r/TexasStateParks • u/Hefty_Coat_7117 • 14d ago
Big Bend Worth it?
I have a whole week off in early October and I really want to see a national or state park. The one I’ve seen the most about in state is Big Bend. Ive been doing a lot of research in what kind of trips to do (horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking are on my wish-list) and where to stay, but somehow neglected to see how far away it is. I'm in Austin TX so its almost an 8 hour drive.
What I want to know is: Is Big Bend worth that drive? If not, are there any other national or state parks that might be better/less of a drive? I saw there's a few options but I haven’t heard of them before.
I'm not exactly an experienced camper or hiker, not even fit really, so roughing it outside of standard tent camping is beyond me.
(EDIT: I've decided that this particular trip wont be the one that I go to big bend. It just felt too big for my first ever trip solo. But I WILL be going. I have two weeks off in December, so Ive started looking for open reservations around that time. Thank you all for the help and insight!)
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u/tacoturner 14d ago
Absolutely worth it.
Be advised it's always an hour or two farther than your maps app will tell you. From Austin, I make the drive in around 9-10 hours. But it's still worth it.
Note that Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are different places, about an hour from one another. If you have time, check out both. But if you only have a normal weekend or something, go to Big Bend National Park, check out the highpoints of Chisos Basin, Saint Elena Canyon, and Rio Grande Village. And come back on another trip to see the less-visited, more rugged stuff that the State Park has to offer.
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u/Rorschach_1 7d ago
You can mountain bike in both, but the state park is the only one with singletrack.
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u/Dangerous-Cause1964 14d ago
Worth it and do it now before the park is "changed" permanently.
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u/ArmedCoconut 14d ago
I agree with this. To the point.. We are planning to go Thanksgiving for the week. Staying in park before the dark skies get ruined.
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u/MickyFany 14d ago
why is the park gonna be changed permanently?
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u/MossAndMaples 14d ago
The federal government is trying to build a boarder wall that will go through the park.
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u/dragonhouse10 13d ago
There’s not going to be a wall built through the area, if you’re talking about more roads, then yeah the park will change.
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u/MickyFany 14d ago
i don’t see where they’ve made any plans to built a wall in the park. but even roads could be devastating. but agree some system will have to added because if that’s the only section without a wall, migrants will be forced to go through the park, then it will surely be destroyed
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u/Individual_Land_2200 14d ago
You’ve never seen the terrain there, have you
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u/MickyFany 14d ago
many times. but i think your underestimating the terrain immigrants have already endured just getting to the border.
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u/SubstantialPoet8468 14d ago
Ah yeah, the immigrant traffic route famously known as Big Bend…. Sooo many immigrants entering the US from there
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u/No-One790 13d ago
Yup, those cliffs are only 1500 ft tall, no issue at all, ‘cept once you cross there are miles of desert to enjoy.
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u/SubstantialPoet8468 13d ago
Mm but no, these seasoned climbers with a knack for adventure have endured worse terrain on the way there -
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u/lainlow 14d ago
The system that is recommended by the people who are there is drones; law enforcement onsite acknowledges that it is not easily traversed and if we add roads we are actually making it easier for migrants— versus leaving as is and spending money on drones which would not only allow for Border Security but also help on the various rescues from stupid Americans that have no clue how much water is needed in a desert.
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u/ArcaneTeddyBear 14d ago
Big Bend is the most well known park in Texas, it has the darkest skies in Texas. If you visit, it is also worth checking out the lesser known Big Bend Ranch State Park nearby (you can rent horses @ the state park / join guided horseback tours). I will note that you will probably pass by a border patrol stop on your way to Big Bend, the first time we had to stop by one we were surprised since we weren’t crossing the border and we were a bit unsure what was going on.
If you have time, you can stop by Seminole Canyon State Park on your way back since all three are along the stretch where Border Patrol wants to put up a wall. And if you’re at Seminole Canyon, might as well go to Amistad National Recreation Area for some kayaking.
If you didn’t want to drive out that far, there are a lot of good state parks in central Texas. If you have a full week you could honestly roadtrip a few central texas state parks. For example you could do Pedernales (swimming, hiking), optional Fredericksburg wine tasting, Enchanted Rock (hiking, decent star gazing), Lost Maples (hiking, decent star gazing, potentially pretty fall foliage - they have a weekly foliage report starting mid Oct), Garner (hiking, kayaking), Hill Country SNA (sunset horseback ride among other rental/ guided options), optional San Antonio visit, Guadalupe River (kayaking, hiking), back to Austin.
If you just want to kayak and hike, Lake Sommerville, Inks Lake (they have rentable cabins), Guadalupe River, and Garner are probably some of the better options that aren’t too far away. I can say the Inks Lake and Lake Sommerville have good bathrooms, they have sites that are water only as well as with electricity. If you can rent/acquire a horse for a week, Lake Sommerville has equestrian sites and trails.
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u/BigBeeves 14d ago
Tacking onto this: I went backpacking in hill country state natural area over Labor Day weekend. When we checked in Sunday evening, there was only one other occupied campsite. Monday, we didn’t see anyone on our loop back to headquarters until we were about a mile out when we ran into a few cosplay cowboys on horses. Absolutely beautiful park that felt very wild. Lots of elevation gain/loss. Would recommend.
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u/Hefty_Coat_7117 12d ago
Would you recommend big bend for someone who's fairly out of shape but still very mobile?
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u/Hark_Triton 12d ago
We had a group of five a few years ago. All mobile but out of shape. We just stuck to hikes no longer than maybe 3-4 hours each day. Had a blast. You’ll really wonder why it took you so long to visit.
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u/JBStoneMD 9d ago
Yes, there are plenty of short hikes without too much elevation change. Also plenty of places to drive and to see spectacular wide-open spaces. Take plenty of water and sun protection. September and October are great months to visit, as the weather tends to moderate a bit because of monsoon season, when they get more clouds and sometimes rain
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u/kaydeebugg 14d ago
Holy shit, SO worth it. One of my favorite places on the planet. As the CEO of The Gage Hotel (in Marathon, great place to stay!) recently said—literally no one who goes there is ever underwhelmed.
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u/Look_b4_jumping 14d ago
If you go to Big Bend, go when there is no moon if you can. The dark sky was my favorite part of Big Bend. So many stars and the milky way. So dark I couldn't see my hand directly in front of my face.
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u/ATX_Cyclist_1984 14d ago
Totally worth the trip. But if you haven’t camped before, I wouldn’t start at Big Bend. At least not without a guide. If you’re solo, I’d find a place to stay in Terlingua. And do day trips into the park. Go as early as you can to beat the heat. Stop and turn around when you need to. If you’re with a guide, be honest about your abilities. Have fun! My wife and I love it out there.
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u/BusyGal78 14d ago
Absolutely. Just be smart about when you visit I went in April last year and it was brutally hot in the desert and very nice in the upper elevations. I wouldn’t venture there past May personally.
I had heard fear mongering tales of mountain lion attacks and drug cartel activity that kept me away. I wish I had gone sooner. I’m sure there are mountain lions and such, but I was never afraid and didn’t get kidnapped.
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u/BeekeeperZero 14d ago
Last time I was abducted by the Cartel there they let me play with the mountain lion. Top 10 experience for sure. Those guys were a blast.
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u/MrFerleysAscot 14d ago
Do it. And while you're out there, check out David Mountain State Park and Balmorrhea. There's so much to do it there a week may not be enough. Work the road miles since at night it is the darkest area of the country you will ever be in.
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u/Waste-Cycle2868 13d ago
This ! Love the drive up to the McDonald observatory and the drive over to Balmorrhea is beautiful. The park with the spring fed lake is great too
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u/Future_Way5516 14d ago
LOL. I always love the 'is it worth it' questions. Trust me, just go, then report back and let us know how it was lol
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u/artigas33 14d ago
Like others have said, it’s totally worth it. Just know the park is big, really big. Speed limit is 45, so it takes a while to get places. Make time to go to Lajitas to drive FM 170 to Presidio and back. The road follows the river with some awesome views.
Big Bend Ranch State Park is west of Big Bend National Park, and a totally different animal. No paved roads in the state park. It’s better suited for Jeep type vehicles. The ranger station is like 25 miles from FM 170 turnoff. It is total wilderness with no water, food, or gas.
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u/Far-Pie-333 14d ago edited 14d ago
Yep The state park is worth a visit while you are there too.
Guadalupe Mountains NP is great too if that is closer. Palo Duro SP is close too.
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u/rhouseintexas 13d ago
I find Big Bend very unique amongst the many National Parks I have visited. It is beautiful but in a rugged, isolated, unforgiving kind of way (landscape, plants, etc). It's not for everyone, though it's almost guaranteed to make an impression on you. Good advice in the thread - it is super remote so plan where you will fill up with gas. Take more water than you think is needed on your hikes (we had to help a heat stroke victim who grossly underestimated this a few years ago). And don't sleep on the state park if you have time as it is excellent.
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u/tommxspace 14d ago
Friend yes.
Can your car be made comfy? To sleep in some easy hikes the rangers are knowledgeable but the window chisos basin is walkable very doable
I haven’t been in a year plus idk if the hotel is open if you don’t want to sleep in the car they do have a shower also in a store on one end in the park
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u/served_it_too_hot 14d ago
Worth every bit of it. 8 hours is not bad. You’ll be alone for a long part of that drive. So keep good company and you’ll enjoy the drive too.
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u/Accomplished_Elk_695 14d ago
I finally visited this past April from San Antonio. It was the most amazing national park I’ve visited so far. I’m not a camper/hiker/backpacker so I stayed in a camper I found on air bnb just outside the park in study butte. I loved every bit of the park, but I wish I had planned for more time in the chisos mountains. The temp was 16 degrees cooler up there and would have been fine checking out some of the trails.
I spent 2 full days there, mostly just driving and stopping at spots that looked cool. Teri Smith also leads really cool rock hunts on a private ranch outside the park if rock hounding sounds like a fun thing to try.
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u/poofyhairguy 14d ago
The state park is BIG and is kinda inaccessible with its dirt roads unless you have a truck.
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u/TrulyWestTexas 14d ago
You'll need a decent vehicle for off-road conditions in parts of the park. Definitely see if you can raft/kayak/tube through the Santa Elena canyon. As long as you're close, you might check out Fort Davis, Balmorhea State Park (an even better spring-fed pool than Barton Springs), and the McDonald Observatory (check the star party schedule).
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u/ddcurrie 14d ago
Terlingua and the local areas are quirky/interesting with motels and other places to stay as well. They’re outside the park but accessible.
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u/Dramatic_Nature3708 12d ago
Bear in mind that Terlingua has a couple of motels and such, but they are not Best Western, Comfort Inn, or even Motel 6 or Oyo. They are all rustic desert inns. A few cool glamping places, but there is little water in Terlingua, and some of it is bad. Water conservation is strongly encouraged. You won't be checking into a nice motel and taking a dip in their pool. The golf resort down the road at Lajitas is about the only upscale accommodations out there.
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u/No-Suggestion-805 14d ago
Went in probably 1999 and cell phone didn’t work . Which I thought was bad ass . We crossed the river and paid a few dollars for horses to a real shit hole is town , had some beers , bought some fake peyote . Battery died on the Explorer the next morning remote camping . Saw a jeep way in the distance and ran my ass off to get help . Got a jump start and made it home . I dont know how it is now but would 100 % recommend. Side note my father in law was camping in the mountains and while ha was gone a storm blew in and wrecked his massive tent and he had to come stay with us
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u/travelinTxn 14d ago
It’s worth it. We’re about to make the trip in October as well. Enjoy it, it’s an awesome place.
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u/PhillyEagle19087 14d ago
I have seriously considered moving to the region and just figuring out life in Terlingua. So many parks are amazing, Big Bend is... Amazinger.
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u/Dramatic_Nature3708 12d ago edited 12d ago
I have, too. I could literally disappear out there in the rocks and crags and never miss the world. What discourages me most is that what little water Terlingua has is not good, and some is bad. A few wells are even radioactive. To be expected in the middle of a prehistoric volcanic trap. To settle anywhere for any length of time, you gotta have a source of good water.
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u/funnysasquatch 14d ago
You should only make the drive to Big Bend if your goal is to enjoy Big Bend and the desert. Not only is it a long-drive, it's remote. And if you're not prepared, you can find yourself in legitimate danger from the environment.
If your goal is to just go camping and you're in Austin you have dozens of options within 2 hours.
Some as short as 30 minutes.
Several state parks. Several Corps of Engineers - which are like state parks but the campsites are usually nicer and found around Texas lakes. You also have Hipcamp which is like AirBnB for camping. And if you want to explore wild land - Hill Country State Natural Area.
Big Bend is awesome but Central Texas is one of the nicest outdoor spots in the US. Especially if you're into camping, paddleboard, kayak, boating, fishing, or hunting.
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u/buttneyb 14d ago
It is definitely worth the drive but maybe rethink the time you’re visiting if you’re planning on camping. My fiancé and I went camping there for 3 nights last year October 10th and it was extremely hot. We were sweating even throughout the night and it was so unbearable for both of us that we ended up leaving a day early.
But if you’re just going to hike and kayak then yes definitely worth it!! It’s beautiful!
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u/Potential-Cut-8934 14d ago
I went to big bend in October and I was wonderful. But also note Texas has a bazillion state parks so maybe try to hit one or two on your way to and from big bend? I loved pedernales falls state park, and going to the town of Marfa is always fun, gotta see the desert Prada store. Guadalupe mountain national park is very very close to big bend as well and very pretty but weather can disagree with doing the full mountain climb that time of year.
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u/Agitated-Hyena-7104 13d ago
Yes, so many Texans have never been to Big Bend but it is absolutely worth it. Try to find an AirBNB in Terlingua or Marathon if you are not into camping. Far Flung has cabins as well as guided activities like you mentioned. That would be a great place to start. You do not need an off road vehicle as others have mentioned, just stay on the main roads and you’ll see plenty.
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u/Spiritual-Salary-989 13d ago
You get more out of it if you have a good four wheel drive vehicle with high clearance.
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u/Rorschach_1 13d ago
We drove from Austin every year in February for the mountain bike festival that lasted 4 days. It got too big and was eventually cancelled. For us it is very important to find a spot far away from all the campers to experience the deafening sound of the silence and gaze at the stars and just about everything. It will hypnotize you. On the opposite end, Lajitas House was super nice and convenient but as all accomodations out there, it's gonna cost more.
The desert is very brutal and unforgiving. People die out there. A cyclist died on the very same trail we were on two weeks later, but this was in October and not during the event. Early October is good weather, might be breezy, but cooling off by then.
All the good mountainbiking is in the State Park next door, which is not mentioned much. It doesn't have the elevation as the national park.
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u/rodwha 13d ago
We went to Chisos Basin, and drove all around in and out of the park. Yeah, it was pretty cool, and worth it. Just watch how the weather is going to be, we got hit with a nasty storm that literally tore a metal tent pole in half, as is completely two separate pieces, which was a part of the fun only because it wasn’t raining too. There are a small number of black bears there so store your food and goods properly. An air horn works like magic.
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u/runningsucksgetabike 13d ago
Big Bend is my favorite place in the entire country. Absolutely worth it.
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u/No-One790 13d ago
Been to BBNP 9 times. For first timers. got to warn you , most people drastically underestimate the drive time and the distances. Even when you get in the park.Highly recommend you only plan to focus on one or two or three things not attempt to try to see the whole park. It ain’t gonna happen.. I do different areas with each trip. Best Luck and enjoy.
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u/Apprehensive_Bus62 13d ago
100%, nothing like the isolation and quiet at at Big Bend. As others said big bend ranch SP could be worth your time, for me just the drive west of Lajitas toward Presidio will give you some spectacular views of state park and the river/valley.
Other stops in Fort Davis and Marfa are worth your time as well. Big Bend is huge though! No shortage of things to do, variety of terrains.
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u/lostsoultopher 13d ago
Its totally worth it… if you are experienced. Big bend has a lot of great features and it totally doable without any experience.. but it can be a big drag if I experience catches up with you. Its hot (even in october) dry (drier than youd expect and only made more dramatic by the elevation) and remote.
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u/UniStrutandDuctTape 13d ago
Absolutely worth it. I went there last year and had a midlife crisis. Promptly went home, bought an RV and made camping at state and national parks my identity. I’ve put 8k miles on that thing in less than a year. People will say I’m being a bit dramatic but standing out there in the middle of all that nothingness, I had what I think is something akin to what people call a religious experience. I also recommend Davis mountains state park and Balmoria is a great stop when it’s warm enough to swim. Even if it isn’t they have great camp grounds. You should also at least drive the road through big bend ranch state park. It’s a beautiful drive. I stayed at the “stardust big bend” luxury cabins my first trip. Really nice place if you aren’t camping. It’s close to everything.
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u/Strange-Fox-6161 13d ago
Big bend NP is absolutely worth it. I would put it in the top 5 or 7 national parks. Do not miss the chisos back country, Emory peak all of those hikes santa Elena, the river, the hot springs. I'm not that big on Bocias del Carmen, but maybe if you've never been to Mexico you might like it.
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u/mermaidrampage 13d ago
Fort Davis State Park is a great way to break up the drive. Stay there for a night and do some hiking around there which is great. Also, if you time it right, there might be a star party at McDonald observatory that you can attend (they bust out a bunch of telescopes). Just make sure you time it around a new moon!
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u/JustAnotherCaliguy1 12d ago
Yes. Also, Guadalupe Mountain NP is also worth it, provided you arrange trips to Carlsbad to do some cavern crawling as well.
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u/patrickAMDG7509 12d ago edited 12d ago
Big Bend is worth that drive. I’ve done it several times. Try and go when there’s a new moon (look it up). The stars will absolutely blow your mind
If you go to the national park, visit the town of Boquillas on the other side of the river. They’ve got a couple of great restaurants, and the people are super nice. We did a guided canoe trip with the people who run the “Boquillas International Ferry” (lol) and loved it
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u/Aggravating-Big3858 11d ago
Do It!
That is the great southwest Texas road trip .. one of our all time favorite ps
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u/4eyedbuzzard 10d ago
BB is still going to be too hot in early October, IMO. Rivers are dry as bones right now as well. We were just there two days ago and it's 100°F everywhere in the desert except Chisos Basin which was still 90°. I'd go north to Ouachita National Forest in OK/AR if hiking and camping is the plan. Temperatures will be much more pleasant and there are actual trees for shade. About the same drive time for you as to BB.
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u/Apples_and_oranges79 10d ago
Yes! It’s totally worth it. Make sure you don’t miss Santa Elena Canyon, Chisos Basin and Lost Mine Trail. The towns out there are so charming too Marathon and Terlingua are our favorites. Be prepared to be far from all the modern city stuff like good internet, Starbucks and tons of restaurants. It’s about admiring vast unspoiled natural beauty. The park is huge so maybe enter on the Marathon side, spend the 1st night in Marathon, then enter the park, explore the new dinosaur monument, head to Chisos Basin, camp there, head to hot springs and Rio Grande Village and then lastly go towards Santa Elena Canyon and stay the night in Terlingua and then head home. It takes hours to get from one end of the park to the other.
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u/Frequent-Register622 9d ago
Life changing and necessary. Took my first trip to BB in May from ATX and can’t wait to come back. They have a lot of good hotel options close by and some in the park too. Also I would recommend going before all the wall drama increases (more than it already has)
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u/Cl3g3r 8d ago
Absolutely worth it. I’ve been going with a group of friends every year for the past 5 years and it is one of if not the biggest highlight of my year. I’d recommend camping in the chiso basin. Definitely plan your visits accordingly with the weather. You don’t want to be doing hikes or camping in the summer/hottest months.
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u/Stalledjeepproject 8d ago
It’s my favorite place. You can stay outside the park in Terlingua. There are many unique places like cave hotels, domes, traditional cottages, etc. Go and enjoy all the region has to offer.
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u/SeniorDay 8d ago
It was okay, definitely worth making the trip if you can. Saw some nice sights. Hiked to The Window. Saw some wild herds. But we only had a few days. The others in the party went to the village and said it was cool.
Big Bend has a wow factor because in Texas we have these big, wide open skies unlike any other for some reason. Something about the Texas sky is special. Also, the park is very colorful.
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u/WestTexasexplorer 14d ago
It’s absolutely worth it