Perfect One Day in Big Bend National Park Itinerary for First-Timers

Looking to plan a day trip to Texas’s wildest and most untouched national park with grand view of the Rio Grande?

One day in this remote area will be hard, but here’s a very condensed one day in Big Bend National Park itinerary. It follows the trail I took when I was on my 5 month road trip through the entire southwest, but shortened to only fit the highlights.

I did stay here for three days, as I think one day is honestly not enough time to see the park fully. This national park is a giant remote oasis in the middle of nowhere, west Texas. So it also takes a while to drive there.

But, let’s maximize your time with a jam-packed day, beginning with a sunrise in the Chisos Mountains and ending with a sunset near the iconic Santa Elena Canyon. I’ll also include recommendations for other must-visit spots and a concise travel guide with practical information.

Quick Facts To Visiting Big Bend

Big Bend National Park, in the southwestern part of Texas, spans over 800,000 acres of diverse desert landscapes. Aside from mountains, canyons, rivers, and hot springs, it even has its own border crossing to Mexico.

Quick Facts	Details
Entrance Fee	$30 per vehicle (7-day pass) or $80 for the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass
Operating Hours	Open 24 hours a day, year-round
Visitor Center Names	Panther Junction Visitor Center, Chisos Basin Visitor Center, Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
Park Entrances	Persimmon Gap to the north, Maverick Junction to the west, Rio Grande Village to the east
Main Activities	Hiking, stargazing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, river trips
Number of Campgrounds	3 campgrounds (Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, Cottonwood)
Hotels	Chisos Mountains Lodge inside the park, several options in nearby towns
Best Time to Visit	November to April (avoid summer due to extreme heat)
Nearest Cities & Distances	Alpine (approx. 100 miles), Marfa (approx. 108 miles)
Nearest Airports & Distances	Midland International Air and Space Port (approx. 235 miles), El Paso International Airport (approx. 300 miles)

Please note that it’s always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

Sample One Day in Big Bend National Park Itinerary

One day in Big Bend National Park is not nearly enough time for this park. You would be much less rushed with two days. However, if you’re limited on time, here’s a sample itinerary for a day trip:

• Start your day with a sunrise hike to the Window View Trail or Lost Mine Trail to view the Chisos Basin.
• After the hike, head over to the Chisos Mountains Lodge restaurant for a well-deserved brunch.
• Drive all the way down to the Santa Elena Canyon.
• Optional: Take a paddle in a canoe or white water raft adventure in the river (if water levels permit).
• Stop at many pullouts or hiking areas along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
• Drive up to the Sotol Vista Overlook for the sunset.
• Explore Terlingua Ghost Town and eat dinner at Starlight Theatre.
• End your day with a peaceful night under the stars at one of Big Bend’s campgrounds.

Travel Tip! There are some far distances between facilities in this park. So, bring everything you think you’ll need, like a full tank of gas. Check current conditions before setting out, especially for water activities.

Sunrise in the Chisos Mountains

Start your day bright and early and head to the Chisos Mountains to catch the sunrise in Big Bend National Park. As the sun slowly rises over the rugged landscape, it casts a warm glow on the surrounding peaks. Arriving early is key to securing parking and finding the perfect spot for this spectacle.

The Chisos Mountains are a stunning backdrop for the sunrise. Their jagged peaks and deep canyons create a dramatic silhouette against the colors of the morning sky.

You can take a short 0.3 mile walk to the Window View Trail, not to be confused with The Window Trail below. This in known as the best place for the sunset, but hey, we’ve only got one day here.

Travel Tip! Being the desert, dress in layers, as the mornings can be chilly in the mountains. Check the weather here.

Morning Hike at The Window Trail or Lost Mine Trail

Once the suns up, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots. The most popular trails here are The Window Trail or Lost Mine Trail.

The Window Trail: This trail is a favorite among hikers. At the end of the trail, you’ll come to the iconic Window, a V-shaped opening in the Chisos Mountains. Be prepared for a moderately challenging hike with rocky terrain and an elevation gain of around 600 feet.

Lost Mine Trail: If you’re seeking alpine-like hikes and panoramic mountain vistas, the Lost Mine Trail will take you through lush forests of pine and oak trees. It leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Chisos Basin and beyond. With an elevation gain of around 1,100 feet, this is a moderately strenuous trail too,

Trail	Distance	Difficulty	Estimated Time
The Window Trail	5.2 miles round trip	Moderate	Approximately 3 hours
Lost Mine Trail	4.8 miles round trip	Moderate	Approximately 3 hours

Afternoon: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and Santa Elena Canyon

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Continuing the adventure in Big Bend National Park, the next stop on the itinerary is the scenic Ross Maxwell Drive. This picturesque drive winds through the best of the park’s landscapes, with plenty of pullouts.

I suggest heading south non-stop, skipping all the stops and starting at Santa Elena Canyon. This leaves plenty of time hiking in the canyon, and on the way back, you may be just in time for the sunset.

However, this depends on if you want to take a shortcut on Maverick Road to get back out to Terlingua faster. Check the road conditions, as it may be closed due to flooding.

Notable Stops along the Drive:

During your drive and hike, watch for the wildlife that calls this area home. I even had a wild horse walk alongside my car for a while!

1. Santa Elena Canyon: The southernmost point of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and one of the park’s most iconic locations.
2. Santa Elena Canyon Overlook: A perfect spot for panoramic views of the Santa Elena Canyon without having to hike.
3. Mule’s Ears Overlook: This viewpoint offers an excellent perspective of a distinctive twin-peaked mountain formation called Mule’s Ears¹.
4. Sotol Vista: Located at a high vantage point on the scenic drive, this overlooks the desert landscape and the distant Santa Elena Canyon.
5. Tuff Canyon: Named for the rock formed by volcanic ash, this short trail leads you to the rim of this small, yet impressive canyon.

Explore Santa Elena Canyon

If you only see one thing in Big Bend National Park, it should be Santa Elena Canyon. This iconic canyon is made of towering limestone walls that reach heights of 1,500 feet above the Rio Grande River.

To see the grandeur of Santa Elena Canyon, take a short hike to the opening of the canyon. The hike takes you straight into the dramatic rock formations.

Travel Tip! Depending on the time of year, the river may make parts of the route muddy or impassable.

Due to low water levels, this activity wasn’t offered. But I definitely would have gone on a white water rafting trip through the Rio Grande River within Santa Elena Canyon. They have a Class 4 Rapid! Which, for those unfamiliar with rafting terminology, Class 5 is the highest level amateur rafters are permitted to undergo.

But for a chiller activity, you can also go kayaking or canoeing through the Rio Grande River on other sections.

Optional: Big Bend Ranch State Park

If you have some extra time on your hands, Big Bend Ranch State Park is just south of the national park is a wonderful way to expand your adventure outside the park.

If you aren’t much of a hiker, they have more scenic drives you can take to beautiful vistas. One of the most popular routes is the drive from Lajitas to Presidio, which takes you along the Rio Grande River.

I even decided to launch my kayak at the Lajitas river access, only to realize after a few minutes that the water levels were too low.

Evening in Terlingua and Starlight Theatre for Dinner

Terlingua Ghost Town was an interesting stop near the park’s entrance. It’s a former mining town that has retained its historic charm and gives off an old-west quirky atmosphere for visitors. Dead but not completely ghostly.

You can still walk around town, passing by weathered buildings and colorful murals, and browse through the dusty local shops.

But Terlingua’s Starlight Theatre, a former movie house turned restaurant still serves up delicious meals in a rustic setting. Eat local Tex-Mex cuisine, juicy steaks, and fresh seafood while being surrounded by vintage movie posters and listening to live music.

Stargazing at Night

After a hefty meal, go stargazing in Big Bend National Park. Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, the park has some of the darkest night skies in the United States.

The park has regularly scheduled night sky interpretive programs led by park rangers and volunteers.

The best time of year to stargaze in Big Bend National Park is from October to April. This is the dry season in the park, which means you’re less likely to encounter rain or cloudy skies that could obscure your view of the stars.

Other Places in Big Bend if You Have More Time

If you have more than one day in Big Bend National Park, there are several lesser-known activities and attractions to go to:

• Cross into Mexico: Big Bend is the only national park from which you can legally cross into Mexico. Walk or pay $5 to cross the Rio Grande to Boquillas del Carmen for lunch and come back. This honestly was so absurdly fun! But note you do need to bring your passport.
  
• Soak in Rio Grande Hot Springs: Close to the border crossing, this is also one of the best things to do in Big Bend National Park. Walk a short, easy trail to get to a 105F natural pool. Come early if you want to have some peace, as it does get busy.
  
• Ernst Tinaha: Take a 1 mile hike past water-filled pools through a slot canyon.
  
• Fossil Discovery Exhibit: This self-guided interpretive center features casts of dinosaur fossils and exhibits discussing geology and paleontology.
  
• Balanced Rock Trail: This iconic, moderately difficult hiking trail in Big Bend leads to a natural rock formation where a large boulder is precariously balanced on a pedestal.
  
• Summit Emory Peak: A challenging hike to the tallest point in Big Bend National Park.

Where to Stay in Big Bend

After a long day of hiking and exploring, you want to come back to a comfortable and convenient place to rest your head. So where should you stay?

Lodges In and Near the Park

Big Bend National Park only has one lodge on it’s grounds, otherwise you’ll have to leave the park for a nearby option. Here’s a comparison chart for some of the best hotels near Big Bend National Park:

Lodging	Benefits
Chisos Mountains Lodge	– Located within the park. – Easy access to hiking trails and views of the surrounding mountains. – On-site restaurant.
Lajitas Golf Resort	– Luxury accommodation. – Features an award-winning golf course. – Includes a spa, pool, and fitness center. – On-site dining options. – Cabins available for a more secluded experience.
Terlingua Ranch Lodge	– Rustic cabin accommodations. – Quiet, remote desert experience. – Access to a pool and on-site dining. – Close to both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Big Bend Holiday Hotel	– Vacation rental homes and casitas. – Home-like environment with full kitchens. – Located in the historic ghost town of Terlingua.

Camping in the Park

Camping is a popular option, and Big Bend has three designated campgrounds – Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, and Cottonwood.

Let’s break down the unique perks of each campground:

Campground	Benefits
Chisos Basin	– Located at a higher elevation with cooler temperatures. – Close to several popular hiking trails. – Views of the Chisos Mountains.
Rio Grande Village	– Close proximity to the Rio Grande River. – Access to a store and visitor center. – RV sites available with full hookups.
Cottonwood	– Less crowded, quieter camping experience. – Near the Santa Elena Canyon, one of the park’s must-see sights. – Excellent birdwatching spot.

Is One Day Enough for Big Bend National Park?

Honestly no. At the minimum, I recommend coming for at least one overnight and two full days, but three days would be best. Visiting Big Bend National Park in one day is certainly possible, but you will have to miss out on the east side of the park.

If you only have one day, there are a few key sights and activities you can fit into your schedule. Driving the entirety of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive will take about 1.5-2 hours, all the way to the Santa Elena Canyon. You should also spend some time in the Chisos Mountain area for a sunrise or sunset hike.

Best Time To Visit

Spring and Fall are generally considered the best times to visit Big Bend National Park due to milder temperatures. March is particularly popular as it’s when flowers (especially the bluebonnets) are in bloom, but the spring breakers come out in droves. It’s the busiest two weeks of the year.

In the summer months, be prepared for high temperatures and familiarize themselves with heat safety. Bring enough water as you really can get a heat stroke out there.

For those interested in river activities like rafting, September to January are ideal. The water levels stabilize, but there can still be wild swings in flow rate on a daily basis.

Winter, from November to February, offers sunny days with mild temperatures, making it another good time to visit. However, nights can be cold, often near freezing, especially along the Rio Grande.

How to Get There

The only way to reach Big Bend National Park is by car. The park is remote and there’s no public transportation directly to it. There’s even a 200+ stretch of land with absolutely no gas stations!

By Plane: The closest commercial airports to Big Bend National Park are in Midland/Odessa (MID), El Paso (ELP), and San Antonio (SAT). From these airports, you can rent a car to get to the park.

By Bus: There is a Greyhound bus stop in Alpine, Texas. From Alpine, you can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle service to Big Bend National Park.

City	Distance	Time Driving	Quick Directions
Alpine, TX	100 miles	~2 hours	Take TX-118 S to the west entrance
Midland/Odessa, TX	230 miles	~3.5-4 hours	Take I-20 W to Pecos, then US-285 S/US-90 W to Marathon, follow US-385 S to the park
El Paso, TX	300 miles	~4.5-5 hours	Take Highway US-90 E from El Paso to Marathon, then take US-385 S to the north entrance
San Antonio, TX	400 miles	~6-7 hours	Take I-10 W to Fort Stockton, then US-385 S to the park

Final Thoughts: One Day in Big Bend Itinerary

From stunning sunrise through the window in the Chisos Mountains to hiking through the towering limestone walls of Santa Elena Canyon, I hope this one day itinerary leaves you wanting more of this park.

And if you’re on rush because you’re going to another destination in Texas, check out these other posts I have of the state.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Texas?

I’ve stayed with friends and vanlifed around, about, and through much of Texas. If you’re looking for more information on the Lone Star State, check out these other destination itineraries.

• One Day in Dallas Itinerary: Perfect First-Timers Day Trip
• One Day in Big Bend National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
• One Day In San Antonio Itinerary: What To Do In 24 Hours
• Perfect One Day In Houston Itinerary For First Timers

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.