Cross over into Boquillas del Carmen, a small Mexican village on the Rio Grande, by rowboat and horse — just don’t forget your passport! Answer 1 of 5: My family of 6 is planning to road trip from Austin to visit Big Bend National park and when need help with activities and things to do along the journey and while at Big Bend.

Take the long way to Big Bend — it’s well worth it. Accommodations run the range from convenient and comfortable to resort luxury. Over one million acres of public land including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park offer hiking, camping, river running, horse riding, mountain bicycling, birding, jeep touring, and abundant sightseeing opportunities on paved and improved roads.Big Bend is home to a few remarkable communities: Marathon, Study Butte, Terlingua Ghost Town, Lajitas, and Big Bend National Park. )Stroll up and down historic Holland Avenue, and check out Alpine’s crown jewel, the Holland Hotel. Marfa, Fort Davis, Marathon, Balmorhea, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend State Park, and Terlingua are all great places to go in Texas. Yes, Beyoncé was once photographed eating at the Food Shark, and, sure, Cochineal boasts some impressive-looking artisanal delights, but if you only eat at one spot in Marfa, it’s gotta be The Pizza Foundation: their thin, doughy, yummy, fresh-baked pies are insanely good. However, if you have the time (and the stamina), the South Rim loop, at 12.6 miles, is really something else: once you’ve reached the top, prepare to be surrounded by the best view in Texas.

Take a leisurely soak in the Langford Hot Springs, then follow that up with a visit to Santa Elena canyon. Total mileage Austin to Fort Stockton … Lunchtime! There are several scenic routes through the Hill Country going from Austin to Big Bend, but fastest is to take US 290 west through Fredericksburg and Harper, which intersects with I-10 just east of Junction.
At the end of the road is a highlight of the trip; a short walk into Santa Elena Canyon—one of Big Bend’s most scenic spots and an easy 1.4 mile round-trip hike. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come here each year, despite its inconvenient remoteness — the park is simply that incredible.We will not share or sell your email addressOf course, you could forego hiking altogether and still have a good time in Big Bend. Marfa, TX. Austin to Big Bend Road Trip realistic itinerary?


There are scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way, and the short walks to Sam Nail Ranch and Homer Wilson Ranch and a visit to the Castolon Historic District will give you a glimpse into Big Bend’s past. Merge with I-10 west to Fort Stockton. (For a detailed description of the River Road, check this out.)

From Marfa, head south on Highway 67 toward Presidio and pick up signs for FM-170, otherwise known as the River Road.

This was an easy hike, but very unique since you are walking between two huge canyons. Jun 12, 2019; From Alpine to Marfa with no car?

Big Bend is a diverse region with endless possibilities for adventure and discovery.By taking different routes to and from Big Bend, you can see lots of Texas. This famed stretch of highway has been deemed one of the best drives in America. (In true Marfa style, though, the Pizza Foundation is only open on weekends. For a roundup of the perfect Texas road trips, check out these must-see destinations. Communities offer services, amenities, and entertainment.

Alpine is a great base to explore west Texas. We hiked Closed Canyon in the Big Bend State Park, which was about 20 minutes west of the hotel.

(Keep in mind that both are strenuous hikes — don’t forget to drink a lot of water.)