48 Hours in Big Bend National Park – What to Do and See

Welcome to Big Bend National Park. An explosion of color on the Rio Grande in the middle of nowhere West Texas.

If you didn’t think Texas had sweeping mountains, dramatic peaks, and endless mountain views, prepare to be wowed. This is how to best spend 48 hours in Big Bend National Park, Texas.

Dom Rock

In a park as large as Big Bend, covering over 150 miles, if you’ve only got a couple of days, you’re going to have to make some tough choices. I actually began in the Big Bend State Park, which is right next door, with one of the best Rio Grande river views you can find for the sunset.

This area is known as big hill, or if you check on Google Maps, it’s called Dom Rock, named after a bottle of hidden Dom Perignon from the movie Fandango. 

Be sure to get there around 45 minutes before the sun actually sets, because it goes down those canyon walls quickly. From here you’ll be looking out at the view straddling Texas and Mexico, partitioned by the meandering river. Access this one about 12 miles down scenic highway 170 past the town of Lajitas. 

Lost Mine Trail

The next morning for sunrise, if you’re up for an early wake up, which I highly recommend, the Lost Mine trail provides stunning views. You only need to hike in about a mile in on the trail to watch as the rising sun paints the rocks red and then gold, sweeping out to the valley in the distance. 

This is a fairly easy hike, and it’s best to get there early, as the small parking lot fills up quickly.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

The Ross Maxwell Scenic drive will require turning back towards the park entrance (but not too far) for one of the best drives in the whole park. Plus, it ends at one of the park’s most famous features – the Santa Elena Canyon.

There are plenty of stops all along the way with side hikes and overlooks, like the Sotol Vista pictured above, so give yourself plenty of time for this one. Optional side hikes include:

• Lower Burro Mesa Trail – An easy, 30 minute hike with lovely canyon views and chances to see spring wildflowers.
• Chimneys Trail – Another short and flat hike, though if deciding between Lower Burro and this one, pick the Lower Burro.
• Mule Ears Springs Trail – Lovely views of some unique rock formations and a great spot for night photography.
• Tuff Canyon Overlook – This quick roadside stop looks down into a white canyon. It’s another quick, easy hike…