Big Bend National Park — A Texas Hidden Gem

Big Bend is one of those places that doesn't show up in the national parks conversation enough. Nearly a million acres of desert, mountains, and river canyons in far West Texas — and it's empty compared to the usual suspects.

Getting There

The drive from Dallas is about eight hours. That's part of the experience — the landscape shifts dramatically as you head west. We took the Honda CR-V and made a day of it, including an unexpected barbecue stop at an HEB fuel station that turned out to be excellent.

Key tip: fill up before entering the park. Gas stations inside Big Bend are sparse and expensive.

Highlights

• Window Trail — a moderate hike that ends at a natural rock frame overlooking the desert floor. Best at golden hour.
• Rio Grande Hot Springs — natural hot springs right on the river. Surreal experience, especially in the early morning.
• Chisos Mountain Lodge — the only lodging inside the park. Book early — it fills up months out.
• Prada Marfa — not technically Big Bend, but you pass it on the way. Worth a stop for the absurdity alone.

Dark Sky Stargazing

Big Bend is one of the darkest places in North America. The ranger-led stargazing programs are worth planning around. On a clear night, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye in a way you don't get anywhere near a city.

The park rewards the people who are willing to make the drive. The remoteness is the feature, not the bug.