From Hill Country Wineries to Big Bend's Canyons
From Hill Country Wineries to Big Bend's Canyons
Dripping Springs, TX 78620El Paso, TX 79930
Trip overview
Journey from the rolling, wildflower-dotted hills of Texas wine country to the vast, rugged canyons of Big Bend National Park. This road trip showcases the state's incredible diversity, from charming German towns and refreshing swimming holes to the stark beauty and starry nights of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Dripping Springs
Hamilton Pool Preserve
A breathtaking natural swimming hole in a collapsed grotto, featuring a 50-foot waterfall cascading into a jade-green pool. Reservations are required well in advance, so plan ahead for this iconic Hill Country experience.
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Grape Creek Vineyards
Experience the 'Tuscany in Texas' at this prominent winery on the 290 Wine Trail. Enjoy a guided tasting of their 100% Texas-grown wines with beautiful views of the vineyard.
10587 E US Highway 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
The Old German Bakery and Restaurant
Savor authentic German cuisine in the heart of Fredericksburg. A local institution famous for its schnitzel, German pancakes, and traditional pastries that honor the town's heritage.
225 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites
Comfortable lodging located just off Main Street, featuring two pools and a hot tub set along Barons Creek, offering a relaxing base to explore the heart of the Hill Country.
201 S Washington St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Day 2 — Fredericksburg
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Hike to the summit of a massive pink granite dome for unparalleled 360-degree views of the Texas Hill Country. This ancient batholith is a place of legend and incredible natural beauty, especially at sunrise or sunset.
16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Caverns of Sonora
A stunning detour off I-10, this National Natural Landmark is considered one of the most beautiful show caves on the planet. Its intricate and delicate crystalline formations are breathtaking.
1711 Pvt Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950
Gage Hotel
Stay at a historic and beautifully restored railroad hotel from 1927. The Gage offers rustic elegance, a famous bar, and a tranquil courtyard, serving as the perfect gateway to Big Bend National Park.
102 NW 1st St, Marathon, TX 79842
12 Gage Restaurant
Located within the Gage Hotel, this acclaimed restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with a menu of sophisticated Texan and Southwestern cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.
102 NW 1st St, Marathon, TX 79842
Day 3 — Marathon
Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Just before entering the park, stop at this excellent open-air museum. It showcases the incredible fossils found in Big Bend, including giant pterosaurs and dinosaurs, providing context for the deep history of the land you're about to explore.
US-385, Marathon, TX 79842
Lost Mine Trail
A premier hike in the Chisos Mountains offering some of the best views in Texas. The trail switchbacks up to a ridge with breathtaking vistas of Juniper Canyon and the park's rugged peaks.
Basin Junction, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Chisos Mountains Lodge
The only lodging within Big Bend National Park, nestled in the scenic Chisos Basin at 5,400 feet elevation. Book far in advance to wake up surrounded by the park's iconic mountain peaks.
1 Basin Rural Station, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Starlight Theatre
An iconic dining and music venue in the Terlingua Ghost Town. Enjoy hearty Texas fare, live music, and local characters under the stars in this legendary, roofless ruin.
631 Ivey Rd, Terlingua, TX 79852
Day 4 — Big Bend National Park
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
A truly awe-inspiring hike that takes you into the mouth of a massive canyon with sheer, 1,500-foot limestone cliffs carved by the Rio Grande. Crossing Terlingua Creek and walking between the canyon walls is an unforgettable experience.
Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
This 30-mile paved road offers access to some of Big Bend's most famous landscapes and overlooks. Key stops include Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Viewpoint, and Tuff Canyon, culminating at Santa Elena Canyon.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Big Bend National Park, TX
Boquillas Hot Springs
Soak in the 105°F geothermal waters of this historic hot spring, situated in the ruins of an old bathhouse right on the banks of the Rio Grande. It's the perfect way to relax after a day of hiking.
Hot Springs Rd, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Day 5 — Presidio
River Road Scenic Drive (TX-170)
Drive one of the most scenic routes in the USA, following the Rio Grande from Terlingua to Presidio. The road twists and turns through dramatic volcanic landscapes and offers incredible views, especially at the 'Big Hill' overlook.
TX-170, Presidio, TX 79845
The Chinati Foundation
Explore this world-renowned contemporary art museum founded by artist Donald Judd. The large-scale installations are integrated with the architecture and the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert landscape.
1 Cavalry Row, Marfa, TX 79843
Marfa Lights Viewing Area
Visit the official viewing platform east of town at dusk and watch for the mysterious, unexplained ghost lights that dance on the horizon. It's a quintessential and quirky West Texas experience.
US-90, Marfa, TX 79843
Hotel Paisano
Stay in a historic hotel that once hosted Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean during the filming of 'Giant'. The Spanish Baroque architecture and charming courtyard offer a classic Marfa experience.
207 N Highland Ave, Marfa, TX 79843
Day 6 — Valentine
Prada Marfa
A permanent sculptural art installation resembling a Prada boutique, located in the middle of the desert. This iconic and surreal landmark is a must-see photo opportunity on the drive from Marfa to El Paso.
14880 US-90, Valentine, TX 79854
Franklin Mountains State Park
Hike or drive through the rugged Franklin Mountains, one of the largest urban parks in the nation. The Ron Coleman Trail offers challenging scrambles and fantastic views of El Paso and across the border into Mexico.
Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930
Chico's Tacos
End your trip with a legendary El Paso institution. Famous for its unique rolled tacos (flautas) served swimming in a savory tomato-based sauce and topped with a mountain of shredded cheese, it's a true local flavor experience.
3401 Dyer St, El Paso, TX 79930
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Texas Hill & Desert road trip covers about 1,043 mi and roughly 18h 18m of driving, comfortably spread across about 6 days.
This itinerary maps out 22 stops from Dripping Springs, TX 78620 to El Paso, TX 79930. Highlights include Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Santa Elena Canyon Trail, and River Road Scenic Drive (TX-170).
It begins in Dripping Springs, TX 78620 and ends in El Paso, TX 79930, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,572, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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