore this remote and magical part of Texas. Fun fact: Big Bend National Park is bigger than the state of Rhode Island!
Packing Essentials for Big Bend
Here’s what we packed to make our trip smooth and enjoyable:
- Passports: Required for crossing into Boquillas.
- Hiking Gear: Comfortable hiking boots, trekking poles, a backpack, and plenty of water.
- Cold Weather Layers: Mornings and evenings were chilly when we visited (January), so pack jackets, gloves, and beanies if needed.
- Photography Equipment: We brought a GoPro, Canon camera, and tripod to capture the stunning scenery.
- Yeti Gear: Coolers, ramblers, and mugs kept our drinks and food fresh during the long drives.
Where We Stayed
We booked an AirBnB outside of Terlingua, the Glowhouse. This uber remote home is a converted shipping container, offering sweeping views of the West Texas sky! The home was secluded and offered all the essentials on the inside, as well as a firepit and grill on the outside. It also had a rooftop deck for stargazing! Note that it’s about a 45-minute drive to Big Bend National Park, as are most accommodations (unless you plan on camping in the park!).
Final Thoughts on Big Bend
Big Bend National Park is a destination that truly has it all—stunning landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, soaking in hot springs, or crossing the border into Mexico, every moment feels like a new discovery.
If you’re planning a trip, I hope this itinerary inspires you to embrace the beauty and wonder of Big Bend. Happy travels!
One last photo because we don’t see skies like this in Houston, Texas:
