17 Stunning Photos Of Texas' Big Bend National Park

Covering over 800,000 acres, Big Bend National Park is a Texas treasure. The diverse ecosystem, breathtaking scenery and rich history attract people from all over the world to this desert paradise at the western edge of the state.
The trail to get to this specific spot is called South Rim Trail. It’s a little over 12 miles and will take most of the day, but once you reach the top, the view is more than worth it.

At the end of the nearly two-mile Grapevine Hills Trail, you’re met with this amazing natural structure called ‘The Balanced Rock.’

The Balanced Rock, Big Bend National Park

Some swear that you can see all the way to Mexico once you reach the top of the South Rim Trail.

At Big Bend, the nights turn pitch black, making it a perfect spot for viewing the Milky Way during the summer nights.

The Rio Grande River runs through the whole park and acts as a border between the United States and Mexico.

The sunrise at Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most sought-after picture-perfect views in the park.

Sunrise at Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is part of the Chihuahuan Desert, and the weather is typically dry and hot. But because of the different altitudes throughout the region, the climate can change drastically in the same day depending on your location.

Over time, the Rio Grande River proceeded to cut through the limestone canyons, making these magnificent formations.

The Chisos Mountains are named after the Chisos Native American tribe that inhabited the area sometime before 1500 AD.

One of the most beautiful spots to capture the Rio Grande can be found while hiking through the Santa Elena Canyon.

You won’t find clearer skies in all of Texas than those in Big Bend.

The Big Bend topography is very diverse. You get mountains, canyons, plains, rivers, and desert all in one national park.

There are river tours available at Big Bend River Tours, but if you want to float on your own boat, you need a river float permit.

Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park

Sunsets at Big Bend are the number one most sought-after scenic view when visiting the park.

Several species of fish, including the American eel and silvery minnow, have vanished from the Rio Grande due to reduced river flow.

Big Bend is home to 1,200 different plant species. The Chisos oak tree can be found nowhere else in the United States.

Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park

Big Bend is said to be the last wild corner of the United States. Nowhere else can you find such beauty and solitude at the same time in one place.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.