How long is the Big Bend & West Texas Loop from El Paso route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from El Paso, Texas to El Paso, Texas in West Texas, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is October to April.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Classic road trip, Scenic, Nature, Adventure, Culture.

Big Bend & West Texas Loop from El Paso

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The route · 7 stops

1
El Paso
1 night
The loop's air gateway, where the Franklin Mountains split the city and the Rio Grande marks the border with Mexico. Collect the car, ride the Wyler Aerial Tramway or drive Scenic Drive for the valley view, then stock up before the long desert miles south. A practical first night to shake off travel.
The loop's air gateway, where the Franklin Mountains split the city and the Rio Grande marks the border with Mexico. Collect the car, ride the Wyler Aerial Tramway or drive Scenic Drive for the valley view, then stock up before the long desert miles south. A practical first night to shake off travel.
El Paso is your cheapest, best-stocked fuel and grocery stop. Fill up and load a cool box here before heading into the Big Bend.
2
Fort Davis
2 nights5h 2m · 362 km from previous
The highest town in Texas at around 5,000 ft, set in the cool, oak-dotted Davis Mountains. Tour Fort Davis National Historic Site, drive the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop, and time an evening at McDonald Observatory for one of its Star Parties under some of the darkest skies in the country.
The highest town in Texas at around 5,000 ft, set in the cool, oak-dotted Davis Mountains. Tour Fort Davis National Historic Site, drive the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop, and time an evening at McDonald Observatory for one of its Star Parties under some of the darkest skies in the country.
McDonald Observatory Star Parties run Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and sell out at peak times. Book ahead and bring warm layers.
3
Marfa
2 nights36m · 43 km from previous
A tiny high-desert town turned minimalist art capital. See Donald Judd's installations at the Chinati Foundation (book ahead), photograph Prada Marfa out on US-90, and watch for the unexplained Marfa Lights after dark. Galleries, good coffee and design hotels make it the trip's cultural heart.
A tiny high-desert town turned minimalist art capital. See Donald Judd's installations at the Chinati Foundation (book ahead), photograph Prada Marfa out on US-90, and watch for the unexplained Marfa Lights after dark. Galleries, good coffee and design hotels make it the trip's cultural heart.
Chinati Foundation tours need advance reservations and many shops open only Thursday to Sunday. Check days and times before you go.
4
Big Bend National Park
3 nights2h 26m · 175 km from previous
The wild climax of the loop, where desert, mountains and the Rio Grande meet. Hike the Chisos Basin to the Window, drive Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon, and soak in the riverside hot springs. Base in Terlingua or the Chisos Basin and allow three nights for hikes, drives and stargazing.
The wild climax of the loop, where desert, mountains and the Rio Grande meet. Hike the Chisos Basin to the Window, drive Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon, and soak in the riverside hot springs. Base in Terlingua or the Chisos Basin and allow three nights for hikes, drives and stargazing.
Fuel, food and phone signal are scarce inside the park. Top up in Study Butte or Terlingua, carry plenty of water, and start hikes early.
5
Marathon
1 night1h 53m · 136 km from previous
A one-street ranching town on the high grasslands and the quiet eastern gateway to Big Bend via Persimmon Gap. The historic Gage Hotel anchors it, with a good restaurant and dark skies overhead. An easy, characterful overnight as you turn back north toward the interstate.
A one-street ranching town on the high grasslands and the quiet eastern gateway to Big Bend via Persimmon Gap. The historic Gage Hotel anchors it, with a good restaurant and dark skies overhead. An easy, characterful overnight as you turn back north toward the interstate.
The Gage Hotel and its restaurant book up at weekends. Reserve a room and dinner table well ahead, especially in spring and autumn.
6
Van Horn
1 night3h 13m · 231 km from previous
The I-10 crossroads where the loop rejoins the interstate, about an hour from Guadalupe Mountains National Park and its 8,751-ft peak. Stay at the restored 1930 Hotel El Capitan and break the long drive back toward El Paso. A simple, historic stop with big desert sunsets.
The I-10 crossroads where the loop rejoins the interstate, about an hour from Guadalupe Mountains National Park and its 8,751-ft peak. Stay at the restored 1930 Hotel El Capitan and break the long drive back toward El Paso. A simple, historic stop with big desert sunsets.
Van Horn has limited dining; the Hotel El Capitan is the safe bet for dinner. Fuel here before the final run to El Paso.
7
El Paso
3h 11m · 229 km from previous
Close the loop back in El Paso. The run up I-10 from Van Horn returns you to the airport and the city where you started. Drop the car, or add a final night for Mexican food in the historic district before flying out.
Close the loop back in El Paso. The run up I-10 from Van Horn returns you to the airport and the city where you started. Drop the car, or add a final night for Mexican food in the historic district before flying out.
Time the final leg to reach El Paso airport with hours to spare; afternoon border and interstate traffic can slow the approach.

Big Bend & West Texas Loop from El Paso

The route · 7 stops

El Paso

Fort Davis

Marfa

Big Bend National Park

Marathon

Van Horn

El Paso

Route highlights

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Big Bend & West Texas Loop from El Paso

The route · 7 stops

El Paso

Fort Davis

Marfa

Big Bend National Park

Marathon

Van Horn

El Paso

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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