Only A Day
- Big Bend National Park
- Activities at Big Bend
- After Dark in the Park
- At Your Fingertips
- Average Temperature & Rainfall
- Backcountry Regulations
- Before You Visit Big Bend
- Big Bend Rules & Regulations
- Bike Rides Around the Park
- Camping at Big Bend
- Flora & Fauna
- History of Big Bend
- International Boundary
- Javalina
- Just For Kids
- Lodging & Dining
- Only A Day
- Park Safety
- Places to Go in Big Bend
- Planning Your Visit to Big Bend
- River Equipment
- Self Guided Hiking Trails
- Visitor Services
- Walking & Hiking in Big Bend
- Welcome to Big Bend National Park
- Who's Who in the Park
- Animals
- At A Glance
- Camping
- Geology
- History
- In A Nutshell
- Just For Kids
- Lodging & Dining
- Natural World
- Park Regulations & Safety
- Photography
- Plants
- Preservation
- Sights to See
- Things To Do
- Visitor Services
- Walking & Hiking
- Big Bend Map
- Big Bend Photos
- Big Bend POIs
- Recent Big Bend News
If time allows, drive to the Chisos Mountains Basin to take in the spectacular mountain views. Walk the 0.3-mile self-guiding Window View Trail to get a feel for the mountain scenery.
A trip along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive will give you a taste of the Chihuahuan Desert and will lead you to the Rio Grande. There are scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way. Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Overlook and Tuff Canyon are all worthwhile stops. The short walks to the Sam Nail Ranch and Homer Wilson (Blue Creek) Ranch and a visit to the Castolon Historic District will give you a glimpse into Big Bend's past.
A highlight of the trip is the short (1.7-mile round trip) walk into Santa Elena Canyon—one of Big Bend's most scenic spots. Drive to the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to access the trailhead. You may return to the main road by returning on the Ross Maxwell Drive or on the Old Maverick Road, a 13-mile gravel road linking the Ross Maxwell Drive to the Maverick (west) Entrance. Be sure to check on road conditions first.
- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page
