Tour stop
Big Bend National Park Tour
About The Tour
Explore one of the most diverse national parks in the United States at Big Bend. This incredible corner of the Chihuahuan Desert boasts towering canyon cliffs, open desert, forested mountains, and the life-giving Rio Grande. Along the way, you’ll spot abundant wildlife, remnants of the area’s pioneer history, and more birds and cacti species than almost anywhere in the country.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Experience awe-inspiring views of towering canyon walls while exploring the dramatic landscape along the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon.
• Discover Chisos Basin, a mountainous sanctuary with hiking trails and panoramic vistas, offering a serene escape in the heart of Big Bend National Park.
• Wander through a picturesque river gorge at Boquillas Canyon.
• Soak in historic hot springs along the Rio Grande.
• Immerse yourself in the region's rich history at Castolon Historic District.
• Cross the Rio Grande into Mexico at Boquillas Crossing.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Experience awe-inspiring views of towering canyon walls while exploring the dramatic landscape along the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon.
• Discover Chisos Basin, a mountainous sanctuary with hiking trails and panoramic vistas, offering a serene escape in the heart of Big Bend National Park.
• Wander through a picturesque river gorge at Boquillas Canyon.
• Soak in historic hot springs along the Rio Grande.
• Immerse yourself in the region's rich history at Castolon Historic District.
• Cross the Rio Grande into Mexico at Boquillas Crossing.
About the tour
Explore one of the most diverse national parks in the United States at Big Bend. This incredible corner of the Chihuahuan Desert boasts towering canyon cliffs, open desert, forested mountains, and the life-giving Rio Grande. Along the way, you’ll spot abundant wildlife, remnants of the area’s pioneer history, and more birds and cacti species than almost anywhere in the country.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Experience awe-inspiring views of towering canyon walls while exploring the dramatic landscape along the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon.
• Discover Chisos Basin, a mountainous sanctuary with hiking trails and panoramic vistas, offering a serene escape in the heart of Big Bend National Park.
• Wander through a picturesque river gorge at Boquillas Canyon.
• Soak in historic hot springs along the Rio Grande.
• Immerse yourself in the region's rich history at Castolon Historic District.
• Cross the Rio Grande into Mexico at Boquillas Crossing.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Experience awe-inspiring views of towering canyon walls while exploring the dramatic landscape along the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon.
• Discover Chisos Basin, a mountainous sanctuary with hiking trails and panoramic vistas, offering a serene escape in the heart of Big Bend National Park.
• Wander through a picturesque river gorge at Boquillas Canyon.
• Soak in historic hot springs along the Rio Grande.
• Immerse yourself in the region's rich history at Castolon Historic District.
• Cross the Rio Grande into Mexico at Boquillas Crossing.
STARTING POINTS
-Terlingua, TX, near Gallery Chisos on Route 118, outside Maverick Junction entrance gate
-Persimmon Gap Entrance Gate, north of the park.
RECOMMENDED START TIME: Before 9:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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Now Playing
1. Welcome to the Big Bend National Park Tour Preview
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2. Sky Islands
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06:13
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3. Hot Springs Historic District
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06:28
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4. The Fossils of Big Bend
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04:59
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5. The Rio Grande
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07:44
Now Playing
6. Quicksilver
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06:54
Big Bend National Park Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Big Bend National Park Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Boquillas Canyon
Tour stop
Boquillas Canyon Overlook
Tour stop
Boquillas Crossing
Tour stop
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Tour stop
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
Tour stop
Rio Grande Overlook
Tour stop
Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
Meet the Creators
Moose Warywoda
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Big Bend National Park Tour
Moose Warywoda
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Rita Fowers
Writer/Editor
Favorite Quote:
"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him." - Viktor Frankl
Rayne Warne
Writer & Managing Editor
Favorite Quote:
"Stories are machines inhabited by a god." - Bonnie Friedman
Matt Caracciolo
Writer & Editor
Favorite Quote:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --J.R.R. Tolkien
Adam Kampe
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"Don't Think Twice, It's Alright." - Bob Dylan
Purchase Options
1.
Big Bend National Park Tour
$ 15.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Big Bend National Park Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride.
Important Update!
Hi Shaka Guiders,
I wanted to share a quick update about Big Bend National Park, specifically the Chisos Basin area.
Starting May 1 2026, Chisos Basin will be closed for approximately two years while the park works on two major construction projects in the area. This means that one of the most popular parts of the park, with some of the park's busiest hiking trails, will be inaccessible.
While Chisos Basin is a favorite spot, there is still so much to experience—the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, rugged canyons like Santa Elena and Boquillas canyons, and some of the most remote landscapes in the Lower 48. Many of the park’s highlights will remain open and just as unforgettable.
If you’re planning a visit, I strongly recommend checking the official NPS website leading up to your trip for the most current information. Visitor Centers and rangers are also fantastic resources and can help you make the most of your time in the park.
Thanks so much for traveling with Shaka Guide and for taking the time to understand the places you visit. From a traveler who loves these wild, out-there places, I hope Big Bend leaves you feeling small in the best possible way.
Safe travels,Matt (Big Bend tour writer)
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- GPS-triggered audio with automatic playback
- Built-in turn-by-turn route guidance
- Offline access after download
- Self-paced experience with no fixed start time
- Pause, rewind, or replay anytime
- Storytelling based on firsthand travel and research
- Lifetime access after purchase
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Big Bend National Park Tour go?
The Big Bend National Park Tour tour has 20 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go!
2. What should I pack for the Big Bend National Park Tour?
Swimsuit for the hot springs and other water activities
Changes of clothes to cross river for Santa Elena Canyon
Passport for the Port of Entry to Mexico
Cash (small bills) and a credit card
Water, about one gallon of water per person, per day
Cooler
Hiking shoes and clothes
Sunscreen
Hat
First Aid Kit
Bug spray
Salty snacks/fruits/nuts
Phone charger/mount
Changes of clothes to cross river for Santa Elena Canyon
Passport for the Port of Entry to Mexico
Cash (small bills) and a credit card
Water, about one gallon of water per person, per day
Cooler
Hiking shoes and clothes
Sunscreen
Hat
First Aid Kit
Bug spray
Salty snacks/fruits/nuts
Phone charger/mount
3. What should I budget for the Big Bend National Park Tour?
What you spend depends on the activities you do, but here’s a list of entry fees for the tour:
Park entry costs $30 per car, valid for 7 days. Credit or debit card only.
Boquillas Crossing - Modest fee to cross and enter Mexico and another fee for optional transportation to the village.
Park entry costs $30 per car, valid for 7 days. Credit or debit card only.
Boquillas Crossing - Modest fee to cross and enter Mexico and another fee for optional transportation to the village.
4. What are the park hours for the Big Bend National Park Tour?
The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please note, although the park is open year-round, some visitor centers, attractions, and areas of the park have varying hours of operation and seasonality. Learn more here.
Here are some hours of operation for visitor centers on the tour:
Castolon - Visitor Center open 10am-4pm November-April. Store open 10am-5pm daily year round.
Chisos Basin - Visitor Center open 8:30am-4pm daily, closed for lunch. Store open 8:30am-6pm daily. Lodge restaurant open 7am-8pm daily, closed 10am-noon.
Panther Junction Visitor Center - Open 8:30am-5pm daily.
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center - Open 10am-4:30pm daily, November-April. Closed for lunch.
Boquillas Crossing - Open Wed-Sun 9am-4pm November-April. Open Fri-Mon 9am-4pm May-October
Here are some hours of operation for visitor centers on the tour:
Castolon - Visitor Center open 10am-4pm November-April. Store open 10am-5pm daily year round.
Chisos Basin - Visitor Center open 8:30am-4pm daily, closed for lunch. Store open 8:30am-6pm daily. Lodge restaurant open 7am-8pm daily, closed 10am-noon.
Panther Junction Visitor Center - Open 8:30am-5pm daily.
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center - Open 10am-4:30pm daily, November-April. Closed for lunch.
Boquillas Crossing - Open Wed-Sun 9am-4pm November-April. Open Fri-Mon 9am-4pm May-October
5. Can I join the Big Bend National Park Tour en route?
Yes! The tour has two starting points: Terlingua, TX, near Gallery Chisos on Route 118, outside Maverick Junction entrance gate and Persimmon Gap Entrance Gate, north of the park. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from. If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
6. Can I take the Big Bend National Park Tour in the opposite direction?
There is no reverse direction, but from either entrance, drivers can take the tour in whichever order they want. It’s a very customizable tour.
7. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.