Big Bend National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour

In evidenza

Incluso

Itinerario

1. In 1916, Sam Nail built a two-room house here, and together with his wife Nena, raised livestock, planted pecan, walnut, and fig trees, and raised a family. The trail from the road is really easy, about a half-mile round trip, and it takes you to what’s left of these orchards, and of the house.

   15 min

2. This incredible view just off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive takes in a 360-degree view of much of the western half of the park, including Santa Elena Canyon out in the distance.

   10 min

3. A parking lot provides an easy view of the unusual Mul Ears mountain, a volanic rock formation that looks like a pair of mule ears.

   5 min

4. Three overlooks offer a glimpse into this small canyon. A trail from the southern parking lot descends into the canyon. The hike is less than a mile round trip and takes about an hour. At the time of writing, this stop was temporarily indefinitely after some rock slides.

   10 min

5. Explore the remnants of this early 20th-century community near the U.S./Mexico border. Buildings like the Alvino House and La Harmonia store interpret what life was like for the multicultural community that lived here 100 years ago. While you're here, check out the visitor center to learn more about the area, and stock up on snacks and supplies at the store. The visitor center has seasonal operations.

   30 min

6. This easily accessible viewpoint offers a stunning view of Santa Elena Canyon's mouth.

   5 min

7. Enjoy the mouth of the imposing Santa Elena Canyon, with walls 1500 feet high, just a few dozen steps away from the parking lot. There is a trail into the canyon, but reaching the trailhead requires a water crossing that may not be advisable in high water or heavy mud. If you do reach the trail on the other side, it's a 1.6-mile round trip and considered easy, aside from a couple of places with steps. Reaching the trail may require crossing Terlingua Creek, and conditions can vary with water/mud.

   30 min

8. This easy, 1-mile round trip hike takes you to the remnants of two pioneer homes belonging to the Dorgan and Sublett families. The Dorgan family's adobe house provides an interesting playground for photographers, with a stunning background vista of rock formations and the Chisos Mountains.

   30 min

9. A pulloff along the scenic drive provides access to a small observation deck to see the old Homer Wilson Ranch, what's left of a rancher's home from the early to mid-20th century. You can see the house from the observation deck, or take a 1-mile round trip hike to the house. The trail takes about 30 minutes and is considered easy, though it crosses two drainages that may flood.

   5 min

10. You could easily spend the day up in Chisos Basin, where the higher altitude means consistently cooler temperatures than the rest of the park. Start at the visitor center for a trail map, or the store to gear up on snacks and supplies. Grab a meal at the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Or take any of the several hiking trails. Everyone ought to take the 0.3-mile Window View Trail, a paved walkway that leads to a view of "The Window" in the Chisos Mountains. The 5-mile round trip, moderately difficult Lost Mine Trail is also popular.

    1 h

11. This is the primary visitor center in the park. Watch the park video, browse the gift shop, or check out the displays on the area's geography and ecosystems. You can also stroll through a garden of local plant life outside near the parking lot.

    20 min

12. This unique outdoor museum showcases the diverse fossil collection that has been discovered in Big Bend. Browse the real and replicated fossils that span over 65 million years of history.

    20 min

Cancellazione

Cancellazione gratuita fino a 24 ore prima dell’inizio, con rimborso totale.

Recensioni

I voti arrivano da 24 recensioni raccolte dal nostro partner di prenotazione. Sono parole dei viaggiatori, nell’ordine in cui sono state scritte — mai riordinate per far apparire meglio l’esperienza.

Da sapere prima di partire

How it compares in Big Bend National Park

• Its from-price is 84% below the median of the 6 experiences we list in Big Bend National Park.
• By number of reviews it ranks 2 of 6.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, in far west Texas, wraps around a great curve of the Rio Grande, with desert, deep canyons and the Chisos Mountains.

More than 3,000 square kilometres of Chihuahuan Desert lie inside the curve of the Rio Grande, which forms the park's southern boundary and the border with Mexico. The Chisos Mountains rise from the desert floor in the middle, with Emory Peak, at 2,385 metres, the highest point, and the Chisos Basin sits in a bowl among the cliffs.

Top-ranked sights in Big Bend National Park: Chisos Mountains, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Santa Elena Canyon.

See all 6 experiences in Big Bend National Park