Ready to take your outdoor adventure up a notch or three? in Texas is the place. The combination of desert, mountains, and river, plus historic ghost towns and colorful West Texas culture, makes this region an unmatched haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. ϳԹ sent adventurer and his buddy Nick to see what Big Bend Country is all about and explore the best adventures the region has to offer. From paddling rivers to relaxing in a natural hot spring to chasing never-ending vistas, here’s what they discovered.
Hit the Trails
The best hiking advice for Big Bend Country? Don’t limit yourself to Big Bend National Park. Explore more of the region’s captivating landscapes and you’ll discover under-the-radar wilderness access, like in . This 300,000-acre reserve abuts the northwestern side of the national park, so you can experience similar topography, with an added dose of solitude. Scramble over rugged terrain and between narrow rock walls on the 1.4-mile out-and-back Closed Canyon Trail. Or opt for a scenic riverside loop on the 1.2-mile Big Bend Hoodoo Trail.
“Even as a Texas native, I got to see another side of my home state on this trip,” says Rashad-Franklin. “Big Bend Country opened my eyes to how beautiful Texas is.”
Of course—Big Bend National Park also has . See the jagged peaks of the Chisos Basin or take in views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon. If you like hiking, you’ll love Big Bend Country.
Paddle River Canyons
The Rio Grande, which marks the border between Texas and Mexico, is a core feature of the Big Bend Country landscape. With 196 miles of free-flowing Wild and Scenic River, the Rio Grande makes for a relaxing multi-day paddling trip. Hop into a canoe or kayak and follow the river as it winds through limestone canyons with walls up to 1,500 feet high.
For a beginner-friendly journey, try the . Starting from the Rio Grande Village put-in, this stretch covers 33 river miles with up to Class II rapids. Most paddlers complete the trip in two to four days, depending on flows and headwinds. If you only have time for a day trip, paddle upstream from the Santa Elena Trailhead into the canyon, then float back. When you need to cool off, eddy out and take a dip in a swimming hole along the river or in the quiet waters of Terlingua Creek, which flows into the Rio Grande near the same trailhead. New to paddling? Opt for a .
“The Big Bend region is the most diverse area I’ve ever encountered,” says Tara Shackleford, local guide and owner of Hidden Dagger ϳԹs. “The Rio Grande comes together with the mountains and the desert to create such a unique landscape with so much life.”
Dive into the Curious Culture
Desert landscapes often hold an air of mystery, and . Head to , where you can immerse yourself in the region’s rich history. Once a thriving mining town, Terlingua is frozen in time—in a good way. Take a self-guided tour of the ghost town and its remaining buildings. At the town’s historic cemetery, view weathered tombstones and learn about the area’s early settlers.
“There’s something special about this region,” says Rashad-Franklin. “The culture, the people—when you experience it yourself, you’ll be as speechless as I am.”
After touring the ghost town, wander over to the Starlight Theatre, Restaurant & Saloon. This historic watering hole is a hub for live music, food, and drinks. Try the famous Texas chili. Terlingua hosts an annual chili cook-off with more than 10,000 attendees, so you can bet they take the chili seriously.
Go Off-Road
From the Chisos Mountains to the vast Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend Country is enormous. To fully experience the sprawling terrain, take a scenic drive, off-road-style. The historic 51-mile River Road in Big Bend National Park offers panoramic views of the park, with rugged mountains rising above desert washes as far as the eye can see. Up for more 4×4 action? Drive two miles down a narrow gravel road, then hike the half-mile trail to , where you can soak in geothermal water.
If you don’t have a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is your best bet. The 31-mile paved route connects some of the park’s most famous viewpoints.
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