One Day in Big Bend National Park Itinerary
So you have one day 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 1 day Big Bend National Park itinerary!
*Make sure not to miss out on the bonus maps and itineraries for one day in Big Bend National Park at the end of this post!
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 1 day Big Bend National Park itinerary!
Table of Contents
The Best One Day in Big Bend National Park Itinerary
This 1 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!
This guide to one day in Big Bend National Park includes:
- Can You See Big Bend National Park in One Day?
- What to Know Before You Go
- Location of Big Bend National Park
- Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park
- Tips for Spending One Day in Big Bend National Park
- Suggested Big Bend National Park 1 Day Itineraries and Maps
- Modifications and Alternatives
- Accommodations for Your 1 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary
- Gear Recommendations for One Day in Big Bend National Park
- Other Nearby Attractions
Can You See Big Bend National Park in One Day?
YES. You can absolutely see the best of Big Bend National Park in just one day. To do so requires knowledge of the park itself, as well as a preplanned and intentional itinerary that makes the most use of your time.
So what are the important things to know about planning a 1 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 which 1 day itinerary suits your needs most.
*(Option #1 below is better suited for a base of Terlingua or Lajitas, while Option #2 below is better suited for a home base of Marathon or Alpine – nothing is set in stone though, do what works best for you!)
#2: Count on Drive Time
Big Bend is massive, and as such, things are relatively spread out. While these suggested itineraries are efficiently planned to make the most of which highlights are relatively grouped together, still count on drive times between stops ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour in rare instances.
#3: Suggested Groupings for Itineraries
The 2 suggested itineraries you will see below are “grouped” to help you make the most of your time, and minimizing drive time. The 1st itinerary is grouped by the “western” highlights in the park, while the 2nd itinerary 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. On both itineraries, 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 these 1 day Big Bend National Park itineraries:
- SANTA ELENA CANYON
- LOST MINE TRAIL
- THE WINDOW TRAIL
- BOQUILLAS CANYON
- LANGFORD HOT SPRINGS
- MULE EARS
- BALANCED ROCK
- VISITOR CENTERS
- TERLINGUA / MARATHON
CHECK OUT: the perfect 1 day itinerary for Yellowstone 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
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 One Day 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 Grand Teton 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
The Perfect 1 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary
Below are TWO suggested 1 day itineraries for Big Bend National Park. There are TWO important things to note:
- Option #1 is better suited for a base of Terlingua or Lajitas, and Option #2 is better suited for a base of Marathon or Alpine.
- Option #1 is the more “western” grouping, while Option #2 is the more “eastern” grouping.
Keep reading below for the details and maps of both these suggested 1 day Big Bend National Park itineraries!
Map of Your 1 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary #1
One day Big Bend National Park Itinerary #1
Suggested 1 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary #1
- STOP #1: The Lost Mine Trail
- STOP #2: Santa Elena Canyon
- STOP #3: Picnic Lunch
- STOP #4: Mule Ears Viewpoint
- STOP #5: Balanced Rock via the Grapevine Hills Trail
- STOP #6: Terlingua or Marathon
Now let’s dive into the details of each of these stops along your perfect one day 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
*Drive from the Lost Mine Trail southwest to Santa Elena Canyon, approximately a 1 hour drive.
STOP #2: Santa Elena Canyon
Timeframe: 1 hour – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Santa Elena Canyon is perhaps the most iconic, recognizable, and most photographed spots in the park. It is also one of the top 5 canyons in Texas! While at Santa Elena Canyon, you can hike the easy 1.6 mile round trip trail to the shoreline of the Rio Grande River and marvel at the canyon gorge. Many visitors stop here to enjoy the scenery, but you can also continue on the Santa Elena Trail as it crosses Terlingua Creek, and then proceeds up a steep but brief incline on the canyon wall, for stunning views over the Rio Grande River below. You may even get lucky and spot some kayakers or boaters!
Optional Add On: Half Day River Trip
If you have more time, a great optional add on is a half day river trip in Santa Elena Canyon. There are multiple tour guides that operate river tours out of nearby Terlingua, or you can bring your own kayak or boat and self launch. This Santa Elena Canyon guide explains all the details of how to enjoy a river trip on the Rio Grande.
STOP #3: Picnic Lunch
Timeframe: 30 minutes
Don’t overcomplicate lunch – there are many great places to enjoy a quick picnic lunch. Again, a picnic lunch will save you valuable time on your 1 day Big Bend National Park itinerary.
STOP #4: 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 #5: 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 #6: Terlingua or Marathon
Timeframe: TBD
These two common “bases” for Big Bend National Park itineraries are your last stop of the day, depending on which entrance you are planning to leave out of. Terlingua is closest to the west entrance, and Marathon is closest to the north entrance. Terlingua is the recommended base for this itinerary.
Whichever you choose, plan to spend some time in the late afternoon and evening enjoying the unique things to do in each of these rustic towns.
Suggested Things to Do in Terlingua:
Suggested Things to Do in Marathon:
- Gage Gardens and Hotel
- Art Galleries
Map of Your 1 Day big Bend National Park Itinerary #2
One day Big Bend National Park Itinerary #2
Suggested 1 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary #2
- STOP #1: The Window Trail
- STOP #2: Balanced Rock via the Grapevine Hills Trail
- STOP #3: Picnic Lunch
- STOP #4: Boquillas Canyon Overlook
- STOP #5: Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
- STOP #6: Langford Hot Springs via the Big Bend Hot Springs Trail
- STOP #7: Terlingua or Marathon
Now let’s dive into the details of each of these stops along your perfect one day 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: 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 #3: Picnic Lunch
Timeframe: 30 minutes
Don’t overcomplicate lunch – there are many great places to enjoy a quick picnic lunch. Again, a picnic lunch will save you valuable time on your 1 day Big Bend National Park itinerary.
STOP #4: 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 #5: 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 #6: 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 #7: Terlingua or Marathon
Timeframe: TBD
These two common “bases” for Big Bend National Park itineraries are your last stop of the day, depending on which entrance you are planning to leave out of. Terlingua is closest to the west entrance, and Marathon is closest to the north entrance. Marathon is the recommended base for this itinerary.
Whichever you choose, plan to spend some time in the late afternoon and evening enjoying the unique things to do in each of these rustic towns.
Suggested Things to Do in Terlingua:
Suggested Things to Do in Marathon:
- Gage Gardens and Hotel
- Art Galleries
Modifications to Your 1 Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary
For whatever reason, if you want to make modifications to these suggested 1 day Big Bend National Park itineraries, here are a couple recommendations:
- Non hiking modifications: if you are leaning towards less hiking, there are some easy modifications you can make. For example, several trails listed on these suggested itineraries have viewpoints and overlooks you can enjoy instead of the entire trail, or shortened hike options. Mule Ears and Boquillas Canyon both have overlooks/viewpoints. There are stunning views of the Window Trail from the Chisos Basin Campground. You don’t have to hike the entire Santa Elena Canyon Trail, you can stop and enjoy the views from the shoreline. The Window Trail has a “shortcut” you can pick up in the Chisos Basin Campground at campsite #51 , which will shave about 1.6 miles off the total, lowering it from 5.2 total to 3.6 total roundtrip miles. You can also swap in other viewpoints and overlooks, or additional time at the Visitor Centers at the Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village, instead of hiking. One final non hiking modification is to spend more time on the scenic park drive, the Ross Maxwell Drive, which you could easily spend several hours sightseeing on.
- Lost Mine Trail alternative: the Lost Mine Trail is the hardest hike listed on these 2 suggested itineraries. If you are worried about it being too much, opt for the Window Trail instead, which is located nearby the Lost Mine Trail, and has the same approximate timeframe.
- Scenic drive modifications: the main scenic drive in the park is the Ross Maxwell Road, which is a lifeline in Big Bend. You can easily spend several hours driving this road, stopping at scenic viewpoints and overlooks to your heart’s content.
Accommodations for Your One Day in Big Bend National Park
There are multiple accommodation options for your 1 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 One Day 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!
Other Nearby Attractions to Big Bend
In the rugged wilderness that is southern Texas, there are plenty of other nearby adventures to be added on to your 1 day itinerary in Big Bend National Park:
- 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.
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