Discover the must-see sights in and around Big Bend, from iconic natural landmarks to hidden gems that showcase the region’s rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Top Sights in Big Bend National Park
Santa Elena Canyon (our namesake!)
Santa Elena is one of Big Bend’s most stunning landmarks, with cliffs rising 1,500 feet above the Rio Grande. The Overlook offers amazing views, and an optional 1.7-mile trail takes you in between the canyon walls along the Rio Grande.
Chisos Mountains
In heart of the park, this mountain range can be seen from Camp Elena. It is the only range that is fully contained in a national park, even at 20 miles long. The Chisos' tallest peaks include Emory (7,835) and Lost Mine (7,535ft). A drive to the Chisos Basin takes you from the desert to cooler mountain habitats, offering stunning views of the peaks and basin below.
The Window
At the end of the drive into the Chisos Basin, you can take a 5.6 mile trail down to the narrow rock opening to see the vast, framed views of Big Bend from above, or stop at the Window View trail and walk 0.3 miles to a viewpoint (wheelchair accessible).
Fossil Discovery Exhibit
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit showcases Big Bend’s plants and animals from 130 million years of history. Fossils and artwork tell the story of ancient life, and a short trail offers views of nearby geologic features.
Boquillas Hot Springs
Boquillas Hot Springs offers a relaxing soak in natural thermal waters along the Rio Grande. A short, 0.25-mile walk leads to the springs, where you can enjoy stunning desert and river views while unwinding in the warm water.
Boquillas Border-Crossing
Journey into the charming, solar-powered Mexican village on the western side of Big Bend National Park. Explore the town's shops, dine at Falcon's Restaurant along the Rio Grande, and, if time permits, enjoy a relaxing soak in the Boquillas Hot Springs after crossing back into the National Park. Don't forget your passport and cash. Explore on your own or join a guided tour with Big Bend Boating & Hiking Company.
Scenic Drives in Big Bend
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
This 30-mile route offers stunning views of Big Bend National Park’s desert landscapes, with stops like Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Overlook, and Tuff Canyon. Explore the area's rich history at the Castolon Visitor Center, and end at Santa Elena Canyon for a complete experience of Big Bend’s rugged beauty. The following trails are located along this route:
- Sam Nail Ranch | Easy | 0.3 mi
- Lower & Upper Burro Mesa Pouroffs | Easy-Moderate | 1-3.5 mi
- Mule Ears | Moderate | 3.5 mi*
- Tuff Canyon | Easy | 0.5 mi*
- Santa Elena Canyon | Moderate | 1.6 mi*
*Also has overlook off of the paved road.
Big Hill / River Road
Experience on of the most beautiful drives in Texas by driving FM 170 between Lajitas and Presidio. This drive curves along the Rio Grande river with multiple lookouts. You can explore the following hikes and sites along this route:
- Closed Canyon Trail | Moderate | 1.4 mi
- Hoodoos & Balanced Rock Trail | Easy | 1.1 mi
- Abandoned Contrabando Movie Set
Terlingua Ghost Town Mining Ruins
Starlight Theatre
This must-see attraction originated as the town's theatre in the 1930s and was then left abandoned for 30 years until wanderers began to use it as a gathering place in the 1960s. Before it became a restaurant in the 1990s, it was enjoyed without a roof, which is where the name "starlight" comes from.
TERLINGUA TRADING CO.
Next door to Starlight Theatre, the Terlingua Trading Company offers a wide range of souvenirs, including handmade pottery, jewelry, and soaps. Get lost in the book section, which has unique coffee table books and Texas guides.
TERLINGUA CEMETERY / ST. AGNES CHURCH
Explore Terlingua Cemetery, a unique historic site dating back to 1903, linked to St. Agnes Church behind the Starlight Theatre. It's one of Texas' most photographed cemeteries, with the Chisos Mountain Range as its backdrop. Wander among old wood crosses and spiny shrubs and take in the offbeat charm of the Ghost Town.
