Big Bend & Guadalupe Mountains

In October 2025, I went to Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. They were my 23rd and 24th parks. I was supposed to hit up Carlsbad Caverns as well but unfortunately due to the government shutdown the park was closed so I had to adjust my plans a little. Going to national parks during a government shutdown is interesting because no one is manning the checkpoints. Many visitor centers are closed if not all of them. Also, majority of the staff is gone which is a little nerve wracking because you don’t get updates about wildlife, trail closures, and or general safety tips. Unfortunately during this time will also deface the park and cause damages. Always leave no trace and take only pictures. This land is precious and gift from God. Respect His creation. The first 3 days of my trip I stayed at Carlsbad KOA Holiday and camped. It was $47 nightly. They have shower facilities, laundry room, and game room.

Day 1 I went a little off roading to hike the Guadalupe Salt Basin Dunes. The road to the trail is an old gravel road but at least its two lanes. The trail is 3.3 miles but it’s not hard. It is a hot trail with no shade so bring sunscreen. The trail is mostly sand so be prepared to empty out your shoes when you get back to your car. Also I would do this trail in the morning before it gets too hot cause that sun will beat down on you hard.

After leaving the sand dunes, I hit up Devil’s Hall Trail. It is 4.4 miles round trip. The parking lot here for this trail fills up fast because multiple trails leave from this lot. This is also the parking for the Guadalupe Peak trail so it gets packed. This trail takes you through cool rock formations, Pine Springs Canyon, and up a natural rock staircase before getting to Devil’s Hall. I recommend bringing plenty of water and sunscreen. Don’t underestimate that desert heat.

Day 2 I planned to hike Guadalupe Peak, the tallest peak in Texas. I was super pumped and excited. Bring on the sore feet and shaky legs. Guadalupe Peak is 8.4 miles round trip with a 2,930 feet elevation gain. So it’s definitely a spicy trail. At the top the views are incredible and so gorgeous. One of the great things about hiking is enjoying a snack at the top of a summit. Nothing hits better than a sandwich with a view. That stuff slaps every time. Screw Michelin star restaurants. Give me a gorgeous view that I worked for and a sandwich, and I’m a happy girl.

Day 3 I drove to Big Bend National Park. It’s a 4 hour and 45 minute drive so I recommend an early start. I hiked the Boquillas Canyon Trail after arriving there. This trail right next to the Mexico border so border patrol is close by. The trail is 1.4 miles round trip. The trail takes you over steps and you see the Rio Grande because descending into the canyon floor. This place was so peaceful and beautiful. I ended up bumping into another hiker. We talked on the trail and he asked to hike with me on another trail. I said yes. Now before y’all jump down my throat and call me crazy. He was a nice guy and my gut told me he wasn’t an axe murderer. Clearly he wasn’t or else I wouldn’t be writing this blog post. Also, this is the first time I had ever given a man the option to hike a trail after just meeting.

We left the trail in separate vehicles and headed towards Santa Elena Canyon. Poor guy had to keep up with my lead foot driving skills. I almost lost him a couple times. We hiked Santa Elena Canyon Trail together. This trail is 1.7 miles round trip. Once you get to the end of the trail. You can take a dip in the Rio Grande. Of course I couldn’t resist so he and I took our shoes off and walked into the water. It gets up above knee level. Also if you do get in the water I would recommend water proof sandals because the river floor is pretty rocky with broken twigs. It was very refreshing after sweating in the desert heat. There is a section where you can kayak. Also I want to say you have the option to rent a kayak when you get to Santa Elena Canyon if you don’t want to hike it. On the way back to our cars, we talked about our faith and our families. One of my favorite things about solo travel is meeting new people and talking about my faith journey and building connections with people. On the way to my new accommodation, I took photos at a couple of scenic viewpoints in Big Bend.

I stayed in Terlingua and glamped at Ocotillos Village for 2 nights. The glamping sit has A-frame structures with a mattress inside and A/C. The top of the A-frame is plexiglass so you can see the stars at night. There is an outhouse with toilets and showers as well. You do need to bring your own bedding for the mattress because they don’t provide it. It was $330 for 2 nights which is on the cheaper side for glamping in Terlingua. Most places are over $200 in the area. They do have camp sites as well if you want a cheaper option as well. Ocotillos Village is a little over an hour from Big Bend National Park. I loved staying there because the sunset, sunrise, and nighttime views were incredible. Big Bend National Park is international dark sky territory which makes it one of the best places to stargaze due to lack of light pollution.

Day 4 I hiked the Lost Mine Trail. This trail had gorgeous panoramic views and lots of rock formations. It is 4.8 miles round trip with 1,100 feet elevation gain. It takes you through Juniper Canyon and Chisos basin. At the end you get incredible views of Pine Canyon and Sierra del Carmen in Mexico.

Day 5 I snuck in another trail before driving part of the way back to Tennessee. I hiked the Window Trail which is 5.6 miles round trip with a 971 feet elevation change. Towards the last 0.25 mile of the trail you’ll descend into the canyon. Follow the stone steps in the canyon because there multiple sections of standing water with wasps and hornets flying in. Fun fact I’m terrified of this insects. I’ve had one too many wasp stings as a kid, and I absolutely hate them. I’m not allergic to them thank God, but I am wary of them. So I definitely speeded through that last section like Jack Sparrow running away. At the end of the trail you get a cool window view of the Chihuahuan Desert.