Big Bend Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Guadalupe Mountains National Park showing a ruin
Guadalupe Mountains National Park showing a ruin
El Paso showing desert views
Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring mountains
Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring a sunset

The frontier spirit of America lives on in the wild and wonderful region of Big Bend Country, where mountains, canyons and deserts are still roamed by cowboys.

Experience Texas at its most dramatic and exhilarating in Big Bend Country, the westernmost region of the state. The area is named after the vast curve of the Rio Grande river, which carves up the border between Texas and Mexico. Ride horses through dramatic landscapes and relax in frontier towns steeped in history in one of the Lone Star State’s most enchanting regions.

Archaeological evidence in Big Bend National Park suggests that Paleo-Indians were living in the region from as early as 8000 B.C. Begin your exploration of Big Bend in the city of El Paso, which sits in the western corner of the state. The El Paso Museum of History charts the story of the city, from its earliest indigenous communities to its multicultural present.

Encounter that history first hand on the El Paso Mission Trail, which takes you to picturesque colonial churches. El Paso also features a zoo, several art galleries and a tramway into the mountains.

Relive the drama of the Old West in historic towns with traditional activities and friendly atmospheres. Watch a rodeo in Odessa, stroll around a frontier military base in Fort Davis and step into an old jailhouse in Fort Stockton.

Take time to visit artistic Marfa, a cinematic city known as one of the last American frontiers. The area is most known for the surreal “ghost lights” that glow in the sky after the sun has set on a clear night.

Escape to the wilderness of Big Bend region in its vast parklands. Big Bend National Park is a series of canyons and peaks covered in hiking trails to suit all abilities. In the north of the region, marvel at the strange fossil reef of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, an alien landscape with further hiking and biking options.

Fly into El Paso International Airport from major cities around the U.S. to land in Big Bend Country. Explore the region by car to reach some of its most dramatic locations and come throughout the year to enjoy its numerous attractions.

Where to stay in Big Bend

Plantings at my friend's house in El Paso, TX

Downtown El Paso

4/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown El Paso is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Plaza Theater and El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmer's Market while in the area.

Downtown El Paso
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East El Paso

While visiting East El Paso, you might make a stop by sights like The Fountains at Farah and Cielo Vista Mall.

East El Paso
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Mission Valley

While visiting Mission Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Speaking Rock Entertainment Center and El Paso County Coliseum.

Mission Valley
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Northwest El Paso

While visiting Northwest El Paso, you might make a stop by sights like Sunland Park Mall and Franklin Mountains State Park.

Northwest El Paso
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Cielo Vista

While visiting Cielo Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Cielo Vista Mall and Lone Star Golf Course.

Cielo Vista
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Horizon City

Though Horizon City may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eastlake Marketplace Center and Eastlake Shopping Center.

Horizon City
Wyndham Midland Downtown

Wyndham Midland Downtown

4 out of 5
117 West Wall Street Midland TX
The price is AU$126 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
AU$126
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Midland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (489 reviews)
Parking here is a bit of a challenge. However, the downtown location is nice with several restaurants within walking distance.

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Wyndham Midland Downtown
Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG

Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG

3 out of 5
900 Sunland Park Drive El Paso TX
The price is AU$152 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
AU$152
4 Feb - 5 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,460 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG
The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

4 out of 5
106 W MILLS AVENUE El Paso TX
The price is AU$286 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$286
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,470 reviews)
Very, very fine historic hotel. Top notch staff at all levels. Great decor. Wife was definitely impressed. Great bar, our room was very clean and spacious. Very inviting like West Texas should be. Highly recommended to any who visits ELP. A true gem.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fort Davis Inn & R.V. Park

Fort Davis Inn & R.V. Park

2 out of 5
2201 N State St Fort Davis TX
Stay at this campsite in Fort Davis. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,123 reviews)
Clean rooms, staff helpful.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Fort Davis Inn & R.V. Park
Red Roof Inn Del Rio

Red Roof Inn Del Rio

2 out of 5
3808 Veterans Blvd. Del Rio TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Del Rio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Buena Vista Park and Cinemark Del Rio Movies ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (171 reviews)
Love the remodel

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Red Roof Inn Del Rio
Terlingua Nights Cabins

Terlingua Nights Cabins

2 out of 5
53595 TX-118 Terlingua TX
Stay at this campsite in Terlingua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and hiking/biking on-site. Popular attractions Big Bend Library and Many Stones are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (129 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2025

Terlingua Nights Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Big Bend

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