Big Bend Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring a ruin
El Paso showing desert views
Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring mountains
Big Bend
Guadalupe Mountains National Park showing building ruins

The frontier spirit of America lives on in the wild and wonderful region of Big Bend Country, where mountains, canyons and deserts are still roamed by cowboys.

Experience Texas at its most dramatic and exhilarating in Big Bend Country, the westernmost region of the state. The area is named after the vast curve of the Rio Grande river, which carves up the border between Texas and Mexico. Ride horses through dramatic landscapes and relax in frontier towns steeped in history in one of the Lone Star State’s most enchanting regions.

Archaeological evidence in Big Bend National Park suggests that Paleo-Indians were living in the region from as early as 8000 B.C. Begin your exploration of Big Bend in the city of El Paso, which sits in the western corner of the state. The El Paso Museum of History charts the story of the city, from its earliest indigenous communities to its multicultural present.

Encounter that history first hand on the El Paso Mission Trail, which takes you to picturesque colonial churches. El Paso also features a zoo, several art galleries and a tramway into the mountains.

Relive the drama of the Old West in historic towns with traditional activities and friendly atmospheres. Watch a rodeo in Odessa, stroll around a frontier military base in Fort Davis and step into an old jailhouse in Fort Stockton.

Take time to visit artistic Marfa, a cinematic city known as one of the last American frontiers. The area is most known for the surreal “ghost lights” that glow in the sky after the sun has set on a clear night.

Escape to the wilderness of Big Bend region in its vast parklands. Big Bend National Park is a series of canyons and peaks covered in hiking trails to suit all abilities. In the north of the region, marvel at the strange fossil reef of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, an alien landscape with further hiking and biking options.

Fly into El Paso International Airport from major cities around the U.S. to land in Big Bend Country. Explore the region by car to reach some of its most dramatic locations and come throughout the year to enjoy its numerous attractions.

Where to stay in Big Bend

El Paso which includes theatre scenes and interior views

Downtown El Paso

4/5(1 area review)

Downtown El Paso is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Plaza Theater and El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmer's Market while in the area.

Downtown El Paso
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Mission Valley

While visiting Mission Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Speaking Rock Entertainment Center and El Paso County Coliseum.

Mission Valley
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Horizon City

Though Horizon City may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eastlake Shopping Center and Eastlake Marketplace Center.

Horizon City
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Cielo Vista

While visiting Cielo Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Cielo Vista Mall and Lone Star Golf Course.

Cielo Vista
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West Odessa

While visiting West Odessa, you might make a stop by sights like Music City Mall and McKinney Park.

West Odessa
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Socorro

Travellers like the historical sites in Socorro, and Socorro Mission is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Socorro
Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG

Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG

3 out of 5
900 Sunland Park Drive, El Paso, TX
The price is Rp1.434.136 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
Rp1.434.136
Rp1.685.109 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,082 reviews)
"It felt very private, it had a unique multi building layout "Villas", a very peaceful place and quiet. You won't be disappointed."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG
Wyndham Midland Downtown

Wyndham Midland Downtown

4 out of 5
117 West Wall Street, Midland, TX
The price is Rp1.305.227 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
Rp1.305.227
Rp1.487.958 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Midland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (187 reviews)
"I loved the easy check in, parking was close. I did not like that the restaurant was closed there was no breakfast and"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Wyndham Midland Downtown
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East

2.5 out of 5
11400 Chito Samaniego Dr, El Paso, TX
The price is Rp879.875 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
Rp879.875
Rp1.033.853 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,598 reviews)
"Front desk staff is amazing.Property is very well kept. Beds and pillows just as comfortable as home."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fort Davis Inn & R.V. Park

Fort Davis Inn & R.V. Park

2 out of 5
2201 N State St, Fort Davis, TX
Stay at this campsite in Fort Davis. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
Little scape to the mountains of texas.
"It was very good ,love the view and the drive ti it, very quiet, i wanted to stay longer but it was a little get away fir the family , love the place"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Fort Davis Inn & R.V. Park
Red Roof Inn Del Rio

Red Roof Inn Del Rio

2 out of 5
3808 Veterans Blvd., Del Rio, TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Del Rio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Buena Vista Park and Cinemark Del Rio Movies ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
"Competitive price, easy highway access, nice renovated room."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Red Roof Inn Del Rio
El Cosmico

El Cosmico

1 out of 5
802 S Highland Ave, Marfa, TX
Stay at this campsite in Marfa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Chinati Foundation Museum and Fort D. A. Russell ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (67 reviews)
El Cosmico
"It was amazing! Great vibe! We will return when you reopen in 2027. Looking forward to the reimagined El Cosmico."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

El Cosmico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Big Bend