Four summer days of van living in far west Texas.
Way down on the border of Mexico, the Rio Grande flows through the vast Chihuahuan Desert. The summers are hot, but the scenic wilderness is oh so worth it!
After a ten hour trip from Houston to Terlingua, we settle in Lajitas, a quaint resort town outside of Terlingua. Lajitas just happened to be the perfect in between spot for easy access to both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
With just three days to experience the beauty of Big Bend (and no concrete plans), we begin with an afternoon swim in the Rio Grande!
Taking a dip in the Rio Grande at the Lajitas boat launch.
Day 1: Houston to Lajitas, TX
Day 2: Big Bend Ranch State Park
Day 3: Big Bend National Park
Day 4: Terlingua to Houston
Day One:
The Long Road to Lajitas
Lajitas, TX is a great gateway to both Big Bend parks. Located 15 minutes from Terlingua, this small town built around Lajitas Golf Resort offers sweeping west Texas views and the afordable and well maintained Maverick RV Park.
< Trails behind the RV park lead you to scenic viewpoints perfect for watching the sunset.
Day Two:
Beautiful Big Bend Ranch
A hidden gem of the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend Ranch's panoramic views and unique primitive camping locations are a game changer. Take a morning hike through a shadowy slot canyon and swim in the Rio Grande under the summer sun!
> A stone's throw from the river, Upper Madera campground is camping at its finest.
^ Closed Canyon Trail: 1.8 mile modernate hike through a peaceful slot canyon
^ East Rancherias Trail: 20 mile scenic hike along a gravel path.
Hike in two miles for a great hike through the rugged desert
^ Upper Madera Campground
View of the Rio Grande from the top of the mountain pass.
Settling in for the night under a bright summer sky.
Day Three:
Chisos Basin to Santa Elena
Big Bend National Park is one of Texas' most iconic and prized natural places. From camping and hiking in the high altitudes of the Chisos Mountain Basin, to swimming in the refreshing, cool waters of the Rio Grande, the possibilities are endless! Opting to take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive from the Chisos down to the Rio Grande is one of the best ways to experince the diversity of the Big Bend landscape.
Approaching Chisos Mountain Basin
Pinnacles Trail at Chisos Basin
Santa Elena Canyon Trail: 1.5 mile hike with a steep climb to start
Day Four:
Terlingua by Morning
Terlingua is a quaint little corner of Texas with a whole lotta heart. Small mom and pop camping and RV parks can be found all around the area.
We ended up camping at BJ's RV Park because the National Park campgrounds were all closed due to the pandemic. The owner was accommodating and friendly, and the simple sites all had lovely views of the desert and mountains!
Terlingua Locals
View of the Chisos from Panther Junction Road