The Ultimate Big Bend National Park Solo Travel Guide

big bend national park

Are you planning a solo trip to the Big Bend National Park? Look no further!

In this post, Kristen, our fellow travel blogger and local expert is going to share her insights about this amazing place where she has traveled multiple times.

Read on to learn from her solo travel experience to the Big Bend National Park!

When it comes to the best solo travel destinations in Texas, Big Bend National Park tops the list with its rugged mountains, mesmerizing canyons, vast expanses, and mighty rivers. 

There’s no better place to travel solo in the state if you want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in unforgettable adventures. 

You can challenge yourself on demanding hikes, camp beneath the largest skies in the country, explore frontier towns, learn new skills on the Rio Grande River, and soak up some relaxing solitude in natural hot springs!   

Aerial view of Big Bend from Hidden Canyon Trail.

In a Hurry? 7 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park When Traveling Solo

There is a diverse amount of adventures to be had when solo traveling in Big Bend National Park. Dive into each of these 7 activities in more detail below with a guide to each of the best solo destinations in Big Bend National Park.

#1: Hike the Best Trails in Big Bend National Park

#2: Boat the Rio Grande River in Santa Elena Canyon

#3: Explore Nearby Towns like Terlingua, Alpine, and Marathon

#4: Check out the Park Visitor Centers

#5: Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

#6: Soak in Natural Hot Springs

#7: Camp Overnight

13 Best Solo Destinations in Big Bend National Park

The best way to get to know this park better is by exploring the best hikes in Big Bend National Park with your own two feet. 

This park is a solo traveler haven, with mountains to climb, canyons to traverse, vistas to overlook, and a variety of unique natural formations to witness!  

What makes a trail in Big Bend perfect for solo travel?  It includes the following criteria:

✔️ Shorter trails all able to be completed as day hikes 

✔️ Easy to moderate ratings 

✔️ More accessible, less remote, locations 

The following are the best hikes in Big Bend National Park for solo travelers:

1. The Window Trail

The Window Trail in Big Bend is ideal for solo travelers because it is a shorter day hike, rated moderate, and centrally located in a popular location, the Chisos Basin.  

The Window Trail’s namesake is the natural rock “window” that can be found at the “turnaround” point on this out-and-back trail

To reach it, hikers will start at the mouth of an open canyon, proceeding further as the canyon walls continue to converge, until you find yourself climbing a series of rock stairs and hallways to finally reach “the Window”. 

From here, you can overlook the vast corners of the park from a bird’s eye view. 

Just take care not to get too close to the dropoff, as it is very steep, and the rocks can be slippery due to water commonly found in the canyon.  

All in all, the Window Trail is 5.2 miles roundtrip, rated moderate, and is centrally located in the Chisos Basin. 

There is even a “shortcut” found at Campsite #51 in the Chisos Basin Campground, which will shorten this hike to 3.6 miles roundtrip, without sacrificing any of the best parts of the hike.  

View of Window Trail under a clear blue sky.
Window Trail

2. The Lost Mine Trail

There aren’t too many trails where you can enjoy epic summit panoramas, on a shorter trail that can be completed in just a couple hours. 

The Lost Mine Trail contains views that you would expect to find on a much longer trail that would normally take all day to hike. 

That is what makes the Lost Mine Trail so special, as well as perfect for solo travelers.

The Lost Mine Trail is only 4.8 miles roundtrip, rated moderate, and is estimated to take 2-3 hours to complete. 

It is a consistently moderate uphill climb to the summit, but due to its shorter length, it appeals to many hikers searching for more attainable summit views. 

From the top, hikers witness nearby Emory Peak, the highest point in the park, as well as the neighboring Casa Grande formation.

The Lost Mine Trail is great for solo travelers as the trail is well maintained and easy to follow, well traveled, and located in a central location in the Chisos Basin.  

View of Lost Mine Trail under a clear blue sky.

3. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail

Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most recognizable and photographed spots in the entire park, and is a must for any solo traveler in Big Bend National Park! 

It is not hard to see why this canyon tops the list of best canyons in Texas!

There are several ways to experience Santa Elena Canyon, which is part of what makes it a great solo travel destination. 

You can completely customize your visit to Santa Elena Canyon to appeal to you specifically.  

The resident Rio Grande River has continuously carved Santa Elena Canyon’s 1,500-foot chasm. 

You can choose to enjoy either the river or the canyon cliffs, or both!  

The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is a 1.5-mile roundtrip and is rated easy. 

The trailhead starts in the parking lot. The mighty Rio Grande River is the first landmark on the trail. 

You can choose to stop here at the shoreline and simply enjoy the views of the river and the looming opening to Santa Elena Canyon, or you can continue on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail as it passes over the dainty Terlingua Creek, before making a brief climb up to a viewpoint on the canyon walls themselves. 

If you are lucky, from this one-of-a-kind vantage point, you might even spot boaters and kayakers below beginning their journey further into Santa Elena Canyon.  

Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail

4. The Balanced Rock Trail

The Balanced Rock Trail is yet another superb trail excellently suited for solo travelers. 

It is a short, sweet trail, with a huge payoff – the inquisitive and precarious-looking Balanced Rock! 

The Balanced Rock Trail is located just north of the Chisos Basin, is 1.9 miles roundtrip, and is rated moderate.  

5. Mule Ears Viewpoint and Trail

The iconic “mule ears” formation has become a welcoming Texas landmark for those driving through Big Bend National Park. 

You can choose to either view it from a distance from the Mule Ears Viewpoint, found right off of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, or hike the trail itself to the base of Mule Ears. 

The trail is 3.9 miles roundtrip and is rated moderate. 

Besides the “mule ears”, there is also a small desert spring on the trail, a fascinating testament to the persistence of life in the desert!

6. The Boquillas Canyon Trail

The Boquillas Canyon Trail is the slightly smaller sibling to its western counterpart, Santa Elena Canyon. 

Boquillas Canyon resides in the eastern part of the park, right on the Rio Grande River, near the Rio Grande Village area. 

Boquillas Canyon is best experienced by hiking the Boquillas Canyon Trail, a 1.2-mile round-trip trail that is rated easy.

If you happen to be short on time, you can still view Boquillas Canyon from the Boquillas Canyon Overlook.  

7. The Rio Grande River in Santa Elena Canyon

As previously mentioned, Santa Elena Canyon is one of the must-sees in Big Bend National Park for any solo traveler. 

Aside from hiking the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, there is one other unforgettable adventure you can have here – boating the Rio Grande River.  

While it is possible to independently launch and command your boating vessel from the shoreline of Santa Elena Canyon, for solo travelers, it may be easier and more convenient to book a guided river tour from the multiple guides that operate out of Terlingua. 

Half-day guided river tours down Santa Elena Canyon are a popular option for solo travelers, as these tours will take care of providing the vessel, necessary gear, required permits, and usually food.  

You don’t have to have experience boating or kayaking to enjoy this tour. 

Traversing the first couple miles of this famous waterway is gentle and easy for beginners, and tour guides are always helpful, so you’ll never feel on your own, even as a solo traveler. 

This is also a great way to meet other adventurers for a half day and share in the camaraderie.  

8. Terlingua

Terlingua, located just outside the west entrance of Big Bend, is arguably the most popular, non-camping, base for visits to Big Bend National Park. 

Terlingua itself is a fascinating town, and deserves some of the spotlight during your time in Big Bend, whether you are lodging in town or not.  

The biggest highlight in Terlingua is the Terlingua Ghost Town. 

You can do a self-guided or group tour through the ghost town, and learn more about the history behind this western frontier settlement.  

The Starlight Theatre is another beloved local landmark in Terlingua and is a local hotspot for dining and entertainment.  

Cobblestone house in Terlingua.
Terlingua

9. Marathon and Alpine

Whereas Terlingua is located near the west entrance of Big Bend, Marathon and Alpine are the northern counterparts, located outside the north entrance. This makes them additional accommodation options for visitors who aren’t lodging within the park.  

Marathon and Alpine are both steeped in their respective history, deeply rooted in the wild west and rugged background of Texas.  

You can visit historic buildings, like the Gage Hotel and Gardens in Marathon, or check out the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, a fitting add-on for a visit to Big Bend National Park.  

Marathon at Big Bend National Park.

10. Chisos Basin, Panther Junction, and Rio Grande Village Visitor Centers

These three Visitor Centers each highlight unique “regions” of the park, as well as provide both educational and practical services.  

At Panther Junction, you can pick up permits, mail a letter from the Post Office, catch the orientation movie in the theater, or read more about the cultural histories of the park.  

At the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, you can enjoy the interactive exhibits on local wildlife, talk to a ranger, or peruse the bookstore.  

At the Rio Grande Village Visitor Center, you can view exhibits focusing on the Rio Grande River, as well as outdoor sculptures and maps of the area.

11. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is a great way to enjoy the sights of Big Bend, with a faster approach in mind. 

The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is 30 miles long, stretching from just outside the western entrance to the southern terminus at Santa Elena Canyon. 

Along the way, visitors can choose from a handful of stunning overlooks and vistas, like Tuff Canyon, Sotol Vista Overlook, and Mule Ears Viewpoint, as well as historic buildings like the Sam Nail Ranch.  

12. Langford Hot Springs

One thing that makes Big Bend National Park stand out from other National Parks is the natural hot springs found at Langford Hot Springs near the Rio Grande Village. 

In the previous century, the Langford Hot Springs Resort was centered around these natural springs. 

Today, the resort is nothing more than old remnants and ruins, but the hot springs have remained unchanged.

The fact that you can soak in these hot springs, amid old ruins from the resort, just adds to the mystique and unique vibe of this spot. 

As a solo traveler, the hot springs can provide a couple of different options, depending on your preference. 

You can visit during less popular times and enjoy a solo, mind-clearing soak.  Or you can visit during peak times, and enjoy the relaxing company of others.  

13. Chisos Basin Campground and Rio Grande Village Campground

There are 4 developed campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, but these are the two best suited for solo travelers, as they are centrally located near attractions and amenities, and are less remote.  

The Chisos Basin Campground is located in the Chisos Basin, which is near popular trails like the Window Trail, the Lost Mine Trail, and the Balanced Rock Trail, as well as the Chisos Basin Visitor Center and Chisos Basin Lodge.  

The Rio Grande Village Campground is located in the southeastern part of the park in the Rio Grande Village. 

It is close to the Rio Grande Visitor Center, as well as attractions like Boquillas Canyon and the Langford Hot Springs.  

If you want to top off your solo travel experience in Big Bend with some stellar overnight camping, these are the two best spots to give it a go! 

Just be sure to make your reservations in advance, as campsites fill up quickly, and advanced reservations are required for all Big Bend campgrounds. 

Aerial view of the Lost Mine Trail.
Lost Mine Trail

The Best Travel Apps for Solo Travel in Big Bend National Park

🗺 Google Maps – while you may not have reliable cell service everywhere, you can utilize Google Maps to download maps and save maps beforehand.  

🗺 AllTrails – AllTrails is the best app for hiking, and can download and save trail maps in advance, which is great for solo hikers.

🗺 NPS App – this app can provide you with tons of helpful information on any National Park you are visiting.

🗺 Recreation.gov App – make reservations through this app, like campsite reservations at the Chisos Basin Campground or the Rio Grande Village Campground.  

Is Big Bend National Park Safe for Solo Travelers?

Every National Park should be treated with the respect that a wilderness area deserves.  Many mistakes happen when visitors are unprepared. 

That being said, Big Bend National Park is a very welcoming and safe destination for solo travelers. 

Just be sure to follow a few practical tips to ensure a safe and responsible visit:

👉🏽 If you are hiking solo, be sure to carry all necessary day hiking essentials, as well as plenty of water and downloaded maps (like on the AllTrails app).

👉🏽 Be sure to let someone know your plans, for example, where you plan to be each day, your planned itinerary, and estimated timeframes

👉🏽 Don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger – stay on designated trails, don’t drive rough roads without the proper vehicle, etc.

👉🏽 Have your essentials – Big Bend is massive, so be sure that before you take off driving to the various destinations around the park, you have a full tank of gas and all the essentials you need for the day, like food, water, gear, and accessories, as it may be harder to find these within the park.  

👉🏽 Don’t venture into remote areas alone if possible – there is a lot of untouched wilderness in Big Bend, but stick to more trafficked areas when traveling solo, even if it means a little less seclusion at times.

The Santa Elena Canyon Trail lake.
Santa Elena Canyon

Tips for Solo Traveling in Big Bend National Park

📌 Buy your pass ahead of time – you can purchase your entrance pass online, or consider an America the Beautiful Pass for additional National Park visits.  

📌 Have a full tank – make sure you have plenty of gas before heading into the park

📌 Start early – more parking, fewer crowds, and more time in your day

📌 Bring a picnic lunch – this will save time, especially if you have a shorter itinerary like just one day in Big Bend National Park

📌 Leave No Trace – pack it in, pack it out, and leave things how you found them

📌 Follow posted rules – don’t leave the trail, approach wildlife, etc.

📌 Do not approach wildlife – a second warning because it is that important!

📌 Leave pets at home – pets are not allowed on park trails or in park buildings

📌 Check the forecast before – be prepared for unexpected weather

Beautiful view of the Window Trail.
Window Trail

Best Accommodations for Solo Traveling in Big Bend National Park

There are multiple accommodation options for solo traveling in Big Bend National Park, both inside and outside the park.

🛏 Accommodations INSIDE the Park:

There are 4 developed campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, all requiring reservations, which can be secured online.

My personal favorite is the Chisos Basin Campground, nestled at the base of the dramatic Chisos Mountains. 

If the stunning scenery wasn’t enough, it is centrally located near many park favorites and amenities.

⛺️ The 4 Developed Campgrounds in Big Bend National Park are:

🏕 The Chisos Basin Campground

🏕 The Rio Grande Village Campground

🏕 The Cottonwood Campground

🏕 The Rio Grande Village RV Park

In addition to the campgrounds within the park, there is also the rustic Chisos Mountain Lodge, located in the Chisos Basin.

🛏 Accommodations OUTSIDE the Park:

There are plenty of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in the towns surrounding Big Bend National Park, like Terlingua, Lajitas, Marathon, and Alpine. 

Terlingua is my favorite place to lodge outside of the park, as you can find a lot of ingenious accommodations, perfect for a solo travel experience. 

In Terlingua, you can sleep beneath the stars in a tipi tent, yurt, or “bubble”.  Or book a vacation rental casita or RV. 

The options for one-of-a-kind accommodations are endless in Terlingua, something that the community of Terlingua prides itself on.  

In Lajitas, which is near the western entrance, you can stay at the upscale Lajitas Golf Resort

In Marathon and Alpine, located near the north entrance of Big Bend, you can find both small and large chain hotels, as well as additional vacation rentals.  

When considering where to lodge on your solo trip to Big Bend, consider first where you plan to spend most of your time and where you want to be centrally located.  

Secondly, consider the average driving distances between common bases for Big Bend National Park:

📍 Terlingua, TX to Big Bend National Park: 15 minutes

📍 Lajitas, TX to Big Bend National Park: 30 minutes

📍 Marathon, TX to Big Bend National Park: 1 hour and 30 minutes

📍 Alpine, TX to Big Bend National Park: 2 hours

Silhoutte of Window Trail at night from Chisos Basin Campground.
Window Trail Campground

Pros and Cons of Solo Travel in Big Bend National Park

As with any destination, there are some pros and cons to solo travel in Big Bend National Park.  Here are a few important ones to consider when making your plans.

✅ Pros of Solo Travel in Big Bend National Park: 

👍🏼 Seclusion – if you are solo traveling in search of seclusion and to get away from it all, Big Bend National Park is perfect. 

There is a lot of room to “spread out”, with a lot fewer annual visitors than in other National Parks.  

👍🏼 Accessibility – Big Bend does a great job of balancing the act between seclusion and accessibility, which can be a relieving factor for solo travelers. 

While you can enjoy that characteristic seclusion of Big Bend, rest assured that you are never that far from “civilization”, thanks to the multiple Visitor Centers, campgrounds, and other facilities that are strategically located throughout the park.  

👍🏼 Test Yourself – one big draw to solo travel is being able to reconnect with yourself, which for some, means testing yourself! 

There are a lot of rugged and challenging experiences to be had in Big Bend, ones that can reaffirm that independent, solo adventurer within!

🙅🏼‍♀️ Cons to Solo Travel in Big Bend National Park:

👎🏼 Some trails are not as recommended for solo hiking in Big Bend, due to their remote nature, difficulty in accessing the trail, or the nature of the trail itself. 

Examples include the South Rim Trail at 13 miles round trip. 

Or Emory Peak, the highest mountain in the park, a very difficult 10-mile hike.

On trails of this nature, it is advised to hike in a group in the event of an emergency or unforeseen circumstance. 

Some other trails, like the Ernst Tinaja Trail, are located in a remote part of the park on a rough road that requires a high clearance vehicle and 4WD. 

If something were to happen en route to this trailhead and you were to become immobile, it could be a more challenging situation if solo.  

👎🏼 Not being able to split or share the cost of visiting Big Bend National Park

👎🏼 Limited cell coverage – cell service is not great in many parts of the park. 

This may mean going extended amounts of time without conversing with others when you are solo traveling in Big Bend.  

👎🏼 Some tasks may be more challenging – face it, setting up a tent solo is more challenging, but can also be rewarding once accomplished. 

Tasks like this will take more of your time, ingenuity, and creativity when traveling solo, but they can be done and can be continued affirmations of the rewards of solo travel.  

The Window Trail in Big Bend Trail.
Window Trail

Packing for Female Solo Travel in Big Bend National Park

Here are a few key basics to focus on when packing for female solo travel in Big Bend National Park:

🧳 Hiking Gear – shoes, backpack, water transport system, and the rest of your day hiking essentials

🧳 Camping Gear – tent, pad, sleeping bag, and other overnight camping essentials

🧳 Phone and Charger

🧳 Layers and Fabrics – opt for breathable, moisture-wicking layers when exploring Big Bend

🧳 Downloaded/Offline Maps

🧳 Non-perishable food for picnic lunches and snacks

Best Time of the Year to Visit Big Bend, National Park

While Big Bend National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, there are certain things to consider when determining the best time of year to visit Big Bend National Park.  

🍁 The best times of the year to visit Big Bend National Park are the shoulder seasons of FALL and SPRING. 

Temperatures are more moderate and mild during these months, which is especially good to know if you are planning to camp overnight in one of Big Bend’s campgrounds.  

❄️ WINTER is not typically a good time to visit most National Parks in the country, but thanks to the far southern location of Big Bend, winter is also a good time to visit, in addition, to fall and spring. 

Daytime temperatures are still comfortable and mild. 

Overnight temperatures are what you need to focus on, as they can dip down below freezing. 

Be prepared with adequate gear and proper layers, especially if camping overnight. 

I visited Big Bend myself in January, and found it to be perfect weather for a full day of exploring the outdoors! 

Ice and snow are infrequent in Big Bend, and there are fewer crowds in winter!

☀️ SUMMER is the least recommended time of year to visit Big Bend National Park. 

Temperatures can climb dangerously high in the summer months. 

Couple that with the fact that much of Big Bend is exposed with minimal to no shade, and you can be in for trouble. 

If you do plan to visit in the summer, it is strongly recommended to start and finish early, dress in breathable, moisture-wicking layers, carry plenty of water, and consider less exposed activities, like the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, or the Visitor Centers.

Rock formation at Chisos Mountain.
Rock formation at Chisos Mountain

What to Budget for Solo Travel in Big Bend National Park

When considering your budget for solo travel in Big Bend, keep in mind the big 4:

💰 Travel

💰 Lodging

💰 Food

💰 Activities

💲 Travel Budget

One of the great things about Big Bend is its remoteness and fewer crowds, but that also means it is harder and more complicated to get to Big Bend.

If you are driving, it’s likely going to be a long distance and require more gas. 

If you are flying, the closest airports are Midland Odessa and El Paso International, both several hours away and still requiring a decent drive. 

Then there’s the budget you will need to set aside for gas for drive time and distance within the park itself, from various attractions, as Big Bend is a large, spread-out park.  

💲 Lodging Budget

You can keep lodging on the cheaper side if you opt to camp within the park, but then you will have to consider the budget you will need to acquire the necessary camping gear if you don’t already own it. 

If you plan to lodge in common bases like Terlingua, Marathon, or Alpine, consider how much you are willing to spend on more “unique” stays, like tipi tents or bubble homes in Terlingua, which will be more expensive, or more traditional hotel chains in Marathon or Alpine, which will be a little more budget-friendly, but have less uniqueness.  

In all lodging situations, consider the drive time and gas required to get from your lodging to attractions within Big Bend National Park, as some common base towns are further from the park than others.  

💲 Food Budget

You can keep things simple and shop ahead of time for as many non-perishable items, to make on-the-go breakfasts and picnic lunches, or opt to set aside more money for snacks at the Visitor Centers, or meals in town, like at the Starlight Theatre in Terlingua.

💲 Activities Budget

The first step in budgeting for activities is budgeting for the $30 entrance fee per vehicle for Big Bend National Park. 

Luckily, this entrance fee is good for 7 consecutive days, allowing plenty of time for solo travel plans!

While many solo activities in Big Bend National Park are free or cost very minimal, like hiking trails or stopping at the Visitor Centers, consider your budget for others like booking a half-day guided river tour on the Rio Grande River in Santa Elena Canyon.  

Big Bend National Park signage.

How to Meet People When Solo Traveling in Big Bend National Park

When solo traveling in Big Bend National Park, it is important to consider how much time you want to spend alone, and how much, if any, you want to spend meeting people. 

If you do enjoy meeting others when solo traveling, there are plenty of opportunities during a trip to Big Bend National Park. 

👩🏼‍🦱 Trail camaraderie is a real thing! While hiking, greet other hikers, and maybe even discover some shared commonalities. 

I found the large, flat summit of the Lost Mine Trail to be a perfect spot to break for a snack and chat up the other hikers doing the same!

👩🏼‍🦱 Guided tours are another great way to meet people when solo traveling in Big Bend National Park. 

There’s a large chance that others participating in your guided tour, such as a river trip on the Rio Grande, are there to learn new skills or experience a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

That is the perfect platform to reach out in a shared, mutual connection.  

👩🏼‍🦱 If you want to talk to park rangers, the perfect place to do so is Big Bend’s visitor centers. 

The rangers I have encountered at Big Bend love to talk to visitors, share personal stories and anecdotes, as well as provide any practical or helpful advice they can.  

👩🏼‍🦱 Campgrounds in Big Bend are also a potential place to meet new people, although you need to carefully “read the room” to determine if fellow campers prefer their privacy or welcome others to join them for a quick chat around the campfire. 

I have found the latter to be quite frequent when strolling through the Chisos Basin Campground in the late afternoons and evenings.  

Frequently Asked Questions on Solo Travel in Big Bend National Park

Does Big Bend National Park Ever Close?

No, Big Bend is open 24 hours a day, year-round. 

However, the rare snow or ice storm may cause park roads to temporarily close, so it is always a good idea to check the park website for alerts and updates before arriving.  

Does Big Bend National Park Have Reliable Cell Service?

The overarching answer to this common question is largely no. 

Cell service is not reliable in many places in the park, so be sure to conduct all necessary cell phone business before entering the park, as well as have necessary maps downloaded if possible. 

I have found the Chisos Basin to have the most reliable service in the park. 

Overview of Big Bend National Park.

Is it Possible to Cross into Mexico From Big Bend National Park?

Yes, you can cross into Mexico at the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry (near the Rio Grande Village and Boquillas Canyon). 

This port of entry is pedestrian-only, and a valid passport is required.  

Are Campfires Allowed in Big Bend National Park?

No, campfires are prohibited in all parts of the park and all campgrounds. 

Beautiful view of Rio Grande River and Santa Elena Canyon.

Are Pets Allowed in Big Bend National Park?

Pets can go where vehicles go – they are not allowed on trails or in park buildings.

Big Bend National Park Solo Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

If you want to hone in on that solo travel experience, Big Bend National Park is one of the best choices you can make.  

This vast National Park in an even vaster state has endless places to explore solo.

You will never be at a loss to find ways to get off the grid and enjoy time alone.

Even at its busiest seasons, Big Bend National Park is one of the least visited National Parks in the country, which means you will have more of its trails, campgrounds, waterways, and park buildings to yourself.  

These characteristics are exactly what has drawn me to Big Bend National Park as a solo traveler.

I revel in the chance to reconnect to that feeling of self-reliance and self-discovery, one of the biggest rewards of solo traveling, and Big Bend has a way of bringing that out! 

By challenging myself while solo hiking tough trails, or picking up a new skill like kayaking the Rio Grande and relishing in that solo accomplishment. 

Listening to the deafening silence of night while warming myself with a fire that I started from scratch myself is an uplifting reminder of what I am capable of. 

It is reasons like these that keep me coming back to National Parks as a solo traveler, especially solo traveling to Big Bend in my home state of Texas. 

This solo travel guide to Big Bend National Park will teach you all the best ways to make the most of a solo experience here.


Author Bio

Kristen Czudak is the author and adventurer behind Yonderlust Ramblings.  If you are looking for a different kind of vacation, active travel is the answer!  Discover just how far your own two feet can take you!

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