Big Bend

Travel Guide

Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring a ruin
Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring a ruin
El Paso featuring desert views
Guadalupe Mountains National Park showing mountains
Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring a sunset

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

High angle view of the beautiful El Paso city

Downtown El Paso

Downtown El Paso is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Plaza Theater or El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmer's Market.

Downtown El Paso
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East El Paso

If you're spending some time in East El Paso, The Fountains at Farah and Cielo Vista Mall are top sights worth seeing.

East 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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Northwest El Paso

If you're spending some time in Northwest El Paso, Sunland Park Mall and Franklin Mountains State Park are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest El Paso
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Central El Paso

While visiting Central El Paso, you might make a stop by sights like Rio Grande and Chamizal National Memorial.

Central El Paso
View of downtown El Paso, Texas, United States of America at sunset

Horizon City

While Horizon City might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Eastlake Shopping Center and Eastlake Marketplace Center.

Horizon City
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 P4,351 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
P4,351
P5,113 total
Mar 2 - Mar 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,518 reviews)
Room smelled like cigarettes.

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

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 P4,296 per night from Mar 12 to Mar 13
P4,296
P4,898 total
Mar 12 - Mar 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Midland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (562 reviews)
Bathroom problems

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

Wyndham Midland Downtown
Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel & Waterpark

Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel & Waterpark

3.5 out of 5
2027 Airway Blvd El Paso TX
The price is P5,211 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P5,211
P6,123 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,871 reviews)
Great customer support over the phone and at the facility!

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2026

Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel & Waterpark
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 campground in Fort Davis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,130 reviews)
nice clean room convenient location. comfy beds. need to step up the breakfast or just cut it. j

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

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 WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Buena Vista Park and Cinemark Del Rio Movies ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (196 reviews)
No amenities. Room was clean.

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026

Red Roof Inn Del Rio
Terlingua Nights Cabins

Terlingua Nights Cabins

2 out of 5
53595 TX-118 Terlingua TX
Stay at this campground in Terlingua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hiking/biking on site. Popular attractions Big Bend Library and Many Stones are located ...
Terlingua Nights Cabins
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do