Big Bend National Park

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive highlights the geologic splendor of Big Bend by offering 30 miles of overlooks, informative exhibits, and trailheads. Highlights include Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Overlook, and Santa Elena Canyon. In addition, exhibits and trails at locations such as Sam Nail Ranch, Homer Wilson Ranch, and Castolon provide insight into the lives of Big Bend's early pioneers. This drive begins at the turnoff located 13 miles east of Maverick Entrance Station, or 13 miles west of Panther Junction.

This driving tour was created to showcase park exhibits that discuss Big Bend's geology. These geology exhibits are found along the five paved roads in the park. The first 2 exhibits are located on the road between Persimmon Gap and Panther Junction (PJ). The next 3 exhibits are on the road between PJ and Boquillas Canyon. One exhibit is on the Window View Trail in the Chisos Basin. The next 8 are found along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The last 2 are on the road between Ross Maxwell and Maverick Entrance.

The Castolon Historic District represents the largest and most complete example of human history in Big Bend, from Paleo-Indians to pioneers, to the establishment of the national park. Castolon’s history includes famed tales of bandits, soldiers, farmers, and ranchers, in a place where the cultures of Mexico and the United States meet. This short walking tour will help you explore Castolon’s past.

This trail provides opportunities to explore the remains of the historic Langford Hot Springs Resort.

The Lost Mine Trail rises 1,100 feet over 2.4 miles (4.8 miles roundtrip) and takes about three hours to complete, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. If your time and energy are limited, consider hiking only the first mile to a scenic overlook near Stop #10. From the very first step, the Lost Mine Trail leads hikers into a different world, a woodland-grassland ecosystem with great scenic views. Follow this guide to learn more about the plants and animals of the Chisos Mountains.

We often think of the desert as being a dry place, but if you look closely, you will find that water is truly the desert's "architect". The presence or absence of water affects the variety of plants and animals living here, and the ways in which humans have been able to use this area over time. As you walk the nature trail, let this tour be your guide, but also use your own observational skills to search for adaptations that plants and animals have evolved to survive in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Depending on which trailhead you start from, the Window Trail descends either 600 feet or 1,000 feet in elevation to the lowest point in the Chisos Basin. The roundtrip distance is either 4 miles or 5.5 miles. Few other trails in Big Bend National Park showcase as much diversity of habitat and scenery in such a short distance. Follow this guide to learn more about the animals, plants, and geology of the Chisos Mountains.

• Motor Coach — $200.00

  Companies conducting business in the park are required to obtain a commercial use authorization. The only exception is companies travelling in a 26-person capacity or greater vehicle; such vehicles are charged a flat fee of $200 (commercial use authorization not required).

• Mini-bus — $100.00

  This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/management/cua.htm

• Sedan — $25.00

  These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. For sedan with 1 to 6 seats, the fee is $30 + $15 per client. This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required.