Many small towns near Big Bend National Park offer a variety of cool things to do. These include hiking, biking, and bird watching in the park. There is a piece of great news for shopping and food lovers.
They can enjoy shopping and dining in the towns; and swimming, tubing, and fishing on the Rio Grande. Here is a closer look at some of these small towns and what you can do there.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a national park located in the U.S. state of Texas. The park covers an area of 801,163 acres. It includes two mountain ranges, two rivers, and more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails. It is the largest national park in Texas and the second-largest in the United States.
The park was established in 1944. It is famous for its diverse landscape. It includes deserts, mountains, canyons, and rivers. Big Bend National Park is home to more than 1,200 species of plants and animals. They are a threatened and endangered species.
The park contains important archeological sites about the history of Native Americans. Who once inhabited the area. You can enjoy hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Towns near Big Bend National Park
1. Alpine
Alpine is a town in west Texas located about 110 miles from the Big Bend National Park. The town has a population of about 6,000 and is the home of Sul Ross State University. Alpine is a great place to visit if you want outdoor activities, as several mountain ranges surround it.
What are Things To Do In Alpine?
Alpine is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors at the base of the beautiful Davis Mountains.
The town is close to Big Bend National Park, one of the country’s largest and most diverse national parks. Visitors can explore over 800 miles of hiking trails. They can go camping and fishing and even take a scenic drive through the park.
Besides, Alpine is home to several museums, art galleries, and a lively nightlife scene.
2. Fort Davis
Fort Davis is a town in west Texas located about 120 miles from the Big Bend National Park. The town has about 1,200 people and is home to the Fort Davis National Historic Site. Fort Davis is a great place to visit if you are interested in learning about the history of the American West.
What are things to do in fort Davis?
Davis Mountains State Park offers plenty to do for visitors of all ages. Hiking and camping are popular activities there. Tourists can explore many trails. The most famous are the Limpia Canyon Nature Trail and the Madrona Marsh Trail.
For those interested in stargazing, the park is home to one of the largest Dark Sky Parks in the country. The Fort Davis National Historic Site is another popular attraction.
It offers a glimpse into the history of the area. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants in the town of Fort Davis.
3. Marfa
Marfa is a town in west Texas located about 130 miles from the Big Bend National Park. The town has a population of about 2,000 people and is home to the Chinati Foundation, an art museum that houses works by artists such as Donald Judd and John Chamberlain.
Marfa is also a popular destination for stargazing, as it has minimal light pollution.
What are Things To Do In Marfa?
Visit the Marfa Mystery Lights Viewing Area. These strange lights have been appearing in the night sky for over a century. They are amazing, as no one has been able to explain them.
See a movie at the Marfa Film Festival. This annual event takes place in late summer. It screens a mix of independent, international, and classic films.
Shop for local art and souvenirs at one of Marfa’s many galleries and shops. You’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry to Western-style clothing.
Sample some of the local cuisines at one of Marfa’s restaurants or food trucks. There’s something for everyone, from Tex-Mex favorites to gourmet burgers.
Catch a live show at El Cosmico, an open-air venue. It hosts concerts, theater performances, and other events.
Head out on a stargazing tour with Desert Rock Tours.
4. Terlingua
Terlingua is a ghost town in west Texas located about 140 miles from the Big Bend National Park. The town was once a thriving mining community but was abandoned in the 1940s. Today, Terlingua is home to a small number of residents and is a popular tourist destination.
What are Things To Do In Terlingua?
Terlingua may be small, but there are plenty of cool things to do in the area. Visitors can go hiking and camping in the national park. They can enjoy stargazing in the clear night sky, fishing in the Rio Grande, or exploring the Ghost Town.
Several festivals and events take place in Terlingua throughout the year. The most famous festivals are the annual Chili Cook-Off and the Christmas Parade. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Terlingua has something to offer everyone.
In Terlingua, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities. They can go hiking or biking, visit art galleries and studios, or grab a bite at one of the town’s restaurants or cafes.
5. Van Horn
Van Horn is a town in west Texas located about 150 miles from the Big Bend National Park. The town has a population of about 2,000 people and is known for being one of the hottest towns in America, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months.
Van Horn is also home to the first McDonald’s restaurant in Texas.
What are things to do in van horn?
There are plenty of things to do for visitors in Van Horn. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and camping in Davis Mountains State Park. History buffs can explore the collection of vintage vehicles at the Old West Auto Museum.
And for those looking for adventure, Van Horn is home to one of the giant rattlesnakes. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Van Horn has something to offer everyone.
6. Marathon
Marathon is a town in west Texas located about 160 miles from the Big Bend National Park. The town has about 400 people and lies within the boundaries of the Big Bend Ranch State Park. Marathon is a great place to visit if you want an authentic western experience.
What are Things to do in Marathon?
If you’re looking for cool things to do in Marathon, look no further than Big Bend National Park. It is a short drive from the city. The park offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Hiking, camping, fishing, and bird watching are a few activities available. For an adrenaline-filled experience, the park also offers rock climbing and white-water rafting opportunities.
And no visit to the park would be complete without a stop at scenic overlooks. They offer breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscapes. Marathon has something for you if you want a relaxing nature escape.
Marathon is the perfect place to stay for those looking to explore all that West Texas has to offer. Marathon is also home to several art galleries and the Gage Hotel. Visitors can also hike or bike in the surrounding area.
7. Sanderson
Sanderson is a town in west Texas located about 170 miles from the Big Bend National Park. The town has about 1,000 people and was once an essential stop on the Butterfield Stagecoach route. Today, Sanderson is known for its annual rattlesnake roundup, which attracts visitors worldwide.
What are things to do in Sanderson?
A visit to Sanderson can include hiking, picnicking, and bird watching in the nearby state park, visiting the historic Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railroad Depot, or taking a scenic drive through the Big Bend area.
There are also several restaurants and cafes in town and a few art galleries. While there is not much in the way of nightlife, Sanderson is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert.
8. Lajitas
It is a small town located in Brewster County, Texas. It is situated approximately 30 miles southwest of the Big Bend National Park. The town has just over 100 people and is home to the Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa.
What are things to do in Lajitas?
Located in the Chihuahuan Desert, the town is home to plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are also several museums, art galleries, and various shops and restaurants to explore.
Lajitas is within driving distance of some of the most popular national parks in the country, such as Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an adventure, Lajitas is worth a visit.
Special Tip
Recently, I had the opportunity to check out The Epic Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park. This trail is home to some of the most incredible street art I’ve ever seen. From colorful murals to intricate designs, there was something for everyone.
And best of all, none was hidden away – you could see it anywhere on the trail. If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to explore Big Bend NP, check out The Epic Lost Mine Trail. You won’t get disappointed!
FAQs on towns near Big Bend National Park
Q1. What are the best hotels near big bend national park?
Because of its location, only a handful of hotels are near the park. The Chisos Mountains Lodge is the only lodge located inside the park boundaries. It offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains and Santa Elena Canyon.
Outside the park, visitors will find several small towns with accommodations. The living price here ranges from motels to luxury resorts.
Some of the most popular towns include Terlingua, Lajitas, and Marathon. A visit to Big Bend National Park is an unforgettable experience for you.
Q2. What are unique places to stay near big bend?
Casitas are small, one-roomed dwellings often used as vacation homes or rental properties. Casitas offer visitors a chance to experience the park’s beauty without having to Rough it in a tent or RV.
Many casitas have full kitchens and baths. They give you comfortable experience than traditional camping. Besides, most casitas are within easy driving distance of Big Bend National Park. It makes them a convenient option for those who want to explore the park.
A casita near Big Bend National Park offers everything you need if you’re looking for a cozy place to curl up with a good book or a base camp for your next outdoor adventure.
Q3. What are unique places to stay near big bend?
One option is the Big Bend Ranch State Park, which offers visitors the chance to stay on a working ranch. Another option is the Rio Grande Village, which features several cottages and cabins.
Finally, visitors can also choose to stay on one of the many guest ranches near the park. These ranches offer visitors the chance to experience life on a working ranch.
It has access to all the amenities of a modern hotel. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, there is a unique place to stay near Big Bend National Park.
