Out the gate
The Area
Presidio is the front door to the least-crowded corner of Texas. Here's what we send guests to see, roughly in order of how often we're asked.
16840 FM 170 · Presidio, TX
East on FM 170
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Texas' largest state park — hundreds of thousands of acres of canyon, rim, and desert, with trailheads right off the River Road.
At the gate
River Road (FM 170)
One of the most scenic drives in the country, tracing the Rio Grande from Presidio toward Lajitas past the Big Hill overlook.
Just south
Ojinaga, Mexico
Cross the Presidio–Ojinaga international bridge for a plaza dinner, a market morning, and a change of scenery.
Northwest of town
Chinati Hot Springs
Soaking tubs fed by natural hot mineral springs in Ruidosa, at the end of a long and very worthwhile dirt road.
North on US 67
Marfa & Fort Davis
Minimalist art at the Chinati Foundation, the Marfa lights viewing area, and McDonald Observatory star parties.
Minutes east
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
A restored 1848 adobe trading post on the river, and a gateway station for Big Bend Ranch information and permits.
When to come
The desert year
Oct – Dec
The best hiking of the year. Highs in the 70s and 80s, cold clear nights, and the canyons all to yourself.
Jan – Mar
Peak snowbird season. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and the park at its fullest — book ahead.
Apr – Jun
Bluebonnets and cactus bloom early, then it heats up fast. Start hikes at first light.
Jul – Sep
Monsoon season. Hot days, dramatic storms over the Chinatis, and the greenest desert you'll ever see.
Crossing into Mexico
The Presidio–Ojinaga port of entry is about ten minutes from the park. Bring a valid passport or passport card for everyone in the vehicle, and leave the firearms and fresh produce behind. You can park on the U.S. side and walk across.