Big Bend

Travel Guide

Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring a ruin
El Paso featuring desert views
Guadalupe Mountains National Park showing mountains
Big Bend
Guadalupe Mountains National Park showing a ruin
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 interior views and theater scenes

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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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
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Cielo Vista

If you're spending some time in Cielo Vista, Cielo Vista Mall and Lone Star Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Cielo Vista
Midland showing a sporting event

Downtown Midland

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Downtown Midland and surrounding area, you can visit George W. Bush Childhood Home and The Horseshoe Midland County Multipurpose Facility.

Downtown Midland
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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

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

Socorro
Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
900 Sunland Park Drive, El Paso, TX
The price is P5,447 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
P5,447
P6,400 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 23 - Mar 24
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Water pressure was pretty lacking"

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2025

Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park, an IHG Hotel
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 P3,128 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
P3,128
P3,676 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 24 - Feb 25
Stay at this hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,242 reviews)
"A pleasant surprise. We will stay here our next visit."

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2025

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East
Super 8 by Wyndham El Paso Airport
Super 8 by Wyndham El Paso Airport
2 out of 5
7144 Gateway Blvd E, El Paso, TX
The price is P2,807 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
P2,807
P3,299 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 2 - Mar 3
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in El Paso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (2,357 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham El Paso Airport
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.
El Cosmico
El Cosmico
1 out of 5
802 S Highland Ave, Marfa, TX
Stay at this campground in Marfa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Chinati Foundation Museum and Fort D. A. Russell ...
9/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
"Cool Place for the family adventure"

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2025

El Cosmico
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 San Felipe Springs are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"The lady who checked me in was amazing!! Sorry, I don’t remember her name. The only thing we didn’t like (which didn’t really bother us) is the water was backwards in the shower!"

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2025

Red Roof Inn Del Rio
Horseshoe Lodges Cabins & RV Park
Horseshoe Lodges Cabins & RV Park
3 out of 5
8005 E Hwy 80, Midland, TX
Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking.
8/10 Very Good! (77 reviews)
Attentive staff
"Great team taking care of check in and any issues promptly."

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2025

Horseshoe Lodges Cabins & RV Park
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