Dallas to Big Bend National Park: Is It Worth The Drive?

It’s worth driving from Dallas to Big Bend National Park, as long as you give yourself time to enjoy the journey! Big Bend National Park is nearly 600 miles from Dallas, and it takes a full day to drive there (about 8.5 to 10 hours depending on your route). In our experience, you’ll want to plan for at least 5 days to make this trip: one full day to drive there, three full days in the park, and one day to get home. A full week is even better, especially if you want time to hike, soak, and stargaze without rushing.

This guide will help you figure out the best time to drive from Dallas to Big Bend National Park, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do along the way. Whether you’re driving the whole way or considering flying part of the trip, we’ve got you covered.

🗓️ What Is the Best Month to Visit Big Bend?

February, March, and November are our favorite months to visit Big Bend National Park. The weather is cooler, the skies are clear, and if you plan around the new moon, you’ll catch some of the darkest night skies in the country. Spring wildflowers and fall colors along the river are also a bonus!

Avoid summer if you can. It’s scorching hot and not ideal for hiking or camping.

📍 Where Is Big Bend National Park?

Big Bend National Park sits in far West Texas, along the Rio Grande and the U.S.–Mexico border. The park covers more than 800,000 acres, from river canyons and desert valleys to mountain peaks. It’s one of the most remote places you can road trip to in Texas.

🚗 Is Big Bend Worth the Drive?

Yes, if you like wild landscapes, wide-open skies, surprising canyon hikes, natural hot springs, and the kind of quiet you can’t get in the city. There’s also not a super convenient airport to fly into when visiting Big Bend, which means most people road trip and that’s part of what makes it special. You have to really want to get there and when you do? You’ll feel like you’re worlds away from everything!

🗺️ Where to Stop Between Dallas and Big Bend

You can drive directly from Dallas to Big Bend National Park in one day, no stops or overnight pit stops required. But if you do want to stop, here are a few spots to consider:

Abilene: Stretch your legs at the Abilene State Park or grab lunch downtown.
San Angelo: A fun detour with Concho River trails, San Angelo State Park, and Tex-Mex spots.
Marfa: If you’re taking the southern route, this quirky arts town is worth a night. Don’t miss the Marfa lights, art galleries, and food trucks.
Alpine: A small mountain town near Big Bend, Alpine makes a great final stop before heading into the park.

You can also route through Fort Stockton or Marathon, depending on where you’re staying near Big Bend.

🛬 What Airport Should I Fly Into for Big Bend?

Flying won't get you all the way there, but if you're short on time, you can fly part of the route and drive the rest.

Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF): About 3.5 hours from the park. This is the closest major airport to Big Bend.
El Paso International Airport (ELP): About 4.5 hours away. This is another popular airport for getting to Big Bend.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Big Bend National Park

There are a few main options for where to stay when visiting Big Bend. Inside the park, Chisos Mountains Lodge is the only hotel and fills up quickly, so be sure to book early if you want a room there. (Heads up: Chisos Mountain Lodge is temporarily closed for renovations as of Fall 2025.)

For campers, there are three frontcountry campgrounds: Chisos Basin Campground offers mountain views and cooler air (also temporarily closed); Rio Grande Village is a great choice for RVs and easy access to the Hot Springs and Boquillas Canyon; and Cottonwood Campground is a quieter, more remote option near Santa Elena Canyon. Backcountry camping is also available if you’re looking to get off the grid.

Just outside the park, Terlingua is the most popular basecamp, known for its quirky rentals, ghost town charm, and a few restaurants. Lajitas offers a resort-style experience with horseback riding and upscale amenities, while Marathon, near the park’s north entrance, is a quieter spot anchored by the historic Gage Hotel.

Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

There are many neat things to do in Big Bend National Park, including:

Scenic Drives: Don’t miss the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Chisos Basin Road, and Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village. Each offers unique views.
Hiking: Popular trails include Lost Mine, Santa Elena Canyon, Boquillas Canyon, and The Window Trail.
Hot Springs: Soak in a natural riverside hot spring with stunning views.
Stargazing: One of the best parks in the country for dark skies! Bring binoculars or a telescope if you have one.
Wildlife Watching: You might see javelinas, mule deer, coyotes, or even a mountain lion. Big Bend is also a great place for birdwatching!

❓FAQ: Dallas to Big Bend National Park

Q: How far is Big Bend from Dallas?

About 580 miles one way. It takes 8.5 to 10 hours to drive, depending on your route and stops.

Q: Can you fly from Dallas to Big Bend National Park?

Not directly. The closest major airports are Midland (3.5 hours away) and El Paso (4.5 hours away). You’ll need to rent a car to reach the park from either.

Q: Is there a bus from Dallas to Big Bend?

Also not directly. You can take a Greyhound bus to Alpine, Texas, then rent a car. But driving your own vehicle from Dallas is usually much easier and gives you more flexibility for stops and scenic drives.

Q: Can you take a train from Dallas to Big Bend?

Sort of! You can take Amtrak’s Sunset Limited from Dallas to Alpine, TX. From Alpine, it’s about 30 minutes to Marfa and 1.5 hours to Big Bend. You’ll still need to rent a car to reach the park.

Q: Is Big Bend worth the drive from Dallas?
Yes, as long as you give yourself time. It’s a full-day drive, so we recommend at least 5 days total: one to get there, three in the park, and one to get back. A full week is even better. The drive is part of the adventure, and once you're surrounded by mountains, desert, and stars, you'll be glad you made the trip.

Q: Can you do Big Bend in a weekend?

We wouldn’t recommend it if you’re coming from Dallas. It’s too far to rush. Give yourself multiple days in the park so you can hike, soak in the hot springs, and enjoy what makes this place special. Plus, the drive itself is a full day.

Q: What other national parks are near Dallas?

There are a few national parks within driving distance of Dallas:

Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas): About 4.5 hours away
Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Around 7.5 hours
Big Bend National Park: About 9 hours

While Hot Springs is the closest national park in terms of distance, Big Bend feels most like true wilderness, being so remote, rugged, and full of wide-open skies.

✍️ The Details: Dallas to Big Bend

Distance: ~580 miles from Dallas to Big Bend National Park
Drive Time: ~9 hours
Closest Airport: Midland (3.5 hrs from park)
Best Time to Visit: February–April & October–November
Don’t Miss: Santa Elena Canyon, Lost Mine Trail, Hot Springs

Related Posts

Travel Season, but make it local. That’s our motto for our 2025 Travel Season: Texas and the Southcentral. Follow along as we explore our own backyard here in Texas.