Covering the largest portion of the Chihuahua Desert, Big Bend beckons travelers with its geological marvels, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Within the 801,163-acre area, you’ll find over 200 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, impressive overlooks, and incredibly diverse wildlife, including over 450 bird species. The iconic Rio Grande meanders 118 miles through the park, forming its southern boundary. Spring is the perfect time to experience the best of this widely underrated park. Here are the top things you can do there.
Explore the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
This scenic drive winds through the western slopes of the Chisos Mountains, one of Big Bend’s most striking features. The mountain range is the only one in the US within a single National Park. Throughout the 30-mile paved drive, you’ll enjoy a diverse habitat with plenty of scenic pullovers to take in the surreal scenery.
Stay in Chisos Lodge for Breathtaking Views
Chisos Lodge is Big Bend’s only lodging and a great option if you want to make the most of your time in the park. It sits at 5,400 feet above sea level in the Chisos Basin, offering access to top-rated hiking trails, impressive mountain vistas, and desert views. Staying at the lodge is a must-have springtime experience, with fantastic accommodation options like the famous Roosevelt Stone Cottages that often fill up a year in advance.
Enjoy Outdoor Fun in the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is the natural USA-Mexico border and a defining feature of this Texas national park. The river offers impressive spring outdoor fun opportunities, from scenic nature walks with grand vistas to floating adventures. If you want to enjoy the scenery from the water, you can book excursions that range from half-day to several days. (A permit is required for all floating trips.)
Hike the Lost Mine Trail to Townsend Point
From many impressive overlooks to its proximity to the Chisos Basin and the Chisos Mountains Lodge, the Lost Mine Trail offers incredible views. It’s one of the most popular routes to Townsend Point, which towers 7,574 feet in the Chisos. From the mountain summit, you’ll be amazed by the views of surrounding peaks, the Rio Grande, and the stunning desert terrain.
Hike the Window Trail
The Window Trail offers a blend of desert landscapes and rolling hills, with a dramatic narrow gap among the towering peaks of the Chisos Mountains. The 5.5-mile hike is truly staggering, and you might even spot some wildlife along the way, including mountain lions and black bears.
Hike the Hot Springs Trail
Hot Springs Trail is a must-do for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs. Hiking the one-mile loop trail is a brilliant step back before Big Bend became a national park. Portions of what’s now Big Bend once operated as a resort whose remains are highlighted along this 30-minute hike. You’ll also pass through the hot springs and ruins of a homestead.
Explore Santa Elena Canyon Trail
One of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the Big Bend, Santa Elena Canyon, was formed by the Rio Grande cutting through it over millions of years. To fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty, the sheer size of the gorge, and the solitude of the area, hike the Santa Elena Canyon Trail. It’s one of those hikes that remains unforgettable and a must-do in spring.
Admire the Scenery of Chisos Basin Valley via the Chisos Basin Loop
Chisos Basin Loop’s incredible vistas make it a worthwhile Big Bend experience in spring. It’s among the easiest hikes in the basin, making it great for beginners. It offers gorgeous views from all directions, but since it has rocky portions, ensure you bring proper footwear to maximize your experience.
Emory Peak Offers Unbeatable Views of Big Bend
No hiker visits Big Bend National Park without hiking to Emory Peak, the park’s highest point. It offers unparalleled views of the park, including the Chisos, the Rio Grande, and the stunning desert landscape. Hike the Pinnacles Trail to the Emory Peak trail junction. From there, take the Emory Peak Trail to the summit. It’s a challenging route involving steep climbs and some scrambles, but the 360-degree views you get from the top make it worthwhile.
Jaw-Dropping Views of Big Bend’s Wonders at South Rim Trail
One of the best ways to capture the scenery of Big Bend is by hiking the South Rim Trail. The hike is challenging but rewarding; you’ll see much of the Chisos Mountain Range. The trail guarantees a diverse scenery, including the spectacular and expansive Chihuahuan Desert and the Chisos Basin.
Cross the Border to the Small Town of Boquillas del Carmen
Boquillas del Carmen is a small village with a population of about 200. Crossing the border to this town is a must-do in spring. You can walk across the river at the Boquillas Crossing. The village is only a half mile away, so you can walk to it after crossing the river or get there on horseback, in a car, or on a burro.
Don’t Miss Camping at Rio Grande Village Campground
Rio Grande Village Campground enjoys a scenic location in a grove of acacia trees and cottonwoods near the Rio Grande. The campground has 94 sites, including four group sites. Running water, flush toilets, and picnic tables are amenities you’ll enjoy here. The campground boasts proximity to amazing facilities, including a park visitor center.
Hike the Ernst Tinaja Through a Slot Canyon with a Stunning Waterhole
Ernst Tinaja Trail is one of Big Bend National Park’s best-hidden gems. It’s a fun little hike that meanders through a slot canyon to a stunning waterhole (tinaja), the main draw. The hole is spring-fed, so it never dries up, even in the hot season, and since it’s a vital water source for the desert animals that thrive in the park, you may spot one or two wonderful creatures.
Enjoy the Fossil Discovery Exhibit in Big Bend
If you are a fan of pre-history, you’ll love getting through the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. It offers a unique opportunity to get an insight into Big Bend’s rich fossil record via an incredible display of prehistoric flora and fauna. It’s a whopping 130 million years of geologic history and is worth your time during springtime.
A Hike to Balanced Rock is a Must-Do in Spring
Sometimes referred to as the Grapevine Hills, the Balanced Rock Hike is one of the best things to do in Big Bend in spring. It’s famous for its incredible scenery, including views of unique rock formations. The real highlight of the trail, however, is the Balanced Rock, one of the park’s most magical geological features. The climb up the quirky rock is fun, and you’ll also enjoy the photo opportunities it presents.
