Your tour begins with the iconic Big Bend National Park Sign, welcoming you to a landscape of immense natural beauty. Next, you'll hear about how this landscape formed as you enter the vast desert expanse.

The Devil's Den Hike offers a challenging yet rewarding trek through rugged terrain for those who want to give it a try. Beyond that, you'll discover what makes the Chihuahuan Desert so special. You'll continue on to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit for a fascinating look into the ancient life that once roamed the area. Then revisit the age of the Spanish Presidios, raids under the Comanche Moon, and the embattled history of Big Bend. Sam Nail Ranch and Homer Wilson ranch introduce you to more history of the park, while Sotol Vista Overlook and Mule Ears Viewpoint boast panoramic views that are quintessential Big Bend.

Next, you'll swing by the Castolon Historic District for a glimpse at the frontier life, before continuing on to the main event: Santa Elena Canyon. Here, you can actually head down to the banks of the Rio Grande itself and hear the harrowing history of those who have braved its waters! Your tour concludes here.

Witness the breathtaking Chisos Mountains
Unravel the embattled history of Big Bend
Dig into the past at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Experience the towering cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon
Visit the historic town of Old Castolon

Important to know

Know in advance:

This is a self-guided tour; no guide will accompany you. The Action Tour Guide app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one
Please arrange for a vehicle before you take the tour. You only need to book one tour per vehicle, not per person
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions immediately to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Please don't wait until you are on-site
Works perfectly without cellular or Wi-Fi with offline maps
The audio stories play on their own based on your location. You can start anytime and pause anywhere
Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms
This tour is valid for one year - from the moment of booking. You can use it multiple times over multiple trips
This tour is an audio tour guide and not an attraction entrance ticket

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Audio-guided tour
Downloadable APP
Digital guidebook

Food and drinks
Entrance fees
Transportation

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Big Bend National Park Sign, Alpine, TX 79830, USA

Meeting point:

This is a self-guided experience and not an entrance ticket. It begins at the GPS-marked starting point at the Big Bend National Park Sign, Alpine, TX 79830, USA. Before you start your tour, make sure you download the Action Tour Guide app, enter your unique password, and download your tour. These steps require a good data/wifi connection. Instructions will be sent to your email. From there, simply follow the audio instructions and the route.