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.

The 21-mile stretch between Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village gradually descends nearly 2,000 feet from the Chihuahuan Desert basin down to the Rio Grande, past ancient limestone, wide-open desert, and big mountain views. You’ll pass through birding and wildlife hotspots, quiet desert oases, and end up near one of the park’s most iconic experiences: the Hot Springs.

This short, winding road offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in Big Bend National Park. It curves through mountain passes on the way to the park’s only lodge and some of its best hikes, leading you straight into the heart of the Chisos Mountains.

Big Bend’s Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is a rugged, remote route that gives you a front-row seat to Texas’s desert drama. If you're headed to Big Bend and want to see the best of it with limited time, this is the most popular drive to do!

We’re calling this one Desert Parks, a desert-meets-mountains road trip through West Texas and southern New Mexico that connects four underrated but unforgettable national parks: Guadalupe Mountains National Park (TX), White Sands National Park (NM), Carlsbad Caverns National Park (NM), and (bonus) Big Bend National Park (TX).

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, connecting Lake Louise in Banff National Park to Jasper in Jasper National Park. This is a drive meant for stopping often and taking in the scenery, whether you have a few hours or a few days to explore.

This is an incredible national parks road trip that connects Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks. These parks are some of the crown jewels of the National Park System and this route helps you experience all three in one unforgettable road trip!

Yellowstone is huge! And honestly, kind of confusing. Geysers over here, bison over there, five different entrances, one giant loop road, and zero cell service? If your brain’s already spinning, don’t worry. This is your no-nonsense Yellowstone cheat sheet with just the stuff you actually need to get started.

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is widely considered one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including the best stops, opening dates, drive times, and tips for making the most of your journey.

If you only do one scenic drive in Acadia National Park, make it Park Loop Road. Winding through Acadia’s most iconic landscapes, this 27-mile route is the best way to experience the park’s coastal cliffs, mountain views, and forested beauty.