The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary in Big Bend National Park
So you have 3 days in Big Bend National Park, and you’re wondering how to make the most of your time? There is so much to see in this wild, remote, and rugged park, and with the right planning, it absolutely can be done, without missing out on any of the best things! Take the guesswork out of your planning with this perfect 3 day itinerary in Big Bend National Park.
*Make sure not to miss out on the bonus itinerary, downloads, and maps in this post for 3 days in Big Bend National Park!
Disclosure: Below are some affiliate links-these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t make any recommendations on this page that I haven’t tested or personally used! Enjoy this 3 day itinerary in Big Bend National Park!
Table of Contents
The Best 3 Day Itinerary in Big Bend National Park
This 3 day Big Bend National Park itinerary efficiently hits all the best highlights of the park, without compromising or sacrificing any of the iconic features, experiences, or landmarks of Big Bend National Park! It’s the complete Big Bend package for every adventurer!
This guide to 3 days in Big Bend National Park includes:
- Logistics of 3 Days in Big Bend
- What to Know Before You Go
- Location of Big Bend National Park
- Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park
- Tips for Spending 3 Days in Big Bend National Park
- Overview of Big Bend National Park 3 Day Itinerary
- How to Use and Save Itinerary Maps
- Suggested Big Bend National Park 3 Day Itinerary and Map
- Accommodations for Your 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary
- Gear Recommendations for 3 Days in Big Bend National Park
- Other Nearby Attractions
Logistics of 3 Days in Big Bend
3 days is the perfect amount of time to fully experience the best of Big Bend National Park! There are a few logistical things to know that will help you make the most of your time in the park.
So what are the important things to know about planning a 3 day itinerary in Big Bend National Park?
#1: There are 2 Entrances:
There is a north and west entrance to Big Bend.
The west entrance is located on Highway 118, and is closest to the towns of Terlingua and Lajitas. The north entrance is located on Highway 385 and is closest to Marathon and Alpine. It is important to determine where your base will be when determining what base best suits your needs.
#2: Count on Drive Time
Big Bend is massive, and as such, things are relatively spread out. While the recommended 3 day Big Bend National Park itinerary below is efficiently planned to efficiently group highlights together, still count on drive times between stops ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour in rare instances.
#3: 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary “Groupings”
The recommended itinerary you will see below is“grouped” by day to help you make the most of your time, and minimizing drive time. The 1st day is “grouped” by the “western” highlights in the park, while the 3rd day is loosely grouped by the “eastern” highlights in the park.
Rest assured, these groupings are intentional and well planned, you won’t miss out on any highlights. Throughout each day of this recommended itinerary, you will see fascinating formations and iconic landmarks, including the Rio Grande River, canyons, mountains, and hot springs.
The following highlights are what you can expect to see on this 3 day Big Bend National Park itinerary:
- SANTA ELENA CANYON
- LOST MINE TRAIL
- THE WINDOW TRAIL
- BOQUILLAS CANYON
- LANGFORD HOT SPRINGS
- MULE EARS
- BALANCED ROCK
- VISITOR CENTERS
- ROSS MAXWELL SCENIC DRIVE
- TUFF CANYON
- UPPER BURRO MESA POUROFF TRAIL
- TERLINGUA / MARATHON / PARK CAMPGROUNDS
SHORT ON TIME? Check out this perfect 1 day itinerary for Big Bend National Park
What To Know Before You Go
GOOGLE MAP LOCATION: Big Bend National Park, Texas
HOURS : open 24 hours a day year round
FEES: $30 per vehicle, good for 7 consecutive days
PET POLICY: pets are not allowed on trails or park buildings. Pets can only go where vehicles can go. Full pet policy here.
CAMPING: there are multiple campgrounds within the park, as well as backcountry camping.
CLOSEST TOWN(S):
- Terlingua, TX to Big Bend National Park: 15 minutes
- Lajitas, TX to Big Bend National Park: 30 minutes
- Marathon, TX to Big Bend National Park: 2 hours
- Alpine, TX to Big Bend National Park: 2 hours and 30 minutes
CLOSEST AIRPORT(S):
- Midland Odessa Airport: 4 hours
- El Paso International Airport: 5 hours
Location Of Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is located in southwest Texas, near the towns of Terlingua, Lajitas, Alpine, and Marathon. It is separated from the border of Mexico to the south by the Rio Grande River.
Best Time To Visit Big Bend National Park
- FALL and SPRING are the best times to visit Big Bend National Park. Temperatures are mild during these months, including overnight camping.
- WINTER is also a good time to visit, if you are prepared for colder temperatures. During the day, however, temperatures can still be comfortable and relatively moderate compared to much of the rest of the country, and snow and ice are infrequent. I have visited Big Bend myself in January, and found it to be perfect weather for a full day of exploring outdoors! There are also fewer crowds in winter!
- SUMMER is the least recommended time of year to visit Big Bend. Temperatures can soar dangerously high during the summer months, and many activities in Big Bend have minimal to zero shade. If you do plan a visit to Big Bend in the summer, it is highly advisable to start and finish early, dress appropriately, carry plenty of water, bring your 10 hiking essentials on the trails, and consider less exposed activities, like the Ross Maxwell scenic drive, or the Visitor Centers.
CHECK OUT: 8 Essential Winter Hiking Tips
Tips For Spending 3 Days In Big Bend National Park
- Buy your pass ahead of time – purchase online here (if visiting more than just Grand Teton, consider an America the Beautiful Pass)
- Have a full tank – make sure you have plenty of gas before heading into the park
- Start early – more parking, fewer crowds, and more time in your day
- Don’t overplan – remain flexible as things can come up (like having to wait extra for a parking space)
- Bring a picnic lunch – this will save time, and allow you to appreciate more of Big Bend too!
- Leave No Trace – pack it in, pack it out, and leave things how you found them
- Follow posted rules – don’t leave the trail, approach wildlife, etc.
- Do not approach wildlife – a second warning because it is that important!
- Leave pets at home – pets are allowed “where vehicles can go”, but not on trails or in park buildings
- Be prepared for weather – be prepared for unexpected weather
- Check the forecast before – especially for mountain weather specifically, if hiking at higher elevation
- Use a Hiking Safety Contact Form – for hiking or wilderness exploration, in case of emergencies
- Carry the 10 Hiking Essentials on all your hikes
The Perfect 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary
Below is my recommended 3 day itinerary for Big Bend National Park. There is one important thing to note:
- Consider carefully where to base your accommodations: there is camping and lodges within the park, and hotel and vacation rental accommodations in the towns nearby (more on this below – so keep reading!). The best town for lodging near the west entrance is Terlingua, and the best town for lodging near the north entrance is Marathon. I also strongly recommend camping in the Chisos Basin Campground within the park, my favorite campground!
*Keep reading below for the details, downloads, and maps of DAYS 1 – 3 of your 3 day Big Bend itinerary!
Quick Overview of 3 Days in Big Bend National Park
DAY 1:
- STOP #1: The Lost Mine Trail
- STOP #2: Chisos Basin Visitor Center
- STOP #3: Picnic Lunch
- STOP #4: Balanced Rock via the Grapevine Hills Trail
- STOP #5: Mule Ears Viewpoint (Optional Add On: Mule Ears Spring Trail)
- STOP #6: Sotol Vista Overlook on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- STOP #7: Terlingua / Marathon / Park Accommodations
DAY 2:
- STOP #1: Santa Elena Canyon (Half Day Guided River Tour / Hiking Trail and Picnic Lunch)
- STOP #2: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- STOP #3: Tuff Canyon Overlook (Optional Add On: Tuff Canyon Trail)
- STOP #4: Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail
- STOP #5: Terlingua / Marathon / Park Accommodations
DAY 3:
- STOP #1: The Window Trail
- STOP #2: Picnic Lunch
- STOP #3: Boquillas Canyon Overlook (Optional Add On: Boquillas Canyon Trail)
- STOP #4: Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
- STOP #5: Langford Hot Springs via the Big Bend Hot Springs Trail
- STOP #6: Terlingua / Marathon / Park Accommodations
PIN to SAVE!
How to Use and Save the Itinerary Maps Below
Below you will see detailed maps of each day’s stops.
- The lettered stops show you the order for that particular day’s itinerary. To see more detailed information on each stop, click the letter icon.
- If you click the star next to the title of the map, the map will be saved to YOUR Google Maps account, making it easily accessible to you anytime, anywhere!
- To view the saved maps on your own phone or laptop, just open Google Maps on your device, click the menu button, then “Your Places”, then “Maps”, to see these saved maps on your own list!
Map Of Your 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary: DAY 1
Day 1 in Big Bend National Park
Recommended 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary: DAY 1
- STOP #1: The Lost Mine Trail
- STOP #2: Chisos Basin Visitor Center
- STOP #3: Picnic Lunch
- STOP #4: Balanced Rock via the Grapevine Hills Trail
- STOP #5: Mule Ears Viewpoint (Optional Add On: Mule Ears Spring Trail)
- STOP #6: Sotol Vista Overlook on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- STOP #7: Terlingua / Marathon / Park Accommodations
Now let’s dive into the details of each of these DAY 1 stops along your perfect 3 days in Big Bend National Park!
STOP #1: Lost Mine Trail
Suggested Start: 7 AM
Timeframe: 2 – 3 hours
The Lost Mine Trail is what I consider to be the best “effort to reward” ratio for the time constrained hiker on a 1 day itinerary! WHY? Because the Lost Mine Trail contains epic summit views on a relatively short trail. If you are looking for a mountain hike with huge panoramas, that can be done in just a couple hours, this is THE hike for you!
The Lost Mine Trail is 4.8 miles roundtrip, rated moderate, and estimated to take 2 – 3 hours to complete. Parking is VERY LIMITED at the Lost Mine Trailhead (hence the 7 AM early start).
- Get more details from this Guide to the Lost Mine Trail
- Google Map Location
STOP #2: Chisos Basin Visitor Center
Timeframe: 1 hour
Unwind after the challenging Lost Mine Trail, and enjoy some educational time at the scenic Chisos Basin Visitor Center, nestled at the base of the Chisos Mountains. Peruse the exhibits, pick up a permit, visit the bookstore, or talk to a ranger!
STOP #3: Picnic Lunch
Timeframe: 30 minutes
Don’t overcomplicate lunch – the area around the Chisos Basin Visitor Center is a great spot to enjoy a quick picnic lunch, which will save you valuable time on your Big Bend itinerary!
STOP #4: Balanced Rock via the Grapevine Hills Trail
Timeframe: 1 hour
Balanced Rock is another iconic landmark found in this part of Big Bend, and it is accessible by hiking the short Grapevine Hills Trail. This trail is 1.9 miles roundtrip, rated moderate, takes an estimated 45 minutes – 1 hour to complete, and of course, contains the remarkable balancing rocks!
STOP #5: Mule Ears Viewpoint
Timeframe: 30 minutes
Mule Ears is one of the quirkiest natural formations and landmarks in Big Bend, and definitely deserves a stop on your 1 day Big Bend National Park itinerary!
Optional Add On: Mule Ears Spring Trail
If you are doing good on time, then consider hiking the Mule Ears Spring Trail, which starts at the Mule Ear Overlook. It is 3.9 miles in roundtrip length, rated moderate, and estimated to take 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours to complete. There is a small desert spring as the main highlight on this trail, plus the “mule ears” landmark.
STOP #6: Sotol Vista Overlook on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Timeframe: 15 minutes
There are plenty of great overlooks and viewpoints along the scenic park road, Ross Maxwell Drive, but for the purposes of Day 1, plan to stop and enjoy one of the best ones, the Sotol Vista Overlook! The perfect way to end a first day in Big Bend National Park with some unforgettable panoramas!
STOP #7: Terlingua / Marathon / Park Accommodations
Timeframe: TBD
Your last stop of the day is your choice of overnight base. Common towns are Terlingua and Marathon, though for this itinerary and especially the grouping of stops on Day 1, Terlingua is the preferred base outside of the park.
If you are wishing to camp in the park, the preferred campground for this itinerary, and especially Day 1, is the Chisos Basin Campground, right in the heart of the action in the stunning Chisos Basin. Just be sure to make your campground reservations in advance!
Suggested Things to Do in Terlingua:
Suggested Things to Do in Marathon:
- Gage Gardens and Hotel
- Art Galleries
Suggested Things To Do in the Chisos Basin Campground:
- Enjoy the sunset over the “Window” on the Window Trail
Map of Your 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary: DAY 2
Day 2 in Big Bend National Park
Recommended 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary: DAY 2
- STOP #1: Santa Elena Canyon (Half Day Guided River Tour / Hiking Trail and Picnic Lunch)
- STOP #2: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- STOP #3: Tuff Canyon Overlook (Optional Add On: Tuff Canyon Trail)
- STOP #4: Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail
- STOP #5: Terlingua / Marathon / Park Accommodations
Now let’s dive into the details of each of these DAY 2 stops along your perfect 3 days in Big Bend National Park!
STOP #1: Santa Elena Canyon
Suggested Start: 7 AM
Timeframe: 2 – 4 hours
Santa Elena Canyon is arguably the most quintessential Big Bend landmark, hence the reason for spending a large chunk of Day 2 here. HOW you spend that time, however, can look different depending on your preference.
My strong recommendation is to book a guided river tour through one of the local operators based out of Terlingua. Half day river tours through Santa Elena Canyon are an ideal, popular, and exhilarating way to enjoy one of the top 5 canyons in Texas! Experience the mighty Rio Grande River on this once in a lifetime experience, plus there is likely a picnic lunch on the shores deep inside the canyon included.
OR, if boating is not your thing, than you can sightsee and hike the Santa Elena Canyon instead. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip out and back, rated easy, and takes an estimated 1 hour to complete. You can simply hike the trail up to the shore of the Rio Grande River and witness the towering mouth of Santa Elena Canyon from this unique vantage point, or you can continue on along the trail as it crosses Terlingua Creek and then climbs briefly up onto an overlook on the canyon wall, giving you a birds eye view of Santa Elena Canyon. You may even witness some boaters below.
If you opt to hike Santa Elena Canyon, afterwards you can either enjoy a quick, early picnic lunch, or save it for later on in the day as you take in additional sights on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
*Picnic lunch is not explicitly noted on Day 2, because it is typically provided by the tour operator if you opt for a half day guided river tour.
- Get more details from this Guide to Boating and Hiking Santa Elena Canyon
- Google Map Location
STOP #2: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Timeframe: 4 hours (this timeframe includes the following 2 stops below on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive)
Your 1st stop of the day is Santa Elena Canyon, which happens to be the southern terminus of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. So when you leave Santa Elena Canyon, you will head north on Ross Maxwell, and make 2 additional stops along the way to round out Day 2: the Tuff Canyon Overlook and optional hike, and the Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail.
STOP #3: Tuff Canyon Overlook
Timeframe: 30 minutes
Enjoy this rugged canyon overlook from the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Optional Add On: Tuff Canyon Trail
The Tuff Canyon Trail is a great canyon hike, and it is very likely to be less crowded than some of the other big name canyons in Big Bend, which means you can enjoy more of the Tuff Canyon Trail to yourself. This trail is 1 mile round trip, rated easy, and takes an estimated 20 – 30 minutes to complete.
STOP #4: Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail
Timeframe: 2 hours
The Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail is a unique hiking experience, and also a less visited one, so its a great chance to stretch your legs, take in the sights, and enjoy a little extra space and solitude. The Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail traverses another canyon, a sandy wash, a cave, and some minor bouldering. It is a surprisingly diverse trail hiding out just off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
STOP #5: Terlingua / Marathon / Park Accommodations
Timeframe: TBD
Your last stop of the day is your choice of overnight base. Common towns are Terlingua and Marathon, though for this itinerary and especially the grouping of stops on Day 2, Terlingua is the preferred base outside of the park.
If you are wishing to camp in the park, the preferred campground for this itinerary, and especially Day 2, is the Chisos Basin Campground, right in the heart of the action in the stunning Chisos Basin. Just be sure to make your campground reservations in advance!
Suggested Things to Do in Terlingua:
Suggested Things to Do in Marathon:
- Gage Gardens and Hotel
- Art Galleries
Suggested Things To Do in the Chisos Basin Campground:
- Enjoy the sunset over the “Window” on the Window Trail
Map Of Your 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary: DAY 3
Day 3 in Big Bend National Park
Recommended 3 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary: DAY 3
- STOP #1: The Window Trail
- STOP #2: Picnic Lunch
- STOP #3: Boquillas Canyon Overlook (Optional Add On: Boquillas Canyon Trail)
- STOP #4: Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
- STOP #5: Langford Hot Springs via the Big Bend Hot Springs Trail
- STOP #6: Terlingua / Marathon / Park Accommodations
Now let’s dive into the details of each of these DAY 3 stops along your perfect 3 days in Big Bend National Park!
STOP #1: The Window Trail
Suggested Start: 7 AM
Timeframe: 2 -3 hours
The Window Trail is easily one of the 10 best hikes in Big Bend National Park, due to its diversity, stunning landmarks, and unforgettable views. It is a moderate, 5.2 mile round trip hike, to one of the best destinations – the natural rock “window” which overlooks the entire park.
Along the way, enjoy open expanses, gentle streams, canyon walls, and shallow pools, and plenty of natural rock “stairs”.
***Insider Tip: the Window Trail can also be accessed at campsite #51 in the Chisos Basin Campground. Starting the Window Trail hike from this access point will actually shave off approximately 1.6 miles in length from the beginning of the trail, from 5.2 total miles to 3.6 total miles. Parking is limited at Campsite #51, should you choose that starting point.
STOP #2: Picnic Lunch
Timeframe: 30 minutes
Don’t overcomplicate lunch – there are many great places to enjoy a quick picnic lunch. Since you’ll likely finish the Window Trail hike mid morning, and the drive from the Window Trail to Boquillas Canyon is rather lengthy, I would opt to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch after the drive, in the vicinity of Boquillas Canyon or Rio Grande Village.
STOP #3: Boquillas Canyon Overlook
Timeframe: 30 minutes
Like its sibling Santa Elena Canyon on the southwestern part of the park, Boquillas Canyon is an equally impressive sight on the Rio Grande River in the southeastern part of the park.
Optional Add On: Boquillas Canyon Trail
While the overlook itself is stunning, another great option is to hike the short, easy, family friendly Boquillas Canyon Trail, for even more up close and personal views and experiences in this Big Bend canyon on the Rio Grande.
The Boquillas Canyon Trail is 1.2 miles roundtrip out and back, rated easy, and is estimated to take 30 – 45 minutes to complete.
STOP #4: Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
Timeframe: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Take a break in between sights to talk to a ranger, peruse exhibits, and learn more about the park at the Rio Grande Village Visitor Center.
STOP #5: Langford Hot Springs via the Big Bend Hot Springs Trail
Timeframe: 1 hour
What used to be the Langford Hot Springs Resort is now a historic ruin worth visiting on your 1 day itinerary. Enjoy the natural hot springs adjacent to the old resort remains, and you can even continue on to complete the entire Hot Springs Trail loop (see below).
Optional Add On: Hike the full Big Bend Hot Springs Trail
After stopping to see the historic remains of the Langford’s hot springs resort, and the actual hot springs themselves, you can turn around on the trail and return to the trailhead, or continue on to complete the entire Big Bend Hot Springs Trail, a 1.2 mile round trip loop trail. It is rated easy, and takes an estimated 30 – 45 minutes to complete, plus time at the ruins and hot springs themselves.
STOP #6: Terlingua / Marathon / Park Accommodations
Timeframe: TBD
Your last stop of the day is your choice of overnight base. Common towns are Terlingua and Marathon, though for this itinerary and especially the grouping of stops on Day 3, Marathon is the closest base outside of the park.
*If your base has been Terlingua based off of Days 1 and 2, just note that it is a long drive back from Rio Grande Village to Terlingua (approximately 1 hour).
If you are wishing to camp in the park, the preferred campground for this itinerary is the Chisos Basin Campground, right in the heart of the action in the stunning Chisos Basin. Just be sure to make your campground reservations in advance! If you want to camp close to where you will end on Day 3, than the Rio Grande Village Campground is the closest.
Suggested Things to Do in Terlingua:
Suggested Things to Do in Marathon:
- Gage Gardens and Hotel
- Art Galleries
Suggested Things To Do in the Chisos Basin Campground:
- Enjoy the sunset over the “Window” on the Window Trail
Accommodations For Your 3 Day Itinerary In Big Bend National Park
There are multiple accommodation options for your 3 day Big Bend National Park itinerary, both inside and outside the park itself.
Accommodations INSIDE the Park:
There are 4 developed campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, all requiring reservations. I highly recommend the Chisos Basin Campground, my personal favorite, and close to the heart of many great things in Big Bend! There is also the Chisos Mountain Lodge available for booking, plus the option for backcountry camping. Permits are required for backcountry camping.
- Reserve Campgrounds within Big Bend National Park
- Chisos Mountain Lodge in Big Bend National Park
- Information on backcountry camping and permits
Accommodations OUTSIDE the Park:
There are hotels and vacation rentals in the towns surrounding Big Bend National Park, like Terlingua, Lajitas, Marathon, and Alpine, TX.
Below are the average driving distances between common bases for Big Bend National Park:
- Terlingua, TX to Big Bend National Park: 15 minutes
- Lajitas, TX to Big Bend National Park: 30 minutes
- Marathon, TX to Big Bend National Park: 2 hours
- Alpine, TX to Big Bend National Park: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Book Your Big Bend National Park Accommodations HERE
Gear Recommendations For 3 Days In Big Bend National Park
- HIKING BOOTS or TRAIL RUNNERS – up to your personal preference, as I hike in both, depending on the terrain and grade of steepness. Waterproof hiking boots like my Vasque Breeze GTX III boots are great at providing support and stability, while my favorite HOKA One One Speedgoats are lighter while still providing unbeatable grip and cushioning.
- HIKING SOCKS – wool hiking socks like these Darn Tough favorites are a great sock for Big Bend. If you are prone to blisters, you can also check out these Hilly Twin Skin socks. The “twin” skin helps to prevent the friction that can cause blisters. I used to be very blister prone, but haven’t had a problem since discovering Hilly’s, not even on grueling, all day long hikes like the Grand Canyon’s Rim to Rim hike.
- DAYPACK – a daypack is perfect for a Big Bend 1 day itinerary. My go tos are the Camelbak Helena daypack and the Osprey Daylite daypack.
- WATER TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM – having plenty of water is a vital necessity, so whatever method you use, make sure it is reliable. For longer day hikes, I always hike with my Camelbak water hydration vest and 3 liter Platypus hydration bladder. I love this particular model because the wide mouth makes filling, emptying, cleaning, and drying much simpler! For shorter explorations, I use a water hydration belt or trusty Nalgene bottles. For emergency backups, I rely on my Lifestraw water bottle with internal filter, or my Katadyn BeFree collapsible, soft sided water bottle with internal filter.
- WATERPROOF OUTER SHELL – always be prepared for the weather in Big Bend, and one of the most important parts of layering correctly for the outdoors is a waterproof outer shell. My Outdoor Research Helium II jacket combines all the best things about outer shells in one convenient package. It is ultralightweight, weighing just a few ounces. It compresses down to the size of a fist, making it super compact and easy to pack and carry, plus it won’t take up much room in your daypack. Finally, it is fully waterproof and windproof, and will protect you in case of inclement weather.
- HIKING SNACKS – check out this list of the best hiking snacks for your one day in Big Bend National Park!
- For BACKCOUNTRY CAMPERS – check out this Backpacking Gear Checklist for all your essentials!
Other Nearby Attractions Near Big Bend
In the rugged wilderness that is southern Texas, there are plenty of other nearby adventures to be added on to your 3 day Big Bend National Park itinerary:
- Big Bend Ranch State Park – the little sibling to Big Bend National Park, all the same great characteristics!
- Fort Davis, Texas – my favorite small, wild west town in Texas!
- Marfa, Texas – an artist haven
- The Best Mountain Hikes in West Texas – there are several great mountain ranges in Texas, home to tons of outdoor activities!
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park – the other Texas National Park!
- The Best Hikes in El Paso – a truly underrated hiking destination in the state of Texas
- Monahans Sandhills State Park – come play on the sand dunes in the middle of the Texas desert!
- Caprock Canyon State Park – a humble state park with stunning red rock canyons!
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park – the “Grand Canyon of Texas”, the second largest canyon in the United States after the Grand Canyon.
RELATED ARTICLES: National Park Itineraries
- How to Make the Most of One Day in Yellowstone National Park
- One Day in Big Bend National Park Itinerary
- The Best 3 Day Yellowstone Itinerary from the West Entrance
- How to Make the Most of One Day in Arches National Park
- The Best Southwest National Parks Road Trip
- The Best 1 Day Itinerary for Shenandoah National Park
- Guide to the Rim to Rim Hike in One Day in Grand Canyon National Park
- How to Explore BOTH Texas National Parks in 4 Days
PIN for LATER
