Big Bend National Park Self Guided Audio Tour Guide

Shaka Guide Apps
4.9
Select Option:
Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.
Dianne_K
283 days ago
We enjoyed two days listening to the audio at Big Bend! The information, stories and music were AWESOME!

Welcome to Big Bend National Park! As your audio tour guide, let me paint a picture of this breathtaking landscape. Imagine rugged canyons, towering cliffs, and the winding Rio Grande River. Listen closely to the calls of diverse wildlife echoing through the desert. Hike the trails, marvel at the stunning vistas, and soak in the serenity of this remote wilderness. From stunning sunsets to star-filled skies, every moment here is a masterpiece of nature. So, sit back, relax, and let's embark on an unforgettable adventure through Big Bend National Park. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Departure Point

  • Terlingua, TX, near Gallery Chisos on Route 118, outside Maverick Junction entrance gate.
Return Details
  • Terlingua, TX, near Gallery Chisos on Route 118, outside Maverick Junction entrance gate.
Duration8 hours - 9 hoursLanguages Available
  • Audio guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: Sam Nail RanchRoss Maxwell Road, TexasIn 1916, Sam Nail built a two-room house here, and together with his wife Nena, raised livestock, planted pecan, walnut, and fig trees, and raised a family. The trail from the road is really easy, about a half-mile round trip, and it takes you to what’s left of these orchards, and of the house.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Sotol VistaThis incredible view just off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive takes in a 360-degree view of much of the western half of the park, including Santa Elena Canyon out in the distance.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Mule Ears ViewpointBig Bend National Park, TX 79834A parking lot provides an easy view of the unusual Mul Ears mountain, a volanic rock formation that looks like a pair of mule ears.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Tuff Canyon OverlookBig Bend National Park, TX 79834Three overlooks offer a glimpse into this small canyon. A trail from the southern parking lot descends into the canyon. The hike is less than a mile round trip and takes about an hour. At the time of writing, this stop was temporarily indefinitely after some rock slides.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Santa Elena Canyon OverlookTerlingua, TX 79852Explore the remnants of this early 20th-century community near the U.S./Mexico border. Buildings like the Alvino House and La Harmonia store interpret what life was like for the multicultural community that lived here 100 years ago. While you're here, check out the visitor center to learn more about the area, and stock up on snacks and supplies at the store.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Santa Elena Canyon TrailheadTerlingua, TX 79852This easily accessible viewpoint offers a stunning view of Santa Elena Canyon's mouth.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Dorgan Sublett TrailBig Bend National Park, Terlingua, TexasEnjoy the mouth of the imposing Santa Elena Canyon, with walls 1500 feet high, just a few dozen steps away from the parking lot. There is a trail into the canyon, but reaching the trailhead requires a water crossing that may not be advisable in high water or heavy mud. If you do reach the trail on the other side, it's a 1.6-mile round trip and considered easy, aside from a couple of places with steps.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Homer Wilson RanchThis easy, 1-mile round trip hike takes you to the remnants of two pioneer homes belonging to the Dorgan and Sublett families. The Dorgan family's adobe house provides an interesting playground for photographers, with a stunning background vista of rock formations and the Chisos Mountains.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Panther Junction Visitor CenterPanther Junction, TexasA pulloff along the scenic drive provides access to a small observation deck to see the old Homer Wilson Ranch, what's left of a rancher's home from the early to mid-20th century. You can see the house from the observation deck, or take a 1-mile round trip hike to the house. The trail takes about 30 minutes and is considered easy, though it crosses two drainages that may flood.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Fossil Discovery ExhibitFossil Bone Exhibit, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834You could easily spend the day up in Chisos Basin, where the higher altitude means consistently cooler temperatures than the rest of the park. Start at the visitor center for a trail map, or the store to gear up on snacks and supplies. Grab a meal at the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Or take any of the several hiking trails. Everyone ought to take the 0.3-mile Window View Trail, a paved walkway that leads to a view of "The Window" in the Chisos Mountains. The 5-mile round trip, moderately difficult Lost Mine Trail is also popular.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Dugout WellsBig Bend National Park, TX 79834This is the primary visitor center in the park. Watch the park video, browse the gift shop, or check out the displays on the area's geography and ecosystems. You can also stroll through a garden of local plant life outside near the parking lot.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead-Hot SpringsBig Bend National Park, TX 79834This unique outdoor museum showcases the diverse fossil collection that has been discovered in Big Bend. Browse the real and replicated fossils that span over 65 million years of history.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Rio Grande OverlookBig Bend National Park, TX 79834This oasis was once home to a school for the area's children. Today, you can take the half-mile Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail loop that explores the oasis as well as the surrounding desert plant life. It's a bumpy dirt road off the park road to reach Dugout Wells.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Rio Grande Village Visitor Center450 Rio Grande Road, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834Along the Rio Grande is what remains of a hot springs resort from the early 20th century. The hot springs are still there, along with the foundations of the bathhouse, accessible about a half mile down the trail. There are also some buildings left from the community, creating a small historic district. Additionally, along the trail is a spot with some old pictographs. The historic district, and trailhead, are accessible down a two-mile gravel road.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, , TexasThis overlook stands above the Rio Grande Village area, with the greenery surrounding the river in plain sight.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Boquillas Canyon OverlookCanyon Overlook, Alpine, TX 79830Learn about the Rio Grande at this visitor center just a quarter mile from the campground. You can also get information about the Boquillas Crossing and the area's trails from a park ranger.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Boquillas Canyon, , TexasLocated in the back of the Rio Grande Village campground, this 0.75-mile nature trail starts with a series of boardwalks through wetlands and then leads to the Rio Grande itself. This is an easy trail and a good one for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.Duration: 30 minutes

Additional Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
  • Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
  • Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
  • Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
  • Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
  • The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
  • What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
Inclusions
  • Take the tour when you want
  • Tours NEVER expire
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace
  • Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive using GPS
  • Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
  • Tour Start is Customizable
  • Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
  • Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Exclusions
  • Park Entrance
  • Parking Fees
  • Entrance Fees
  • Meals and Refreshments
Redemption InstructionsHOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR: Thank you for purchasing the Big Bend Tour. Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below: *Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).How to Redeem Your Tour(s):1. Download the Shaka Guide app from the App Store or Google Play2. Open the app and sign up or sign in3. Tap Support4. Tap Retrieve Purchases5. Tap Redeem Purchase6. Enter the 10-digit Booking Reference number (under the barcode on their Viator ticket)7. Hit Redeem Purchase and download the tour(s)Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app. For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go. We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/downloadVoucher InfoMobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Shaka Guide Apps in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

Need To Know Info

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

Customer Reviews

4.9
based on Groupon 12 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
Dianne_K
We enjoyed two days listening to the audio at Big Bend! The information, stories and music were AWESOME!
Chevon K
Shaka guide came in clutch for our trip to Big Bend! We loved that it provided many options to get out and hike or to keep driving. The tour filled 2 days and was perfect for our first trip to the park. Thanks Adam & Co for the wonderful stories and the great production!
Karen_W
This audio tour makes a long drive interesting. Highly recommend. We enjoyed the extra history lessons.
13sammier
We loved it! We saw all the highlights at our own pace. Helpful tips to help you decide what to do and what to skip. Loved the feature to pause the tour while we got out to explore or hike. Interesting stories and background music. A great value and will use again!
TIFFANY_C
Very helpful, insightful. I look forward to using this app again for other adventures. Some of the music was meh, but that's just my personal opinion. And it did immerse us into the culture.

Explore more