Big Bend National Park Self Guided Audio Tour Guide
Overview
Welcome to Big Bend National Park! As your audio tour guide, let me paint a picture of this breathtaking landscape. Imagine rugged canyons, towering cliffs, and the winding Rio Grande River.
Listen closely to the calls of diverse wildlife echoing through the desert. Hike the trails, marvel at the stunning vistas, and soak in the serenity of this remote wilderness.
From stunning sunsets to star-filled skies, every moment here is a masterpiece of nature. So, sit back, relax, and let's embark on an unforgettable adventure through Big Bend National Park.
*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Take the tour when you want
- Tours NEVER expire
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive using GPS
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
- Tour Start is Customizable
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
✗ Not Included
- Parking Fees
- Entrance Fees
- Meals and Refreshments
- Boquillas Crossing Fee
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
In 1916, Sam Nail built a two-room house here, and together with his wife Nena, raised livestock, planted pecan, walnut, and fig trees, and raised a family. The trail from the road is really easy, about a half-mile round trip, and it takes you to what’s left of these orchards, and of the house.
2
Stop 2
This incredible view just off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive takes in a 360-degree view of much of the western half of the park, including Santa Elena Canyon out in the distance.
3
Stop 3
A parking lot provides an easy view of the unusual Mul Ears mountain, a volanic rock formation that looks like a pair of mule ears.
4
Stop 4
Three overlooks offer a glimpse into this small canyon. A trail from the southern parking lot descends into the canyon. The hike is less than a mile round trip and takes about an hour. At the time of writing, this stop was temporarily indefinitely after some rock slides.
5
Stop 5
Explore the remnants of this early 20th-century community near the U.S./Mexico border. Buildings like the Alvino House and La Harmonia store interpret what life was like for the multicultural community that lived here 100 years ago. While you're here, check out the visitor center to learn more about the area, and stock up on snacks and supplies at the store.
6
Stop 6
This easily accessible viewpoint offers a stunning view of Santa Elena Canyon's mouth.
7
Stop 7
Enjoy the mouth of the imposing Santa Elena Canyon, with walls 1500 feet high, just a few dozen steps away from the parking lot. There is a trail into the canyon, but reaching the trailhead requires a water crossing that may not be advisable in high water or heavy mud. If you do reach the trail on the other side, it's a 1.6-mile round trip and considered easy, aside from a couple of places with steps.
8
Stop 8
This easy, 1-mile round trip hike takes you to the remnants of two pioneer homes belonging to the Dorgan and Sublett families. The Dorgan family's adobe house provides an interesting playground for photographers, with a stunning background vista of rock formations and the Chisos Mountains.
9
Stop 9
A pulloff along the scenic drive provides access to a small observation deck to see the old Homer Wilson Ranch, what's left of a rancher's home from the early to mid-20th century. You can see the house from the observation deck, or take a 1-mile round trip hike to the house. The trail takes about 30 minutes and is considered easy, though it crosses two drainages that may flood.
10
Stop 10
You could easily spend the day up in Chisos Basin, where the higher altitude means consistently cooler temperatures than the rest of the park. Start at the visitor center for a trail map, or the store to gear up on snacks and supplies. Grab a meal at the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Or take any of the several hiking trails. Everyone ought to take the 0.3-mile Window View Trail, a paved walkway that leads to a view of "The Window" in the Chisos Mountains. The 5-mile round trip, moderately difficult Lost Mine Trail is also popular.
11
Stop 11
This is the primary visitor center in the park. Watch the park video, browse the gift shop, or check out the displays on the area's geography and ecosystems. You can also stroll through a garden of local plant life outside near the parking lot.
12
Stop 12
This unique outdoor museum showcases the diverse fossil collection that has been discovered in Big Bend. Browse the real and replicated fossils that span over 65 million years of history.
13
Stop 13
This oasis was once home to a school for the area's children. Today, you can take the half-mile Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail loop that explores the oasis as well as the surrounding desert plant life. It's a bumpy dirt road off the park road to reach Dugout Wells.
14
Stop 14
Along the Rio Grande is what remains of a hot springs resort from the early 20th century. The hot springs are still there, along with the foundations of the bathhouse, accessible about a half mile down the trail. There are also some buildings left from the community, creating a small historic district. Additionally, along the trail is a spot with some old pictographs. The historic district, and trailhead, are accessible down a two-mile gravel road.
15
Stop 15
This overlook stands above the Rio Grande Village area, with the greenery surrounding the river in plain sight.
16
Stop 16
Learn about the Rio Grande at this visitor center just a quarter mile from the campground. You can also get information about the Boquillas Crossing and the area's trails from a park ranger.
17
Stop 17
Located in the back of the Rio Grande Village campground, this 0.75-mile nature trail starts with a series of boardwalks through wetlands and then leads to the Rio Grande itself. This is an easy trail and a good one for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
18
Stop 18
This official port of entry allows you to legally cross the Rio Grande and enter Mexico to visit the remote town of Boquillas del Carmen. There, you can experience a small sample of Mexican culture, eat a meal, and do a little souvenir shopping. Make sure to bring your passport!
19
Stop 19
Get a sneak preview of the Boquillas Canyon from this overlook that stands right over the Rio Grande. You can also look into Mexico and catch a glimpse of the town of Boquillas del Carmen.
20
Stop 20
Hike into Boquillas Canyon, with walls over 1300 feet tall, and stand on the border between the United States and Mexico. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail is easy, save for the small hill at the very beginning. The trail leads into the canyon, with the Rio Grande in the middle, the United States on one side, and Mexico on the other.
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Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
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Special Instructions
HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:
Thank you for purchasing the Big Bend Tour.
Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:
*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).
1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)
2. Open the app and sign in/create your account
3. Go to Support → Retrieve Purchases
4. Tap on Redeem Purchases
5. Enter your Redeem Code (10-digit booking reference number on your ticket located under the barcode)
6. Tap on Redeem Purchases
7. Download your tour(s)
Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.
For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.
Should you need further assistance or have other questions, email us at aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138
DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download
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