*This itinerary is for a weekend trip from Austin, TX. You can adjust driving time accordingly based on where you are coming from!*
Friday
Big Bend National Park is around an 8 hour drive from Austin! To maximize your time, head out after work on Friday and drive to Fort Stockton, which is around 5 and a half hours from Austin. Spend the night here and recharge before heading to Big Bend in the AM!
If you're a Marriott member, this location has great point prices!
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Saturday
6:00 AM: I know it's early! But trust me, you want to head out at this time to hit sunrise on the drive in to Big Bend. It will take you around 2.15 hours to get to your first stop! *please note this was in October, adjust according to sunrise times when you go*
8:30 AM: Arrive at Chisos Basin Trailhead. Stop by and chat with the rangers for current conditions and prep for a day of hiking!
9:00 AM: Head out on the South Rim Trail, a 13 mile loop rated as hard, although I believe its due more to the length than the technicality of the trail. Plan to be out on the trail most of the day and pack snacks/lunch! You'll need around 4 liters of water depending on the weather. Don't forget the bear spray!
Read for all the trail details!
This is South Rim Loop, a 13-mile hike rated hard (although I think this is due more to the length than the technicality of the trail). The trail is actually a combination of shorter trails starting at the Chisos Basin Trailhead, behind the visitor’s center and store in the Chisos Basin portion of the National Park.
You can take the trail clockwise or counterclockwise, but the ranger told me to take it counterclockwise and who am I to not listen to the expert? To follow this route, start on the Basin Loop Trail until you reach the fork. You;ll want to follow signs for Laguna Meadow Trail, which provides you some pretty great views by itself.
Once you get to the end of this trail, take the fork towards South Rim Trail. This will lead you to the amazing vistas pictured!
Ranger Tip: Instead of heading immediately down Boot Canyon Trail on the way back, walk half a mile or so into the East Rim Trail for some amazing views, before doubling back to the fork. The full East Rim Trail will add around 2.5 miles to your trip, so this is a compromise that will save your legs without missing the view.
Pop back to Boot Canyon Trail and follow it until it links up with Pinnacles Trail, which will take you back to the starting point. Beware, there is a fair amount of elevation gain on the way back (considering the whole first half is elevation gain too). I was cursing whoever planned this trail for the last 2 miles or so. That being said, if you are tired already at the vista, you may want to consider heading back the way you came along Laguna Meadow Trail, which will be much nicer to you on the way down. You will miss some of the views of Pinnacles, but it may be better for your situation.
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4:00 PM: Return to the Chisos Basin Trailhead. Check into Chisos Mountain Lodge for a well-deserved shower and rest.
7:00 AM: Pack up and grab breakfast at the lodge restaurant before heading out.
7:30 AM: Leave the Chisos Basin area and plug the Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead into your GPS. This will take you along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, and I highly recommend stopping at all the viewpoints and as many pullouts as you want! The drive takes you through so much scenery and it is truly jaw dropping! There is also no one around early, so best time to enjoy the nature.
Read for trail details! This trail does require you cross the river, which depending on the time of year can be tricky. I went in October and the main path was through knee deep mud/water. Luckily some other hikers pointed out that you can head to the right of where the crossing to the main trail is and you will come across a point where the river is shallow and you can cross and climb up the edge to a trail, which will lead you back to the main one.
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11:00 AM: Wrap up your hike and back up for the drive back! It will take around 8.5 hours to return to Austin.
6:00 PM: Arrive back in Austin and grab a much needed night of rest!
If you have more time in the park, check out my full Big Bend National Park guide with more ways to fill your time in the park!
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