Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

Things to Do in Big Bend: Hiking

To get into Big Bend National Park costs $30 per car for 7 days. You can bring your own gear for camping or you can stay in nearby Terlingua. There are so many hiking trails, but I’ve covered some of the easier (but still rough) and most breathtaking trails.

Santa Elena Canyon

The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is about a 1.6-mile round trip hike and is one of the most iconic easy-to-moderate hikes in the park. Before you reach the canyon, you first have to cross the bed of Terlingua Creek, and conditions can change a lot depending on recent rain. Sometimes it is dry sand, and other times it can be muddy or flowing, so it is worth checking current trail conditions before you go. Once you make the crossing, the trail climbs to a beautiful overlook before following the river into the canyon.

Made it to the top of the Santa Elena Canyon hike and saw some sea fossils along the way! Keeping my energy high with High Brew Cold Brew.

Balanced Rock

Just like the name says, Balanced Rock is, well, a rock balanced on other rocks. To get there, you’ll take the Grapevine Hills Trail, which is about 2.2 miles round trip and usually takes 1 to 2 hours. The last stretch involves scrambling over larger rocks, so it is a fun one for adventurous hikers. Also note that Grapevine Hills Road is very rough and the park recommends a sturdy high-clearance vehicle rather than a standard passenger car.

However, the view that you get from the top is absolutely amazing. We found ourselves relaxing on the little bit of shade and looking out across the desert. If you’re a fan of coffee, you are going to love High Brew Coffee. I take it on all of my road trips because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and it’s low in sugar. Their whole brand is around people who get out and go on adventures and I love aligning myself with brands that match my lifestyle. There’s only one grocery store in Terlingua, the city where stayed, and they were stocked with High Brew! Plus, they are an Austin brand and clearly, I love Texas 😉

Hot Springs

The Hot Springs hike is definitely one of the easiest hikes, but it’s worth it for natural hot tub! It’s a special treat in the evenings of the colder months when it gets warmer, but it’s still nice to visit year-round. The Hot Springs are right next to the Boquillas border too, so I recommend visiting these after the village.

Panther Junction

The drive through Panther Junction is incredible. This constantly looping road has something new to see around every corner. My husband made fun of me because I wanted to pull over on the side of the road about every 100 yards for a new photo or to check out a different hiking trail.

Panther Junction is still worth stopping at, but treat it more like a practical hub than a meal stop. It’s a great place to check in at the visitor center, top off gas, and grab limited snacks, drinks, or convenience items before heading deeper into the park. Since services in Big Bend can change seasonally, I always recommend checking current conditions before counting on food options inside the park.

Things to Do in Big Bend: Boquillas, Mexico

Inside Big Bend National Park is a small border crossing into Boquillas, Mexico. As of June 2026, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is operating Friday through Monday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so be sure to confirm current hours before your trip in case that changes. Boquillas is a simple, secluded town, but it’s a memorable side trip for lunch, shopping, and the experience of crossing into Mexico from the park.

In order to cross, bring a valid passport book or passport card and some cash since many small purchases on the Mexico side are easiest with cash. After clearing the port of entry, you’ll walk to the river where a small boat ride takes you across for a fee. From there you can continue into town by truck, donkey, horse, or on foot. One of the most popular stops is Jose Falcon’s, which has beautiful mountain views and a larger menu.

The second is Boquillas Cafe, which is much smaller, but still packs some serious flavor. Their menu consists of tamales, goat tacos, and one other dish. Both are unique in their own way and just because Jose Falcones is the bigger of the two, doesn’t mean you should discount Boquillas Cafe.

Things to Do in Big Bend: Terlingua Ghost Town

Unless you are roughing, it’s likely you will be staying in Terlingua Ghost Town. Terlingua used to be a mining town and then when mining failed most people left for their homes to decay. You will see a lot of these old houses, but Terlingua is slowly becoming more populated with the influx of tourists and people enjoying a more off-grid life.

In Terlingua you will find some pretty amazing restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, tour companies, and lots of history.

Where to Stay in Big Bend National Park

As I mentioned a little earlier, you’re more than likely going to be staying in Terlingua when visiting. I truly loved the glamping experience and found something for those who like luxury and for those who like outdoor luxury!

Tipi

Staying in the tipis at Basecamp Terlingua was probably one of the most unique experiences! It’s basically like a Tardis (a nerd joke). I could not believe how big and luxurious it was inside. The tipis come with running water, a fridge, microwave, and a cooling system so we lacked nothing. You share the restrooms with other tipi-stayers, but there are enough so that everyone has their privacy. The views of the stars at night are unbelievable.

The tipi does not completely close so this is probably the most adventurous of them all, but we were never bothered.

Airstream

The Desert Pearl is a vintage airstream with Terlingua Rentals and was great for its funky vibes! We had everything we needed to sleep in comfort and the air stream was surprisingly spacious.

What I also love about Terlingua Rentals is that they have a mixture of different properties, so if you want to try two different experiences or the one you want isn’t available all of the nights you are able to do some mix and matching.

Ultimate Luxury: Casa Piedra

Not really a fan of glam ping and want the most comfort? Terlingua Rentals also has some higher end properties for ultimate comfort while still having the outdoors!

Things to Do in Big Bend: Final Thoughts

The daunting drive to Big Bend meant that it took me longer to make my way here than I should have! However, I wish I had gone sooner, and I wish I had stayed longer. I feel like we barely got to scratch the surface of hiking in the two days that we were there even though we packed quite a bit in. Between the hiking, Boquillas, Terlingua, and the glamping experience there we so things to do in Big Bend National Park and I wish I had more time to soak it in.

After heading to Big Bend, we also stopped by Marfa and Alpine on our way to El Paso. It’s a great way to make a road trip!