Massive Bend Nationwide Park in Texas has been on my bucket checklist ever since I first noticed an image of the Rio Grande River winding by means of spectacular mountainous desert cliffs.
The title “Massive Bend” even refers back to the nice U-turn the Rio Grande makes in Southwest Texas.
Lastly, my time got here, and I shortly found there are such a lot of issues to do in Bend Nationwide Park than simply mountain climbing by means of gorges and marveling on the huge desert panorama.
Massive Bend Nationwide Park is situated on essentially the most south western a part of the US’s greatest state. There’s not a lot else round right here, so we had our fingers and toes crossed that it was well worth the effort.
Fortunately it was!
In case you’re planning your go to to this Southern Texas area and unsure what to do in Massive Bend Nationwide Park, then hold studying to find a few of our favourite sights and points of interest.
Is Massive Bend Nationwide Park Price Visiting?
Proper on the Texas Mexico border runs the Rio Grande River, the most important of the Nationwide Parks in Texas, which encompasses greater than 800,000 acres of towering river canyons, mountain cliffs, and expansive Chihuahuan Desert.
Regardless of its measurement, Massive Bend NP is without doubt one of the least visited nationwide parks within the USA. We love experiencing locations of beautiful magnificence like this the place not many individuals dare to wander.
It’s the one one of many Nationwide Parks within the USA to include one complete mountain vary – the Chisos – inside its borders, and boasts 450 species of birds and 1,200 species of vegetation.
It’s identified to have extra species of birds, vegetation, butterflies, bats, reptiles, and ants, than every other nationwide park. For an arid atmosphere, that’s fairly spectacular.
And when visiting Massive Bend Nationwide Park be ready to see plenty of totally different cactus, which Kalyra and Savannah have been most enthralled by.
It’s additionally the place we lived out our Looney Tunes fantasy by seeing each a coyote and a street runner. Sadly, not on the identical time chasing one another round with dynamite and twine.
So in the event you’re questioning whether or not Massive Bend Nationwide Park is price it? The reply is, sure. It has virtually no crowds, a singular desert panorama, number of vegetation and wildlife species and a whole mountain vary to discover – these are all wonderful the reason why it’s price visiting.
Issues to Do in Massive Bend Nationwide Park
1. Hike to Emory Peak
Two of the very best hikes in Massive Bend are within the Chisos Basin area that take you deeper into the spectacular fantastic thing about the mountains and valley ground.
But when the thought of mountain climbing within the scorching desert scares you, then think about mountain climbing as much as the very best peak within the park – it’s not all dry and baking scorching right here in Massive Bend Texas.
Emory Peak is the very best level within the park at 7,825 toes, these mountains supply temperatures that may be 10 – 20 levels cooler than on the desert ground down by the river.
The hike takes about 6-8 hours relying in your health degree, so pack loads of water and put on sturdy footwear. The hike is 10.5 miles (16.8km) and ascends for two,500 toes – so it’s no small hike and is thought to be fairly the problem.
In truth, the final 25 toes are a scramble over uncovered rock face – however the reward of a 360-degree view of the entire nationwide park makes it price it.
2. Hike the Window Path at Sundown
Our analysis gave us about 4 totally different lengths for the Massive Bend Window Path, so we set out considering it was a 3 mile return hike – our greatest guess.
Because it took us an hour every method, and was a comparatively straightforward stroll, we knew this was method off! It’s really a 6-mile return hike.
That is essential to know because the Window Massive Bend hike is most spectacular at sundown. Had we identified it was a 6-mile return, we could not have achieved it as that may imply we’d be mountain climbing again out at midnight!
I’m so glad we did the stroll because the sundown because the reward by means of the window within the cliff face on the finish is really price it.
There have been a couple of different individuals on the path as properly, which made us really feel a little bit safer.
We did hike again out at midnight, which made for fairly the wonderful journey, however we don’t advocate doing it and not using a group as there are coyotes, mountain lions and black bears roaming within the park – so wandering round at evening by yourself with out safety isn’t a sensible thought.
That is Darkish Sky Nation, so once I say it’s darkish, we’re speaking darkish! Fortunate we had flashlights on our telephones to assist us get by means of the final part of the stroll out. It’s greatest to carry a correct flashlight as your cellphone could run out of battery!
Savannah saved tempo with me (I’m a quick walker) the whole method holding my hand, clutching my physique once we walked by means of darkish tunnels of timber, and marveling on the stars and counting every new one because it appeared.
3. Hike the Misplaced Mine Path for Beautiful Views
Probably the most widespread Massive Bend hikes for its placing and rugged magnificence, is the Misplaced Mine Path.
Named so after the legend that claims there was as soon as a hidden mine up right here. The employees have been blindfolded on their method up there so they might knot understand it’s location.
I don’t find out about discovering the misplaced mine, however we positive stumbled upon many valuable and glowing views.
I didn’t discover the stroll too strenuous. There are numerous switchbacks to ease the burden of mountain climbing up the mountain. And the views shortly take away any ache, and in addition take no matter breath is left after you see the views.
The women discovered it fairly exhausting although and weren’t shy in expressing their complaints. They each handed out within the automotive on the way in which dwelling, which isn’t good for my night quiet time as they have been filled with power!
There are a number of indicators warning you about mountain lions and bears on this hike. People are endlessly telling me how afraid they’re to journey to Australia due to our lethal animals, however our snakes and spiders are nothing in comparison with your beasts!
We didn’t see any, and being a busy path, I’m positive all of the people had lengthy scared them away. In case your solo mountain climbing within the early hours or later afternoon, be alert simply in case.
4. Drive the Ross Maxwell Drive
Essentially the most dramatic and well-known scenic drive in Massive Bend is the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
There are numerous stops alongside the way in which, however the very best view is claimed to be the Sol Vista for its views of the desert terrain and Mule Ears, one other iconic website within the park.
The street heads between Burro Mesa and Chisos Mountains. The whole route takes no less than a half of a day however it is best to depart time for exploring.
Alongside the windy street are quite a lot of turnouts the place you’ll be able to see volcanic outcroppings and beautiful vistas.
5. Discover Serenity on the Sam Nail Ranch
Sam Nail Ranch is without doubt one of the many homesteads that have been as soon as energetic in Massive Bend Pure Park. This can be a fairly and serene spot, and gives shelter and habitat for desert wildlife.
There’s a quick loop stroll by means of the deserted homestead property. There’s a windmill that pumps water, making the world greener than the environment, and attracting wildlife.
6. Get dramatic on the Sotol Vista Overlook
Among the best viewing locations in Massive Bend Nationwide Park is the Sotol Vista overlook.
It provides you a dramatic 360 view over the western aspect of the Massive Bend Park, together with Goat Mountain, the Chisos Mountains, Burro Mesa, and Santa Elena Canyon within the distance.
7. Hike the Decrease Burro Mesa Pour-off
Go to the tip of the street into the Decrease Burro Mesa space for the beginning of the Decrease Burro Mesa Pour Off path.
There’s one other path simply earlier than it known as the Decrease Burro Spring Path.
We weren’t paying consideration and began on this path. It was very stunning, however we didn’t go too far earlier than realizing we have been on the fallacious path.
As this one was for much longer than the Pour off we turned again as the ladies have been less than one other lengthy hike after the Misplaced Mines Path the day earlier than.
Colourful cliffs guard the 0.5 mile path right into a hidden field canyon with a excessive, dry waterfall. The pour-off a degree the place the Burro Mesa “bowl” spills over, making a waterfall throughout flash-flood circumstances.
There’s one other longer path that results in the highest of that pour-off.
8. Spot the Mule Ears
Mule Ears is one other well-known viewpoint of the Mule Ears Peaks, a double-peaked mountain that tops out at 3,881 toes (1193 meters).
There’s a 2-mile path that results in a desert spring. It’s one I wish to come again for, you’ll be able to see the mule ears from a number of locations alongside the Ross Maxwell Drive.
9. Go to the Castolon Historic District
Castolon is a former cavalry camp. Frontier buying and selling publish continues to be open and vintage tools is on show.
A customer middle and camper retailer can also be situated right here and the Cottonwood Campground is close by. All of those have been closed as a result of shutdown.
10. Marvel at Tuff Canyon
Tuff Canyon was carved out of sentimental volcanic tuff, which is compressed ash. It’s a deep and slim white walled canyon which might be considered from above or on a hike by means of the gorge.
I cherished the world simply forward of this, dominated by, Cerro Castellan, 3,293 toes of multi-hued layers of lava and ash.
Surrounding it have been small white rolling hills, that are simply piles of volcanic ash.
So cool to see this up shut and for my ladies to have an actual expertise of how land is fashioned by volcanoes and one thing like ash!!
11. Drive into the Santa Elena Canyon
The Santa Elena Canyon is an iconic place to go to in Massive Bend Nationwide Park.
It options dramatic 15,000 foot canyon partitions created by grasp sculpture, the Rio Grande. A path follows the river upstream then drops right down to the canyon ground – it’s meant to be a enjoyable place to drift alongside the river.
Sadly, we are able to’t report something on it because the 8-mile part of the street resulting in it was closed from Cottonwood campground. So, we couldn’t even get to the Santa Elena Overlook.
It additionally meant we couldn’t entry the Outdated Maverick Highway, which can also be meant to be scenic.This street requires a high-clearance automobile to entry.
You possibly can depart the park by way of this fashion relatively than going again alongside the Ross Maxwell Drive, though I discovered it extra stunning going again.
12. Soak within the Scorching Springs Historic District
Wow! This was an important discover advisable to me by a pal.
You need to go down a gravel street, which will get a bit slim and furry at one level, however it’s well worth the quick drive in to the Massive Bend Nationwide Park scorching springs.
On the banks of the Rio Grande sits the remnants of an early 1900’s bathhouse, 105 diploma pure scorching spring.
And it was scorching, particularly with the extraordinary solar baking down upon us.
I may think about watching a sundown behind the mountains right here on the Rio Grande could be fairly particular. I’m unsure in regards to the drive out at midnight although. Watch out.
It was simply what our our bodies wanted after the Misplaced Mine Path. I may really feel all of the muscle tightness soften away. My physique had a wholesome zing after it of serenity.
We dipped our toes into the dashing Rio Grande, it was freezing, however a refreshing distinction.
I may think about within the hotter months alternating between a swim or a tube float down the river after which break within the scorching springs. I’m unsure if that’s allowed or protected, by the way in which, however in my thoughts it sounds nice enjoyable.
From the automotive park, it’s a 0.25 mile straightforward stroll to the springs. Look out for the rock artwork on the limestone cliffs alongside the trail.
There are different strolling trails within the space as properly.
There’s a attractive large fern sort tree on the high of the path in with picnic tables. Excellent spot for lunch OR you could possibly at all times eat across the scorching springs, however there isn’t plenty of sitting room there.
13. Admire the Boquillas Overlook
Boquillas Canyon is the longest and deepest canyon in Massive Bend Nationwide Park.
The vertical reduction from close by Pico del Carmen, to river degree is over 7,000 toes, considerably deeper than the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River.
There’s a 1.4-mile spherical journey hike that takes guests to water’s edge on the spectacular entrance to the canyon. It’s one other hike to return again for as the world it passes by means of seems to be beautiful.
We ran out of time and the ladies out of power, so settled for the views from Boquillas Overlook over Boquillas del Carmen as an alternative.
Boquillas Canyon is so slim that from the Scenic Overlook the doorway is sort of invisible. The knowledge indicators will aid you discover the doorway within the distance.
The other view seems to be over the Rio Grande River and the small city of Boquillas in Mexico.
We loved listening to the Mexican music taking part in there. There should have been some form of occasion taking place! It actually had us eager to journey to Mexico
14. Admire The Rio Grande River
You’ll have loads of locations throughout the park to expertise the Rio Grande Massive Bend, from far above to up shut.
You will get a river float allow (required for all boat use) at park headquarters or ranger stations. There aren’t any tools leases within the park.
Examine river ranges earlier than beginning a float journey, be properly geared up and keep updated with circumstances. It might run fairly quick.
Swimming just isn’t suggested on account of sturdy currents, submerged snags and drop offs.
15. Go to Terlingua Ghost City
Terlingua was as soon as a affluent mercury mining city, which went broke throughout the Nice Melancholy and Terlingua become a ghost city as everybody left.
Buildings started to crumble and reclaimed by Mom Earth. After which it was revived once more.
The Starlight Theater was the primary communal gathering place and that custom stays at present.
You’ll be able to stroll round Terlingua ghost city to see a few of the previous stays of the mining city.
Sitting on the porch of the Starlight Theater is the factor to do at sundown in Terlingua.
Doorways open at 5 pm and there might be a line of keen locals and vacationers ready to seize a pint of native brew and a bowl of their well-known chili, wild boar strips, or Well-known Diego burger (in the event you’re actually hungry!)
Yearly, a chili cook-off occurs, which they name the world’s greatest and greatest chili! It was fairly good.
I loved watching the setting solar mild up the Chisos Mountains within the Massive Bend Nationwide Park. There have been a couple of locals jamming on the porch which made it a greater expertise.
It jogged my memory plenty of an Australian Outback pub full of characters and yarns to inform, from Vagabonds to drifters, artists, miners and salt of the earth kinda people.
16. Go Stargazing in Massive Bend Nationwide Park
Massive Bend Nationwide Park is famous for having the darkest measured skies of any Nationwide Park within the decrease 48 states. The Nationwide Park affords two commonly scheduled interpretive packages in regards to the evening skies.
- A park ranger’s information to the glazy – an important orientation of newbie stargazers and youngsters
- Some Endangered Night affords perspective on the destructive influence of synthetic lighting and the way people may also help hold their very own skies darkish
Take a look at the official web site as full moon hikes and evening time astronomy packages are within the plans.
It’s also possible to take a look at an observatory within the Davis Mountains, the McDonald Observatory, which belongs to the College of Texas and has common packages and occasions.
Pattern Itineraries for 1, 2 & 3 Days in Massive Bend Nationwide Park
In case you’re unsure which of those actions to do and what’s most essential to see, then under are our advisable itineraries for 1,2,3 days in Massive Bend Nationwide Park to present you an thought of what to see and in what order.
Sooner or later in Massive Bend Nationwide Park
- Early morning Misplaced Mines Hike
- Ross Maxwell Drive
- Santa Elena Canyon hike
- Window Path Hike for sundown
Two Days in Massive Bend Nationwide Park
Day 1:
- Misplaced Mine Path Hike
- Scorching Springs
- Window Path Hike for sundown
Day 2
- Ross Maxwell Drive
- Decrease Burros Mesa Hike
- Santa Elena Canyon Hike
- Outdated Maverick Highway
- Sundown Terlingua Ghost city
Three Days in Massive Bend Nationwide Park
As above and on the third day you could possibly discover extra of the dust street happening to Rio Grande River and embody the next:
- Boquillas overlook
- Boquillas canyon path
- Sundown from Terlingua Ghost city
I’d additionally transfer the Scorching Springs go to to today because it’s on the street headed to Rio Grande village.
And I’d perhaps add within the Decrease Burros Spring Path, or Mule Ears hike on the Ross Maxwell Drive.
Ideas For Visiting Massive Bend Nationwide Park
Under are some issues to recollect when visiting Massive Bend Nationwide Park:
- Rattlesnakes stay in Massive Bend. We didn’t see any however watch out the place you set your palms and toes.
- There are additionally tarantulas. They have a tendency to cover throughout the day, however come out at evening. Price noting in the event you plan on tenting.
- Mountain lions and bears are additionally within the park. Once more,we didn’t see any. There are many indicators telling you what to do must you see one. i.e. face the animal, make noise, choose up babies, seem as giant as potential and again away slowly. If attacked, combat again. He who wins lives. Once more, I discover myself ASTOUNDED that the number one causes People inform me they gained’t journey to Australia is that we’ve got too many issues that may kill you. Oh please. I’ve by no means been advised to be ready to combat a wild animal. Not in Australia!
- Customer Facilities are situated at Panther Junction, Chisos Basin, Castolon, Persimmon Hole, and Rio Grande Village. Don’t neglect to select up your Massive Bend Nationwide Park map.
- Comfort shops can be found and open year-round at Rio Grande Village, the Chisos Basin, and within the historic La Harmonia retailer at Castolon.
- You’re within the desert – it’s scorching and dry. Shield your self from sunburn and carry PLENTY of water. Do your strenuous actions within the early or later a part of the day. Our journey to go to Massive Bend was in January throughout the winter, which fortunately on this a part of the USA meant a few days with temperatures within the excessive 70’s. I can solely think about how scorching that solar should be when the gauge raises one other 30 in the summertime months – be protected along with your explorations in the event you go to then!
- Mobile phone service is spotty. Don’t depend on it or care!
- There are many locations to take pleasure in a picnic. Pack loads of meals and benefit from the lunchtime views. We discovered a shaded spot amongst the timber at Dugout Wells. No actual views, however reduction from a stinging solar.
- Make sure you will have a full tank of fuel. Gasoline stations and water sources are few and much between.There’s a fuel station inside Massive Bend Nationwide Park at Panther Junction Guests Heart and Rio Grande Village. In Terlingua and Lajitas you’ll discover fuel stations that promote diesel in addition to propane fuel.
- Top off on provides earlier than arriving to the world. Closest cities are Marathon or Alpine.
- Pets usually are not allowed on trails, off roads, or on the river. Your pet can solely go the place your automotive can go and should be on a leash now not than six toes in size or in a cage always. Pet etiquette and park laws require that you just at all times clear up after your pet and get rid of waste in trash receptacles.
- Get the Audio Tour with Simply Forward. There’s a free app you’ll be able to obtain that provides complimentary guided audio excursions of the park along with your smartphone or synced along with your Bluetooth. It saved crashing on me which was actually annoying, however is helpful if you will get it to work. See extra right here.
- Wish to head into Mexico? Pack your passport and leap within the rowboat. There’s a singular border crossing at Boquillas, Mexico. There’s a US passport verify level while you come again out of Massive Bend on the street to Alpine. Have your passports prepared.
Entrance Charges
- $30 for a 7-day automobile move
- $25 per motorbike
- $15 for a 7-day move
- $55 for an annual move
Now we have an annual Nationwide Parks Move which price $80 for the yr and permits entry to all Nationwide Parks. It’s the very best worth in the event you intend to street journey the US like we’re.
How you can Get to Massive Bend Nationwide Park
So wright here is Massive Bend Nationwide Park and the way do you get there? From El Paso, you’ll be able to undergo Marfa (widespread for the random Prada retailer in the midst of nowhere and artwork installations, Alpine (it was coated in snow once we drove by means of), or Marathon.
Or for a scenic route, undergo Presidio alongside the River Highway by means of the Massive Bend Ranch State Park. This street has plenty of curves and steep grades however has unbelievable surroundings.
To go from San Antonio to Massive Bend Nationwide Park (or from Austin), you’d take the I-10 West by means of to both Marathon or Alpine.
The closest airport to Massive Bend Nationwide Park is Midland-Odessa Worldwide Air and Area Port, which continues to be a 3 hour drive away.
Automobile and RV Leases from San Antonio and Austin
In order for you the Massive Bend RV expertise, however don’t have an RV, you’ll be able to hire one by means of Outdoorsy.
Outdoorsy is the most important and most trusted RV rental market. They’ve a various collection of distinctive RVs to fit your fashion and funds and include an business first $1 million legal responsibility insurance coverage.
Examine RV leases from San Antonio right here or from Austin right here. Or, if in case you have an RV sitting round gathering mud, you might wish to checklist it for hire on Outdoorsy. Click on right here to be taught extra about that.
In case you don’t have your individual automobile, you’ll be able to hire a automotive kind Austin, or San Antonio, or El Paso, which might be the closest main cities to the Massive Bend Area.
The place to Keep at Massive Bend Nationwide Park
Campgrounds
We’d have cherished to camp at one of many Massive Bend Nationwide Park campgrounds, however the Rio Grande Village was full and our 37 foot journey trailer couldn’t slot in any of the opposite campgrounds.
They’re made for twenty-four ft. and underneath. However, it didn’t matter anyway because the campgrounds (apart from the RV park) was closed due to the Authorities shut down.
There are three developed campgrounds within the park:
All include water, restrooms and primitive shelters.
A lot of the campsites function on a first-come-first-served foundation and refill shortly in March, April and the vacation season.
The nightly price for tenting within the developed entrance nation campgrounds is $14
Lodges & Cabins
On the lookout for Massive Bend Nationwide Park cabins or lodges?
As the only lodging alternative in Massive Bend NP, the Chisos Mountains Lodge affords quite a lot of comfy in a single day lodging that present beautiful views excessive within the scenic Chisos Mountains.
Select from lodge items, motel rooms, or the favored Roosevelt Stone Cottages.
They permit advance reservations from Nov 15 – April 15.
RV Tenting
The Rio Grande Village has the one RV tenting inside Massive Bend NP with full hookups.
Public showers and laundry services are additionally accessible right here on the Rio Grande Village retailer. They permit a restricted variety of websites by superior reservation from Nov 15 – April 15.
We tried to order an RV area right here throughout the vacation interval and it was full. We drove previous the RV campsite whereas within the park, and weren’t impressed.
There are a small variety of websites accessible, and it’s mainly only a parking zone, with the RV’s squashed collectively. It’s not what I had imagined a campsite throughout the nationwide park to seem like.
There wasn’t even any nice views from right here!
This campground can also be fairly a drive from the Chisos Basin and the Ross Maxwell Drive, which I think about to be essentially the most spectacular space of the park.
That is one other benefit for staying simply exterior the park as an alternative of tenting right here. I simply didn’t just like the vibe of it to be trustworthy.
I’d choose to remain at RV parks close to Massive Bend Nationwide Park and drive in, relatively than keep right here.
We cherished the place we stayed (see under in Lajitas. If I used to be to return to Massive Bend, and couldn’t keep within the Chisos Basin or Cottonwood Campground then I’d positively keep within the Maverick Ranch RV Park once more.
Tent Tenting
Massive Bend tenting permits for backcountry campsites are $12 which might solely be acquired at one of many park’s customer facilities in individual.
The place to Keep in Lajitas
About 15-minutes additional west is the even smaller city of Lajitas and is comprised of a city corridor, basic retailer, Lajitas Golf Resort and golf course and a goat for a mayor!
It’s on the entrance to the Massive Bend Ranch State Park and we cherished staying right here for its rugged magnificence, serenity and remoteness.
Maverick Ranch RV Park
Of all of the RV tenting close to Massive Bend Nationwide Park we noticed within the surrounding space, ours at Maverick Ranch RV Park was by far the very best!
It was a 20-minute drive to the doorway gates of Massive Bend NP, however it was picturesque so I didn’t thoughts.
I cherished the serenity of our campground and the lovable and quiet very small Lajitas village. You additionally get entry to the Lajitas Golf Resort facilities which owns the RV Park.
Lajitas Golf Resort
On the lookout for Massive Bend lodges?
Lajitas Golf Resort is simply exterior the doorway to Massive Bend Ranch State Park. You don’t should be a golf lover to remain right here, though in case you are, you may love this distinctive golf course within the desert.
There’s additionally horse driving and zip line adventures accessible.
Free Wi-Fi entry, a full-service spa and quite a lot of eating choices that includes connoisseur West Texas delicacies are among the many distinct facilities offered at this Texas resort.
The views from the bar and restaurant whilst you’re having a drink by the hearth are simply very good.
The place to Keep in Terlingua
Terlingua is the primary city simply exterior the park entrance, simply close to Examine Butte. It’s distinctive and small, however you’ll discover a couple of eating places, facilities and locations to remain right here.
Terlingua Campgrounds
Terlingua Ranch Lodge
Terlingua Ranch Lodge is a 425 acre resort situated 34 miles from Massive Bend Nationwide Park. It’s a bit far out, but when serenity is what you might be after, this may occasionally go well with.
It has cabin guestrooms, RV websites and personal campgrounds and has a out of doors pool and free WIFI.
Ultimate Ideas
Whether or not you’re in search of a variety of mountain climbing, horse driving trails and mountain biking trails, it’s clear to say there are many issues to do in Massive Bend Nationwide Park.
We hope this information helped you intend your go to to this spectacular area in Far West Texas, and gave you some concepts for what to do and the place to remain.
Bonus Massive Bend Nationwide Park Video
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