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Big Bend National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour

25 Reviews 4.76 out of 5 stars Based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 96% of reviewers
96% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Texas, USA
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from $15.99 per group (up to 15)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Big Bend National Park
Fossil Discovery
Santa Elena Canyon
Road with Mule Ears
Rio Grande River
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
8 to 9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

"Explore Big Bend National Park at your own pace on a self-guided GPS audio driving tour through the Chihuahuan Desert, Chisos Mountains, and Rio Grande. Follow turn-by-turn directions to dramatic viewpoints, scenic drives, historic sites, canyon trails, and iconic stops including Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Santa Elena Canyon, Chisos Basin, and the Rio Grande.

Shaka Guide tours are created by real people who know and experience the destinations they guide, bringing Big Bend to life through engaging stories, history, and local insight. Choose the stops and hikes that interest you, skip others, and spend as much time as you like exploring.

One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle. Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before you go; once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive."

What's Included

  • Offline map and audio after download
  • Flexible itinerary with optional stops, viewpoints, and hikes
  • Stories, history, geology, wildlife, and local recommendations
  • Meals and Refreshments
  • Transportation or rental vehicle
  • Personal Expenses
See 4 moreSee 5 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Sam Nail Ranch

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sotol Vista

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mule Ears Viewpoint

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Tuff Canyon Overlook

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Castolon

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. The visitor center has seasonal operations.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

This easily accessible viewpoint offers a stunning view of Santa Elena Canyon's mouth.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead

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.Reaching the trail may require crossing Terlingua Creek, and conditions can vary with water/mud.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Dorgan Sublett Trail

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.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Homer Wilson Ranch

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chisos Basin

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.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Panther Junction Visitor Center

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.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Fossil Discovery Exhibit

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.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Dugout Wells

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.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead-Hot Springs

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.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Rio Grande Overlook

This overlook stands above the Rio Grande Village area, with the greenery surrounding the river in plain sight.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Rio Grande Village Visitor Center

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.Visitor Center has seasonal operations.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Rio Grande Village Nature Trail

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.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Boquillas Crossing

Optional Stop: 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. Bring your passport!Travelers need valid travel documentation and pay any crossing/transportation fees independently.
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Boquillas Canyon Overlook

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Boquillas Canyon Trail

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.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 19 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The itinerary is flexible. Stops and hikes are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, spend longer at places that interest you, or split the tour across multiple days. Shaka’s internal tour design specifically supports a highly customizable route through the park.
  • Big Bend National Park charges a separate entrance fee. Park admission is paid directly to the National Park Service and is not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
  • Visiting Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico, is optional. Travelers who choose to cross must bring the required valid travel documentation and pay any applicable crossing, transportation, or protected-area fees separately. Port operating days and hours can change, so check current conditions before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Big Bend National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-102020P79

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.76
25 reviews

Average 4.76 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
22
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Big Bend National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Offline map and audio after download.
  • Flexible itinerary with optional stops, viewpoints, and hikes.
  • Stories, history, geology, wildlife, and local recommendations.
  • Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive.
  • Tour access does not expire.
  • One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle.
  • Self-guided GPS audio driving tour of Big Bend National Park.
The following is NOT included:
  • Meals and Refreshments.
  • Transportation or rental vehicle.
  • Personal Expenses.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Big Bend National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Big Bend National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Offline map and audio after download
  • Flexible itinerary with optional stops, viewpoints, and hikes
  • Stories, history, geology, wildlife, and local recommendations
  • Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive
  • Tour access does not expire
  • One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle
  • Self-guided GPS audio driving tour of Big Bend National Park
  • Meals and Refreshments
  • Transportation or rental vehicle
  • Personal Expenses

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
  • Begin the tour from one of the designated starting points shown in the Shaka Guide app. GPS-guided directions will take over once you reach the tour route.
  • Download the Shaka Guide app after booking and use the redemption code provided in your confirmation to access your tour.
  • Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before entering the park. Cell service is very limited throughout Big Bend; once the tour is downloaded, the audio and map work offline.
  • The itinerary is flexible. Stops and hikes are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, spend longer at places that interest you, or split the tour across multiple days. Shaka’s internal tour design specifically supports a highly customizable route through the park.
  • Big Bend National Park charges a separate entrance fee. Park admission is paid directly to the National Park Service and is not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
  • Visiting Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico, is optional. Travelers who choose to cross must bring the required valid travel documentation and pay any applicable crossing, transportation, or protected-area fees separately. Port operating days and hours can change, so check current conditions before visiting.
  • Hiking is optional, and trail conditions can change. At Santa Elena Canyon Trail, access requires crossing Terlingua Creek, which may be dry, muddy, or flowing depending on recent conditions. Follow posted NPS guidance and do not cross when conditions are unsafe.
  • Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some trails and outdoor stops may not be wheelchair or stroller accessible.
  • Bring a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended for a full day of exploring.

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