Nobody likes an unnecessary trip to the gas station. That’s why we created this fuel-efficient road trip to two national parks in the West Texas desert! Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains are magical places you can go on one tank of gas in Texas. You can enjoy an unforgettable vacation without breaking the bank, and the whole family is sure to have a blast.
Visit Google Maps for the trip itinerary.
Google Maps
- Big Bend National Park
David Hensley / Moment via Getty Images Way out in the West Texas desert, Big Bend National Park is a magical place with some of the darkest night skies on earth. It’s one of the least-visited national parks in the country, and while we can’t fathom why, we certainly aren’t mad about the lack of crowds.
This vast, rugged landscape is best explored by hiking, and there are over 150 miles of trails to embark on.
Photography by Deb Snelson / Moment via Getty Images From the challenging Emory Peak Trail that gains over 2,500 feet of elevation to the easy (and accessible) Window View Trail leading to one of the park’s most iconic vistas, there’s a hike for everyone here.
If you prefer enjoying the sights from the comfort of your own vehicle, you’ll be pleased to learn that more than 100 miles of paved roads wind through the park.
ggoodwin / 500px Prime via Getty Images The most famous among them is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, a 30-mile route that features a variety of scenic overlooks and historic sites.
NPS Photo / M. Schuler
Big Bend is also a camper’s paradise, with four developed campgrounds to choose from.
Julius Reque / Moment via Getty Images With the extra time afforded by staying overnight, you can set off on a multi-day backpacking adventure or rafting trip on the mighty Rio Grande. Plus, you’ll get to see the famous West Texas dark skies in all their shimmering glory.
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Gary L. Button, Architect / Moment via Getty Images About 3.5 hours away is Guadalupe Mountains National Park, even lesser-known than Big Bend.
This hidden gem is home to nine out of 10 of Texas’ tallest mountains, the highest being Guadalupe Peak.
Daniel A. Leifheit / Moment via Getty Images If you’re up for the challenge, the 8.5-mile hike to the “top of Texas” is one of the most rewarding trails you’ll ever conquer.
You’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the wide open terrain from the summit, reveling in your efforts before hiking back down.
Jacob Bryant / EyeEm via Getty Images If you aren’t an avid hiker or simply don’t feel up to such an arduous trek, there are plenty of easy hikes that offer equally breathtaking scenery.
While you’re here, be sure to check out the Salt Basin Dunes!
Daniel A. Leifheit / Moment via Getty Images These mystical white gypsum sand dunes, formed by wind erosion of nearby salt flats, rise up to 100 feet from the desert floor. Scrambling up the dunes is so much fun!
Would you take this fuel-efficient road trip? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more places you can go on one tank of gas in Texas.
Google Maps
David Hensley / Moment via Getty Images
Way out in the West Texas desert, Big Bend National Park is a magical place with some of the darkest night skies on earth. It’s one of the least-visited national parks in the country, and while we can’t fathom why, we certainly aren’t mad about the lack of crowds.
Photography by Deb Snelson / Moment via Getty Images
From the challenging Emory Peak Trail that gains over 2,500 feet of elevation to the easy (and accessible) Window View Trail leading to one of the park’s most iconic vistas, there’s a hike for everyone here.
ggoodwin / 500px Prime via Getty Images
The most famous among them is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, a 30-mile route that features a variety of scenic overlooks and historic sites.
NPS Photo / M. Schuler
Julius Reque / Moment via Getty Images
With the extra time afforded by staying overnight, you can set off on a multi-day backpacking adventure or rafting trip on the mighty Rio Grande. Plus, you’ll get to see the famous West Texas dark skies in all their shimmering glory.
Gary L. Button, Architect / Moment via Getty Images
About 3.5 hours away is Guadalupe Mountains National Park, even lesser-known than Big Bend.
Daniel A. Leifheit / Moment via Getty Images
If you’re up for the challenge, the 8.5-mile hike to the “top of Texas” is one of the most rewarding trails you’ll ever conquer.
Jacob Bryant / EyeEm via Getty Images
If you aren’t an avid hiker or simply don’t feel up to such an arduous trek, there are plenty of easy hikes that offer equally breathtaking scenery.
These mystical white gypsum sand dunes, formed by wind erosion of nearby salt flats, rise up to 100 feet from the desert floor. Scrambling up the dunes is so much fun!
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