Texas boasts some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes, including its two incredible national parks, Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountain. Each park offers unique experiences and landscapes, which include rugged canyons and towering peaks, making them must-visit destinations in Texas.
In this post, I give you insight into planning your visit based on whether you have a short or slightly longer timeframe; here’s how to make the most of your visit to these remarkable national parks. Both national parks do not require early reservations, except for camping.
Scenario 1: 2 Days in Big Bend + 1 Day at Guadalupe Mountain
Big Bend National Park
Day 1: Exploring Santa Elena Canyon
Start your Big Bend adventure by immersing yourself in the majestic Santa Elena Canyon. Begin early and embark on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail.
This trail provides a stunning trek along the Rio Grande. It shows you towering canyon walls that soar above the river. It’s a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike; anyone of any age and fitness level can do it.
After the hike, take a scenic drive along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to witness the park’s diverse landscapes. Take advantage of stops like the Tuff Canyon Overlook and Mule Ears Viewpoint for panoramic views.
My personal favorite is the Sotol Vista Viewpoint. Remember not to miss the turn towards this highest point on the scenic drive. In the end, I recommend staying the night in the park by camping or staying in nearby cities like Marathon or Alpine.
Day 2: Discovering Chisos Basin
Dedicate your second day to exploring the Chisos Basin. Start your morning with a hike along the Window Trail. This moderate trek rewards you with a mesmerizing view through a natural window in the Chisos Mountains. The Chisos Basin Loop Trail is another excellent option, offering stunning views of the basin.
If you are a good hiker, go for Emory Peak. This is a moderate hike and offers you scenic views all the way. If you can start quite early and want a long hike, go for the South Rim Trail. It can take the whole day before you return to the visitor center parking.
In the afternoon, consider visiting the Chisos Mountain Lodge for a relaxing break, or continue exploring the basin’s scenic spots like the Chisos Basin Visitor Center and take in the incredible views.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Day 3: Conquering Guadalupe Peak
Make your way to Guadalupe Mountains National Park and take on the challenge of hiking to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas.
This hike is strenuous but rewarding, offering breathtaking panoramic views from the top. Start early to allow ample time to complete the hike and soak in the stunning views.
Anyone with hiking experience can do it. To reach the 8571-foot peak, you will need to have a 3000-foot elevation gain from the parking lot. It typically takes from 6 to 8 hours to complete the hike.
Scenario 2: 1 Day in Big Bend + 1 Day at Guadalupe Mountain
Big Bend National Park
Day 1: Focused Visit to Chisos Basin
You can cover both Santa Elena Canyon and the Chisos Basin if you start early in the morning. You should start with the Santa Elena Canyon since it is a short hike. Then, you can plan Chisos Basin based on the rest of the time you have in hand.
At Chisos Basin, hike along the Window Trail or the Chisos Basin Loop Trail to witness the incredible beauty of the Chisos Mountains. I would suggest going for the Emory Peak if you have speed. Spend the evening exploring the Chisos Basin Visitor Center and surrounding viewpoints.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Day 2: Ascending Guadalupe Peak
Head straight to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for an exhilarating hike up Guadalupe Peak. Ensure an early start to make the most of your day. The trail is challenging but offers unparalleled views at the summit, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
Camping Options
Big Bend National Park
Chisos Basin Campground
Nestled in the Chisos Mountains, this campground offers stunning views and convenient access to various hiking trails. It has 60 sites for tents and RVs (some with hookups), restrooms, and a visitor center nearby.
Rio Grande Village Campground
Situated near the Rio Grande, this campground provides a serene setting with 100 sites suitable for tents and RVs. It offers restrooms, showers, and proximity to hot springs and the Boquillas Crossing. The balanced rock is close to this campsite.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Pine Springs Campground
This campground is at the base of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. It offers 20 sites suitable for tents and RVs (limited size), restrooms, and access to trailheads like the Guadalupe Peak Trail and the McKittrick Canyon Trail.
Camping Near the top of Guadalupe Mountain
You can camp near the top of the peak. It’s around 500–800 feet below the peak, right before the bridge and cliff. There are ample spaces up there, and I saw a few tents when we were going for the peak.
Conclusion
Now, remember that Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountain are not that close. I recommend staying the night in a city located in the middle of both parks. We stayed the night at a hotel in Pecos.
If you can spare one more day, visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Park in New Mexico is highly recommended, especially if you’ve explored Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Both are nearby and offer incredible natural wonders.
Carlsbad Caverns, known for its stunning underground caverns, provides a unique contrast to the outdoor experiences at Guadalupe. Meanwhile, White Sands’ otherworldly gypsum dunes offer a surreal landscape for exploration and photography.
Exploring Texas’ national parks, from the iconic Santa Elena Canyon and Chisos Basin at Big Bend to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, promises unforgettable experiences in the heart of West Texas. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and immerse yourself in the beauty of these natural wonders for an adventure you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
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