The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is a thirty mile road that will take you through some of the highlights of the park. You’ll drive through the Chihuahuan Desert and along the Rio Grande. It skirts along the Chisos Mountains and has several stops where you can take in the landscape or get some great pictures. The road also passes by the Castolon Historic District, which will give you a better idea about some of the history of the area. The famous La Harmonia Store is closed currently due to a 2019 fire, but it is eventually expected to be restored. The Scenic Drive is not a loop, so keep in mind that however far you drive, you’ll eventually have to turn around.

The Lost Mine Trail is about 5 miles out and back. There is an elevation gain of over a thousand feet, so make sure you’re in shape for it and try to avoid the hottest times of the day. If you do it, you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Chisos Mountains, Casa Grande, Juniper Canyon and the Sierra Del Carmen Mountains in Mexico. The hike is one of the more popular trails in the park, so try to get there early to both avoid the crowds and the heat.

Although you’ll technically be leaving the park, visiting Boquillas, Mexico, is an experience unlike any other in the national parks. Boquillas is a small village just on the other side of the Rio Grande River. You’ll need to check in at the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry. Make sure you have your passport with you. From there, you can take a short boat ride across the river ($5 roundtrip), or wade across. If you’re going to wade, make sure to check the river level. The town is about a half mile away. You can walk or ride a burro into town. Be sure to be processed by Mexican immigration and be prepared to pay a $3 entry fee. After that, you can explore the village of a couple hundred people. There are two restaurants and plenty of place to buy souvenirs. American money is generally accepted but bring small bills. You can stay for a few hours or overnight.