Big Bend National Park Self Guided Audio Tour Guide Discount Tickets

4.7
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 23 reviews |
location pin icon Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA
location pin icon Big Bend National Park
4.7 /5
23 reviews
View all Big Bend National Park Self Guided Audio Tour Guide photos
View all Big Bend National Park Self Guided Audio Tour Guide photos

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Big Bend National Park Self Guided Audio Tour Guide
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Overview

Welcome to Big Bend National Park! As your audio tour guide, let me paint a picture of this breathtaking landscape. Imagine rugged canyons, towering cliffs, and the winding Rio Grande River. Listen closely to the calls of diverse wildlife echoing through the desert. Hike the trails, marvel at the stunning vistas, and soak in the serenity of this remote wilderness. From stunning sunsets to star-filled skies, every moment here is a masterpiece of nature. So, sit back, relax, and let's embark on an unforgettable adventure through Big Bend National Park. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

Itinerary

1. Sam Nail Ranch
In 1916, Sam Nail built a two-room house here, and together with his wife Nena, raised livestock, planted pecan, walnut, and fig trees, and raised a family. The trail from the road is really easy, about a half-mile round trip, and it takes you to what’s left of these orchards, and of the house.
Duration: 15 mins
2. Sotol Vista
This incredible view just off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive takes in a 360-degree view of much of the western half of the park, including Santa Elena Canyon out in the distance.
Duration: 10 mins
3. Mule Ears Viewpoint
A parking lot provides an easy view of the unusual Mul Ears mountain, a volanic rock formation that looks like a pair of mule ears.
Duration: 5 mins
4. Tuff Canyon Overlook
Three overlooks offer a glimpse into this small canyon. A trail from the southern parking lot descends into the canyon. The hike is less than a mile round trip and takes about an hour. At the time of writing, this stop was temporarily indefinitely after some rock slides.
Duration: 10 mins
5. Castolon
Explore the remnants of this early 20th-century community near the U.S./Mexico border. Buildings like the Alvino House and La Harmonia store interpret what life was like for the multicultural community that lived here 100 years ago. While you're here, check out the visitor center to learn more about the area, and stock up on snacks and supplies at the store.
Duration: 30 mins
6. Santa Elena Canyon Overlook
This easily accessible viewpoint offers a stunning view of Santa Elena Canyon's mouth.
Duration: 5 mins
7. Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Enjoy the mouth of the imposing Santa Elena Canyon, with walls 1500 feet high, just a few dozen steps away from the parking lot. There is a trail into the canyon, but reaching the trailhead requires a water crossing that may not be advisable in high water or heavy mud. If you do reach the trail on the other side, it's a 1.6-mile round trip and considered easy, aside from a couple of places with steps.
Duration: 30 mins
8. Dorgan Sublett Trail
This easy, 1-mile round trip hike takes you to the remnants of two pioneer homes belonging to the Dorgan and Sublett families. The Dorgan family's adobe house provides an interesting playground for photographers, with a stunning background vista of rock formations and the Chisos Mountains.
Duration: 30 mins
9. Homer Wilson Ranch
A pulloff along the scenic drive provides access to a small observation deck to see the old Homer Wilson Ranch, what's left of a rancher's home from the early to mid-20th century. You can see the house from the observation deck, or take a 1-mile round trip hike to the house. The trail takes about 30 minutes and is considered easy, though it crosses two drainages that may flood.
Duration: 5 mins
10. Chisos Mountains
You could easily spend the day up in Chisos Basin, where the higher altitude means consistently cooler temperatures than the rest of the park. Start at the visitor center for a trail map, or the store to gear up on snacks and supplies. Grab a meal at the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Or take any of the several hiking trails. Everyone ought to take the 0.3-mile Window View Trail, a paved walkway that leads to a view of "The Window" in the Chisos Mountains. The 5-mile round trip, moderately difficult Lost Mine Trail is also popular.
Duration: 60 mins
11. Panther Junction Visitor Center
This is the primary visitor center in the park. Watch the park video, browse the gift shop, or check out the displays on the area's geography and ecosystems. You can also stroll through a garden of local plant life outside near the parking lot.
Duration: 20 mins
12. Fossil Discovery Exhibit
This unique outdoor museum showcases the diverse fossil collection that has been discovered in Big Bend. Browse the real and replicated fossils that span over 65 million years of history.
Duration: 20 mins
13. Dugout Wells
This oasis was once home to a school for the area's children. Today, you can take the half-mile Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail loop that explores the oasis as well as the surrounding desert plant life. It's a bumpy dirt road off the park road to reach Dugout Wells.
Duration: 30 mins
14. Hot Springs Trailhead
Along the Rio Grande is what remains of a hot springs resort from the early 20th century. The hot springs are still there, along with the foundations of the bathhouse, accessible about a half mile down the trail. There are also some buildings left from the community, creating a small historic district. Additionally, along the trail is a spot with some old pictographs. The historic district, and trailhead, are accessible down a two-mile gravel road.
Duration: 45 mins
15. Rio Grande Overlook
This overlook stands above the Rio Grande Village area, with the greenery surrounding the river in plain sight.
Duration: 5 mins
16. Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
Learn about the Rio Grande at this visitor center just a quarter mile from the campground. You can also get information about the Boquillas Crossing and the area's trails from a park ranger.
Duration: 10 mins
17. Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Located in the back of the Rio Grande Village campground, this 0.75-mile nature trail starts with a series of boardwalks through wetlands and then leads to the Rio Grande itself. This is an easy trail and a good one for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Duration: 30 mins
18. Boquillas Crossing
This official port of entry allows you to legally cross the Rio Grande and enter Mexico to visit the remote town of Boquillas del Carmen. There, you can experience a small sample of Mexican culture, eat a meal, and do a little souvenir shopping. Make sure to bring your passport!
Duration: 120 mins
19. Boquillas Canyon Overlook
Get a sneak preview of the Boquillas Canyon from this overlook that stands right over the Rio Grande. You can also look into Mexico and catch a glimpse of the town of Boquillas del Carmen.
Duration: 5 mins
20. Boquillas Canyon
Hike into Boquillas Canyon, with walls over 1300 feet tall, and stand on the border between the United States and Mexico. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail is easy, save for the small hill at the very beginning. The trail leads into the canyon, with the Rio Grande in the middle, the United States on one side, and Mexico on the other.
Duration: 45 mins

Inclusion

Take the tour when you want

Tours NEVER expire

Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive using GPS

Freedom to explore at your own pace

Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)

Tour Start is Customizable

Turn-by-turn directions using GPS

Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music

Exclusion

Parking Fees

Entrance Fees

Meals and Refreshments

Entrance fees

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.

The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.

Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.

Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device

Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting

The tour takes between 1-2 days to complete.

The park is open 24/7.

$30 entrance fee per car, valid for 7 days. Credit or debit card only.

Supplied by Shaka Guide Apps

Reviews

4.7

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 23 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
20
4 stars
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1 stars
1

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