"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the things you did. So throw off the bowlines. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain, 1879
There is a place of miracles; a place where a great river actually runs through a desert; a place forged in fire, where ancient volcanoes surround a prehistoric sea; where the sun sets twice each day; a place where you will set aside civilization as you know it and come to know wilderness – and maybe yourself – better than you ever have before.
Explore more than one million acres of national and state parkland. Float in silence beneath towering canyon walls. Hike through 300 million years of history in one afternoon. See fossils that speak of another age and stone walls that speak the language of the ancients.
Ride an ATV over trails previously traveled only by horses, burros, and yes, camels. Journey in a jeep over a lava dome to the top of a mountain and marvel as the setting sun paints delicate pastel shades on mountains to the east before finally settling in the west, casting its fiery tendrils from behind one of Mexico’s grandest ranges. Come to Big Bend. Come share the miracles with us. If you have been to this great slice of Texas or you're considering a first trip, the Far Flung Outdoor Center is your outpost for outdoor education and adventure. Click on any of the listings to start your desert journey!
River Trips
Ever since the great river, Rio Bravo del Norte, was named by the Spaniards, the Rio Grande has been a source of awe and inspiration for early explorers and modern day travelers. Take a day or several days to explore the canyons of the Big Bend and marvel at the majesty of this geologic wonderland.
Off Road 4x4 Tours
Looking for a day or half-day journey into Big Bend's backcounty? A Jeep or ATV tour is perhaps the best way for visitors of all ages to experience the beauty of the Chihuahuan desert. Book a two-hour sunset tour or take the world famous "Desert by Dark" night vision Jeep tour operated by the Far Flung Outdoor Center.
Combo Tours
Want a little bit of everything? Take advantage of FFOC's combo tours with a half-day Jeep or ATV tour followed by a half-day river journey. Find out more about Combo Trips.
Horseback Riding
Re-live the Wild West on horseback with a professional wrangler. Visit the ruins of an old quicksilver mine or ride to the top of Big Bend's many spectacular mesas. Rides range from one hour to all day.
Equipment Rental and Shuttle Service
Want to go the "do-it-yourself" route? The Far Flung Outdoor Center has everything you need to make a successful and enjoyable river trip. From boats to bags; stoves to shuttles, FFOC offers a complete line of rental gear. Visit Rental Equipment.
Jeep Rentals
Take the family out for a day of backcountry driving with one of our modern Jeep Wranglers. A great way to see the Big Bend! Find out more about Jeep Rentals.
Overflights of Big Bend
Want to see Big Bend from the air? Check out Fly Big Bend for some really neat aerial views of this great slice of Texas!
Bird Watching
Because of it's geographical location, and the variety of the landscape, Big Bend offers excellent habitat for birds. Over 400 species are found within the boundaries of Big Bend National Park, more than any other national park and more than all but a few states. Big Bend marks the western limits of the ranges of many eastern species and the eastern most extent of many western species. Learn more about bird-watching in Big Bend.
National Park Tours/Seminars
Want to learn more about the natural and cultural history of Big Bend? Plan your schedule around one of the many tours offered by the Big Bend Natural History Association. Or enjoy a Round the Bend Jeep tour - perfect for the first time visitor!
Shopping
Big Bend is the home to many an accomplished artist and craftsmen. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping in the ghost-town of Terlingua or visit the shops in the Study Butte/Terlingua Junction area. Learn more about area artwork and shopping.
The Tourism Council for Brewster County (the largest county in Texas at 5000 square miles!) has assembled an excellent visitor resource site. Check it out for all things Big Bend.