Four Days in Big Bend: Exploring Southwest Texas

Big Bend offers an unparalleled opportunity. This remote National Park, situated in the southwestern region of Texas, is known for its natural beauty and boundless outdoor adventures. Discover a hidden gem and embark on a unique and unforgettable vacation. In this post, we’ll take you on a four-day trip to Big Bend, Texas, for extraordinary explorations in a stunning destination – from national parks to ghost towns.

Day 1: Arrive in Midland, Overnight in Marathon

You can plan your flight into Midland, a town of 450, or commence your journey from this starting point. Upon arrival in Midland, we recommend driving to Marathon for a night’s stay.

If you need transportation, Midland Shuttle Services can manage the details. Car travel from the Midland airport to Marathon takes approximately 2 1/2 hours. Marvel at the diverse wildlife scene, featuring elk, pronghorn, roadrunners, and javelinas, you might pass along the drive. 

Marathon is a charming and hospitable small town, the gateway to Big Bend, and a perfect place to rest before a day of exploration in the captivating region.

For a night’s stay, I recommend Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast, a colorful and artistic establishment surrounded by blooming plants and adorned with impressive artwork. Eve’s has seven unique rooms, complemented by bountiful gardens, a courtyard fire pit, and a refreshing lap pool. 

Indulge in a delectable dinner at 12 Gage Restaurant, located on the grounds of the Gage Hotel. Feast on mouthwatering steaks and tasty appetizers in the chic animal-themed decor, accompanied by the cozy ambiance of White Buffalo Bar. A majestic white buffalo head serves as the focal centerpiece.

Eve’s Garden B&B presents a delightful breakfast spread in a stunning setting. The food is of exceptional quality and taste, featuring highlights such as homemade quiche, sweet poached pears, and a vegetable-packed frittata.

Exploring Marathon Before You Venture Out

Marathon is a proud community comprising fewer than 500 friendly residents, located just 45 minutes from the park border of Big Bend. Explore the delightful downtown, with impressive local shops offering beautiful home decor, accessories, and books. You can also enjoy a refreshing coffee break at the V6 Coffee bar.

After a bit of shopping, my travel companions and I regrouped in the shuttle van, ready to set out for Big Bend National Park.

Five hours away is Lubbock, TX, also worthy of a road trip.

Day 2: Big Bend National Park

Starting at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, we began our national park experience. This exceptional 801,000-acre park, established in 1944, is part of the Chihuahuan Desert that spans northern Mexico. Big Bend derives its name from the sweeping curve of the Rio Grande River in this region of Texas.

Our next adventure took us on an effortless hike along the Lost Mine Trail. As we ventured further into the vast Big Bend National Park, we were captivated by the rugged terrain, barren landscape, and imposing mountains. Keep in mind that some roads may be unpaved or “improved” dirt roads. April and May offer pleasant temperatures for visiting this region without extreme conditions.

Santa Elena Canyon is a lovely destination for exploring. Our hike along the Rio Grande afforded breathtaking views of the majestic canyon walls. Take the opportunity to swim in the Rio Grande, if you wish, and admire the Sierra de Ponce Mountains on the Mexican side and Mesa de Anguilla on the left, creating a picturesque backdrop for stunning Big Bend photo opportunities.

Big Bend’s pristine landscape remains a hidden gem, often unexplored by many. Despite being one of the least visited national parks, I found it extraordinary and quickly fell in love with it. The undulating hills and rugged terrain enhanced Big Bend’s allure. Alongside the unique flora, fauna, and arid climate, it felt like stepping into another world.

End your day by marveling at the mesmerizing night sky. Big Bend’s isolated location and minimal light pollution provide unrivaled stargazing opportunities. Though we didn’t do that, it is an option.

Lunch, Dinner, and Lodging near Big Bend National Park

Lunch options are available at the Chisos Mountains Lodge, which offers stunning vistas and incredible scenery. The lodge provides convenient and reasonably priced basic meals like salads and sandwiches. Explore the basin area for picturesque views.

After a day of exploring and hiking, my friends and I checked into Big Bend Casitas for the night. These adorable houses offer spacious accommodations with powerful air conditioning. The casitas also feature cute porches with rocking chairs, perfect for watching sunsets. Equipped with kitchenettes, they are ideal for extended stays.

That evening, we visited La Kiva Restaurant and Bar, a unique cave-like setting, for cocktails. We then headed to High Sierra Bar and Grill in Terlingua for dinner. At High Sierra, we climbed up to the rooftop patio to witness the breathtaking West Texas sunset.

We indulged in Tex-Mex favorites such as Chips and Queso Blanco, Chiles Rellenos, and the most tender, flavorful Beef Tip Tacos.

Day Three: Big Bend Ranch State Park

Day three of our trip to Big Bend, Texas, started with a visit to Expresso y Poco Mas for coffee and breakfast burritos. We joined Big Bend River Tours to explore Big Bend Ranch State Park, known for its distinct landscape compared to the National Park.

Our knowledgeable guide drove us through the park’s steep hills and winding roads, which seemed endless. With a higher elevation of 4100 ft and steep canyons, the scenery in this area was truly remarkable.

Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas’ largest state park, offers a remote and pristine setting. It is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a perfect place for stargazing. The park is renowned for mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling, and backpacking. Some roads require four-wheel drive due to the incredibly steep inclines.

One of our highlights was hiking to Closed Canyon, where we encountered breathtaking views, narrow canyons, and stunning rock formations. We captured so many memorable photographs here.

We enjoyed a delightful roadside picnic at The HooDoos, surrounded by native plants such as creosote (the oldest plant on the planet), cacti, and ocotillo (a spiky plant that blooms orange). Notably, the scenery in this area has appeared in popular movies like Kevin Costner’s Presidio, Spy Kids 2, Lonesome Dove, and Streets of Laredo.

Overnighting in Terlingua: A Ghost Town

After another day of exploring the parks, we headed to Terlingua, a revitalized ghost town with around 150 residents. Our lodging for night three was at the Big Bend Holiday Hotel, offering a variety of room styles. A friend and I stayed in the owner’s private house and had the whole place to ourselves. 

The rest of our group went on a sunset horseback ride; I chose to relax on my screened patio, watching the sun go down from the comfort of my daybed. Staying alone in this peculiar setting made me uneasy, but I survived.

For dinner, we walked down the street to the famous Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon. This lively restaurant is well-known for its fantastic food and live entertainment. The smoked brisket queso is phenomenal, and the pork medallions in a spicy chipotle reduction are impressive.

Don’t miss the “stuffed” previous mayor of Lajitas in the corner – he was the first goat mayor of the town. Yes, you read that right. Clay Henry III, the son of the previous mayor, is now the current mayor of Lajitas.

Pro Tip: It’s important to remember that West Texas is a harsh desert, home to tarantulas, snakes, scorpions, and javelinas.

Day Four: Adios Terlingua, Hello Lajitas

We had a fantastic breakfast at Chili Pepper Cafe, enjoying burritos, biscuits and gravy, and egg dishes. After breakfast, the girls and I explored Terlingua for a few hours. 

The serene and beautiful Terlingua Cemetery is a must-visit, with heartfelt tombstone verbiage and stunning photo opportunities. Many graves adorned with mementos from loved ones show how cherished these 200 individuals were.

We also dropped by Terlingua Trading Company, the local general store, which offers delicious snacks, souvenirs, local beer, and postcards. I even found adorable handmade earrings and local crafts to bring home.

We bid farewell to Terlingua and headed to our final destination, Lajitas, an essential part of any trip to Big Bend, Texas.

The Lajitas Golf Resort

Discover the oasis of the Lajitas Golf Resort in the heart of the desert. This 101-room luxury accommodation offers an authentic experience complemented by an 18-hole golf course, excellent dining, and a range of amenities. Minutes away from the Rio Grande River, it’s an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.

The resort features an outfitter, art gallery, and local boutiques. Indulge in a delightful lunch at Candelilla Cafe, overlooking the beautiful property. Admire the captivating architecture, including charming boardwalk buildings and a tranquil waterfall, while embracing the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Take a refreshing dip in the pool or savor pre-dinner cocktails at Thirsty Goat, known for its killer margaritas. The Lajitas Golf Resort invites you to experience luxurious relaxation amidst picturesque landscapes.

Dinner Under the Stars: Stargazer’s Mesa

The Lajitas Golf Resort offers an unforgettable experience: Dinner Under the Stars at Stargazer’s Mesa, hosted by the hotel. To secure your spot, reserve early since a minimum of ten people is required.

We hopped on a mini-van along with other hotel guests, and after a short ten-minute drive, we arrived at a secluded hill in town. As we enjoyed tamales and fried green tomato appetizers, we had refreshing cold beers, sodas, and wine. A talented musician serenaded us, providing the perfect soundtrack to soak in the spectacular sunset and breathtaking views.

Terlingua is an international dark sky area, an esteemed distinction due to its absence of light pollution. With more than 2,000 stars visible on average each night, the clear skies are a sight to behold. The mesmerizing stars, paired with the picturesque sunset, created a truly captivating experience.

We then indulged in a delightful Dutch oven camp buffet featuring Prime Rib, Ranch roasted potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, green beans, and jalapeño cornbread. For dessert, we savored fireside s’mores and bread pudding. The scrumptious food, coupled with the enchanting ambiance, made the $150 per person expenditure worthwhile. Discounted prices are available for children.

Undoubtedly, it was an extraordinary and cherished evening in the remarkable Big Bend area. I retired to my hotel room and relished in the unparalleled comfort of my heavenly bed.

Big Bend: Leaving a Lasting Impression

The next day, we regrouped for the four-hour ride back to the Midland airport. The return route to the airport differed from our initial journey to Big Bend, with oil fields and drilling rigs scattered along the way. The sheer volume of oil being pumped from the ground amazed me; we were literally driving on millions of dollars worth of petroleum.

My trip to Big Bend has left an indelible mark on my heart, not just for its breathtaking beauty but also for its unique experiences. From charming towns and delectable cuisine to captivating stories from locals and rare flora and fauna, all of it entirely new for me, I wholeheartedly recommend adding this slice of heaven to your travel itinerary.

Thank you, Big Bend, for the unforgettable memories.

Big Bend Parks “Extras”

• Pets are not allowed.  
• Cell service is non-existent or spotty throughout the park.
• Bring your driver’s license and passport for border checkpoints.
• Stay hydrated to keep you safe from heat and humidity.
• Do not enter the parks without a full tank of gas.
• Don’t pet the wild animals; photographs only.
• Apply sunscreen and bug spray.

Thanks to Visit Big Bend for hosting my travel and accommodations. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased. 

To learn more about this spectacular area, go to the Visit Big Bend website or download the app from Just Ahead.

Here are more posts from this trip:

Terlingua: Visiting a True Ghost Town 

Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa