Big Bend National Park has something for everyone: challenging hikes, beautiful drives, scenic strolls, gorgeous vistas, thriving wilderness, and much more.
A full exploration of this mighty park requires weeks or months, but many highlights can be seen over a long weekend.
This Big Bend National Park Itinerary includes 3 days in Big Bend National Park and covers some of the basics, though there is much more to see if you can manage to spend more time here.
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Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Big Bend National Park
There are many campgrounds and one lodge you could stay in while visiting Big Bend.
The most popular option is the Chisos Mountain Lodge in the Chisos Basin. This hotel features private rooms and cabins in the heart of the beautiful mountains.
For those who don’t mind sleeping under the wide-open skies, I’d recommend adding a few nights of camping to your Big Bend National Park itinerary.
There are campgrounds in the Chisos Basin and the Rio Grande Village as well as the Cottonwood Campground near Santa Elena Canyon.
You could move camp each night after spending a day in those areas of the park or stay at Chisos Basin for the entirety of your trip as it is the most centrally located. Just remember it is at the top of winding roads that will add significant travel time.
If you’re traveling with an RV, you could also consider staying at the Rio Grande Village RV Park.
Is everything in the park full? Here’s a handy list of campgrounds outside park boundaries.
Does staying in a campground or lodge sound too crowded for you? Backcountry camping is always an option as well.
What to Pack for 3 Days in Big Bend National Park
There are two items I recommend bringing to assist in your Big Bend trip planning: the Falcon hiking guide and the National Geographic waterproof map.
For more information about trails in Big Bend, read about my favorite Big Bend National Park hikes.
Big Bend National Park Pennant
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
Big Bend National Park Sticker
Big Bend National Park Patch
63 National Parks Water Bottle
Big Bend National Park Sticker
Big Bend National Park Hiking Guide
Big Bend National Park Map
Furthermore, no matter what time of year you visit Big Bend National Park, you should expect harsh sun rays. I would recommend lightweight long-sleeve shirts and lightweight hiking pants to keep your skin protected from the sun.
Bring your bear safety knowledge with you as well – black bears love the Chisos Mountains!
If you’ll be doing a lot of hiking, I also recommend packing the 10 essentials. These include:
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- Navigation systems: map, compass, and/or GPS
- Sun protection: sunscreen and/or ballcap
- Insulating layers: synthetic or down jacket, rain jacket, hat, gloves, and leggings
- Illumination (flashlight or headlamp)
- First-aid kit
- Something to light a fire: lighter, waterproof matches, and/or fire starter
- Repair kits and tools: pocket knife, duct tape, screwdriver, and/or scissors
- Emergency shelter: tent, bivy, tarp, and/or space blanket
- Nutrition: food for both meals and snacks
- Hydration: water bottle, water treatment (LifeStraw or SteriPen), and water
Map of Big Bend National Park
Click on the map below to open and save the full map of the park.
How to Spend 3 Days in Big Bend National Park
Below, you’ll find ideas for your Big Bend itinerary to cover three full days in the park.
Keep in mind that these days can be rearranged and don’t need to be followed in this order. I would recommend visiting Chisos Basin on a weekday if possible, as this is the busiest area of the park.
You’ll want to get an early start each day so you are able to find parking in the more crowded areas. Do the most popular things first!
Big Bend Itinerary Day 1: West Side
Panther Junction Visitor Center
The park visitor centers are always a good place to begin your time in a national park.
Find a park ranger to help answer any questions you may have or gather more suggestions for your trip.
You can also pick up some national park souvenirs.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Winding thirty miles from the edge of the Chisos Mountains to the stunning Santa Elena Canyon, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is the perfect item to top your Big Bend National Park itinerary.
You’ll get a wonderful overview of what the stunning park has to offer, including from mountain vistas to vast deserts and raging rivers.
Stop at some of the pullouts and overlooks along the way for photos or head straight to Santa Elena to nab a parking spot before they’re all taken.
I would also recommend noting areas you’d like to explore more, as you’ll have plenty of time to stop on the return drive.
Santa Elena Canyon
One of the most recognizable scenes from Big Bend is Santa Elena Canyon. While researching your trip, you’ve undoubtedly seen photos of this majestic canyon.
The trail will lead you from the parking lot, across a creek, up a rocky slope, and down onto various beaches that parallel the shores of the Rio Grande. Those brave enough may even cross the river to briefly step into Mexico.
Mule Ears Spring Trail
One of my favorite trails on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive leads to the Mule Ears, a rock formation known for its resemblance to the ears of a mule.
This rocky trail is entirely exposed, so watch the weather and bring a lot of water with you. If you’re not up for the trek, you can also view the formation from the parking lot.
Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off
Another recommended hike leads to the Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off. There’s an upper pour-off as well, which is a longer hike with more sun exposure.
We were able to find some shade and sit to relax while enjoying this short trip through the sandy river bed. The rock wall eroded by seasonal waterfalls is the perfect culmination of this short, easy hike.
Where to Stay on Night 1
After your day on the west side, I’d recommend staying at the Cottonwood Campground near Santa Elena Canyon or returning to the center of the park and staying at Chisos Basin, either camping or in the lodge.
Big Bend Itinerary Day 2: East Side
Boquillas Canyon
After another scenic drive to the eastern terminus of Big Bend’s roads, you’ll find another stunning canyon: Boquillas.
This area is not as popular as the Santa Elena Canyon from Day 1 and is a perfect retreat from the crowds.
There are a few areas on the sides of the canyon that are perfect for sledding in the sand – just use caution, as there are many rocks and trees around also.
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
This short trail will show you a side of the park you didn’t realize existed, making it worth a stop.
While walking, we spotted a variety of frogs and turtles. Who knew those could thrive in the desert?
The area is also one of the best in Big Bend for birdwatching. You can see why the park made my list of the best national parks for wildlife viewing!
Hot Springs
One of the most popular stops on the eastern side of Big Bend National Park is two natural hot springs. Each requires you to walk a trail before reaching their toasty waters.
Visit Boquillas, Mexico
While some may illegally cross into Mexico by swimming or taking a boat across the Rio Grande, you can also cross the border legally. The vibrant town of Boquillas is just on the other side, serving scrumptious traditional food and selling souvenirs.
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is another one of Big Bend National Park’s iconic sites.
To reach it, you’ll drive down a potentially treacherous Grapevine Hills Road. Make sure you have a high clearance vehicle before you go; you may also need 4WD or AWD depending on conditions.
Ask the park rangers for current conditions and make sure your car can make the trek safely before attempting the drive. We encountered someone with a flat tire when we were leaving. It’s a very remote place, and therefore not an ideal spot for your vehicle to break down.
The trail itself, called Grapevine Hills, can be difficult as you approach the rocks. There is a bit of scrambling involved to get the best views. I found the scenery leading up to the rock to be the highlight of the trail, personally. It’s a great trip at sunset when the surrounding red spires shine.
Where to Stay on Night 2
You can either stay near the Rio Grande Village or travel back to the Chisos Basin.
Big Bend Itinerary Day 3: Chisos Basin
Some may say we’re saving the best for last with the Chisos Basin on the final day of this itinerary.
Lost Mine Trail
One of the most popular hikes in Big Bend National Park is Lost Mine, and once you’ve done it you’ll know why.
While it is lengthy and includes strenuous switchbacks, the stunning views are worth the effort.
For a shorter hike, complete the first mile to the first prominent overlook. You can turn around here if you wish, as the views continuing to the top are the same.
Window View Trail
Near the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, there are two more popular trails: Window and Window View.
The Window Trail is perfect for those with extra time in their Big Bend itinerary who are looking for additional strenuous hikes to complete.
If you’d prefer an easy stroll after completing Lost Mine, the Window View Trail is for you.
Both will lead to views through “the window”, an eroded space between two rocks. The longer Window Trail will take you closer to the opening.
Fossil Discovery Exhibit
One of the more exciting things to see in Big Bend is the Fossil Discovery Exhibit.
We were able to squeeze this in after hiking in the Chisos Basin, but you could also stop here on your way in or out of the park’s Persimmon Gap entrance.
No one should spend 3 days in Big Bend without stopping here to meet the park’s prehistoric residents.
Pin Our Itinerary for 3 Days in Big Bend National Park
There you have it: the perfect way to hit the most iconic spots in Big Bend National Park in 3 days. If you’ve been to Big Bend, what were your favorite sites to see? Let us know in the comments.
