Backpacking Big Bend
Big Bend National Park is a backpacker's paradise. For those who come prepared, there are hundreds of miles of trails, and vast expanses to explore.
Year-round Reservation required Fee applies
National Park · TX
Things to do in Big Bend
The National Park Service lists 19 things to do at Big Bend National Park. 17 have no extra fee, 17 need no reservation, and 7 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
Become a Big Bend Expert
The bookstore carries a large variety of educational books, videos, park information, and high quality souvenirs to help you learn more about the park and its resources or just help you remember your trip to Big Bend.
Year-round
Big Bend Junior Rangers
Big Bend National Park invites young visitors to become official Junior Rangers.
Year-round Pets allowed
Bike Big Bend
Lightly traveled roads and varied terrain make Big Bend a premier bicycling location.
Winter, Spring, Fall Pets allowed
Birdwatch at Cottonwood Campground
Situated near the Rio Grande, under the shade of numerous large cottonwood trees, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to look for birds and other wildlife.
15-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Birdwatch at Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Rio Grande Village is consistently one of the best places to find a large number of birds in Big Bend National Park. The principal area to search is the Nature Trail, located in the southeastern corner of the campground.
15-45 Minutes Year-round
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Enjoy Sunset at Rio Grande Village
Photography can be a rewarding experience for visitors. One of the best places is the Nature Trail at Rio Grande Village
Explore Backcountry Roads
If you have a high-clearance, four wheel drive vehicle, Big Bend's primitive dirt roads provide many opportunities to get off the beaten path and explore the remote corners of this park.
Winter, Spring, Fall Pets allowed
Find The Perfect Sunrise & Sunset
Where is the best place to see the sunrise or sunset? Truly, the answer is anywhere in the park! With huge horizons and dramatic scenery, it is spectacular wherever you are.
Year-round Pets allowed
Float the Rio Grande
Take a Big Bend float trip on the Rio Grande. Experience the beauty of one of Big Bend's spectacular limestone canyons.
Get a Big Bend Passport Stamp
Are you a "Passport to Your National Parks" cancellation collector? Big Bend National Park has a cancellation stamp to commemorate your visit in your passport book.
Hike Into Santa Elena Canyon
The trail begins at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon, and is one of the prettiest short trails in the park.
Year-round
Hike the Lost Mine Trail
The Lost Mine Trail climbs to the side of Lost Mine Peak, offering spectacular views of Juniper Canyon and the Northeast Rim of the Chisos.
Year-round
Join A Ranger
Join a Park ranger for a guided hike, talk, or evening program. Discover the amazing stories behind the scenery of Big Bend.
Year-round
List of Hiking Trails in Big Bend
Hiking trails
Primitive Roadside Campsites
Off the Beaten Path! If you have a rugged vehicle, and wish to get away from it all...Big Bend offers a number of primitive campsites located along rough, remote, backcountry roads.
Winter, Spring, Fall Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed
See the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is accessible from a number of places in Big Bend National Park, and a variety of hiking trails provide even further opportunities to get up close and personal with our watery border with Mexico.
Year-round
View the Night Sky
Far away from most city lights, Big Bend National Park preserves pristine darkness. Take this chance to stargaze, and experience the half of the park that many of us miss - nighttime.
Year-round Pets allowed
Visit Boquillas, Mexico
Visiting the small village of Boquillas, Mexico through the park's Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is an option for visitors possessing a valid passport.
Year-round
Before you go
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Big Bend. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
Things to do at nearby parks
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Sources
- National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
- Big Bend National Park — things to do on nps.gov