Big Bend Ranch State Park (BBRSP) offers 238 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as other activities, including star parties. A 4WD vehicle is needed for most of the interior of the park, with 70 miles of unmaintained dirt roads. You can purchase your park permits before your arrival or at the visitor centers (Barton Warnok or Fort Leaton). For a full list of activities and other information, please visit BBRSP's website.
Tip #1: Rent our Park Essentials Bundle for a seamless and unforgettable adventure to and from the park.
Tip #2: Review BBRSP's safety guidelines and park alerts.
Tip #3: Stop by the Sunoco Gas Station to fill up your tank and the Lajitas General Store to grab water, food, and other supplies.
Favorite Hikes
Both of the below hikes do not require 4WD access and are down the River Road, one of the most scenic drives in Texas.
Hoodoos and Balanced Rocks Trail
Easy | 1.1 mi round trip
Hoodoos are unique rock stacks and are known as "fairy towers" or "goblins." This easy trail provides beautiful overlooks of these formations and the Rio Grande.
Closed Canyon Trail
Moderate | 1.4 mi round trip
Journey into a 28 million year old narrow slot canyon that divides Colorado Mesa in two. This trail requires some maneuvering within a dried out, rocky river bed.
Favorite Tours
Drive the River Road (self-guided)
Experience on of the most beautiful drives in Texas by driving FM 170 between Lajitas and Presidio. This drive is also known as "Big Hill" and curves along the Rio Grande river with multiple lookouts and the two hiking trails noted above.
Zipline Tours
Enjoy a variety of guided zip line tours from mild to wild and fly above the desert landscape and massive canyons. Experience steep elevation changes from upper canyon to canyon floors for the wildest ride.
Golf at Blackjack's Crossing Golf Course
Tee off on the most beautiful course in Texas, crafted to challenge and delight players of all skill levels. Black Jack's Crossing was designed by Lanny Wadkins, winner of the 1977 PGA Championship and inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Horseback Rides
Journey up breathtaking vistas and overlook the Rio Grande. Lajitas Stables also offers Saddle & Paddle tours, where you can enjoy floating the Rio Grande after a a horseback ride.
Mountain Biking
Enjoy a guided tours at varying levels with Desert Sports, or take a self-guided ride on one of the many trails in Lajitas (Lajitas Trail System Map).
1-Day Itinerary
Morning | Breakfast & Preparation
In the morning, get a park pass at the Barton Warnock Visitors Center, and grab a fresh breakfast sandwich or burrito at the Lajitas General Store. We also recommend purchasing a box lunch, snacks, and drinks from here to munch on when exploring the state park.
Afternoon | Hike & Site See
Drive the famous "Big Hill" / "River Road" to hike Hoodoos and Balanced Rocks Trailhead (1.2 mi easy trail) and Closed Canyon Trailhead (1.4 mi moderate trail). Make sure to stop at one of the Big Hill overlooks to snap a photo. On your way back to Lajitas, check out the Contrabando Movie Set. There's also a restroom here!
Evening | Shop & Dine
Stop at Lajitas Golf Resort to explore some shops and western architecture. If you have time, take a ride on the zip line and stop by the historical Lajitas Cemetery and the pen of Clay Henry, the Mayor of Lajitas. Grab a drink at The Thirsty Goat and dinner at Candelilla Cafe.
