Stop at the Boquillas Canyon Overlook in Big Bend National Park for a view of the largest canyon in the park as well as a small Mexican town.
Overview
Three major canyons are the reason Big Bend became one of the country’s National Parks. The largest of those is Boquillas Canyon near the easternmost point in the park. Santa Elena Canyon and Mariscol Canyon are the other two canyons.
There is a short trail (1.5 miles round trip) that goes through the mouth of Boquillas Canyon for those who want to walk it.
Otherwise, make a stop at the Boquillas Canyon Overlook area to get a glimpse into the mouth of the canyon between the towering canyon walls.
This is a great place to look across the Rio Grande into the small village of Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico. It’s a town of residential homes and small businesses just over the Mexican side of the river that can be accessed when the Port of Entry is open.
Your view of the river will vary based on the river level at the time. If you are there in the summer months, during the rainy season, the river will likely be more full and flowing.
Boquillas Canyon Overlook Plan
Our original plan was to find out about crossing at the Port of Entry into Boquillas del Carmen in Mexico. Unfortunately, we didn’t plan well and the port was closed the last day we were in Big Bend.
The Boquillas Canyon Overlook was our last stop on our last day in the park. We were trying to decide if we wanted to do one more hike and go into the canyon.
After getting to the overlook, we all decided we had had enough for the day. We woke at 4AM to do some stargazing in the park and were exhausted even though it was only lunchtime.
But since we were already so close to the area after finishing the Hot Springs Historic Trail, we wanted to at least check out the overlook.
Getting There
Location
Big Bend National Park is known for its isolation from the rest of the parks and from most of Texas. The park is in Southwest Texas, a few hours drive from the closest airports. Big Bend shares its border with Mexico along the Rio Grande River for just over 100 miles.
Because of its location, you will have to drive into the park whether you make a road trip to the park like we did or fly and rent a car.
The closest airports are Odessa/Midland followed by El Paso then San Antonio. No matter which you fly into, though, you are looking at a few hours drive after landing.
Best Time to Go
Big Bend National Park is in the Chihuahuan Desert and experiences the extreme temperatures most people associate with the desert. The best time to go is in spring or fall, usually February to March or September to November.
In the summer months, the temperatures soar to over 100 degrees making Big Bend a dangerous place to hike.
Boquillas Canyon Overlook
Who Can Go?
Since this is just an overlook with a paved parking lot, it’s manageable for anyone to get to and enjoy. There are drop-offs, though, at the edge as you look down on the Rio Grande River so keep an eye on little kids.
What You'll See
Boquillas Canyon Overlook is just that, an overlook. There aren’t any trailheads from the overlook parking area.
In the middle of a hot day in Big Bend, sometimes it’s nice to have a few stops in mind that are overlooks or pull-offs. They can be done quickly without much stress to your body while still getting those views the park is known for.
From the overlook, you can see the canyon walls, the Rio Grande River, the town of Boquillas del Carmen, and the Sierra del Carmen Mountains beyond. Behind you, on a clear day, you may also be able to see the Chisos Mountains.
What to Bring & Wear
Since this is an overlook, there isn’t much you need to bring or anything in particular you need to wear. Bring your camera to take some photos of the small town of Boquillas del Carmen and the bend in the Rio Grande River.
Where to Go
Near the Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is Boquillas Canyon Road. Take that almost to the end where you’ll see a turnoff on your right-hand side for the overlook. Follow that until you are in the looped parking lot at the end of the road. The Boquillas Overlook is about 21 miles from Panther Junction.
Boquillas Canyon Overlook is about as far away from the park entrances as you can get on the main road. Make this a short stop on your way to the last hike on the eastern side of the park at the entrance of Boquillas Canyon.
How Long Does it Take?
We spent about 10 minutes at the overlook taking in the sight of the town and the river.
Cost
There isn’t a cost specifically for the overlook, but you’ll have to pay the entrance fee for Big Bend National Park.
For a passenger vehicle to enter the park, the fee is $30 per vehicle. The pass is valid for 7 days from the date of purchase. If you are on a motorcycle, you will pay $25 to enter the park, and pedestrians either walking or on a bicycle pay $15 per person.
The Big Bend Annual Pass is available for $55 and is good for one year from the date of purchase. If you will be making a trip to Big Bend multiple times in a year, outside of the one week your standard pass would be valid for, this will save you money.
Lastly, if you are visiting multiple places within the National Park System, it may be best to purchase one of their annual passes.
Tips for Boquillas Canyon Overlook
- The turn for the overlook will be just past the Port of Entry
- You may see Mexican trinkets for sale, the National Park System has advised against purchasing any of these throughout the park as they are being sold illegally
- There are no restrooms at the overlook, the closest are at the trailhead for the Boquillas Canyon Trail