Big Bend & Guadalupe GPS Audio Driving Bundle (2 Tours)

7–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Big Bend & Guadalupe GPS Audio Driving Bundle (2 Tours), photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Why visit one park when you can tour two of West Texas’s rugged icons! This narrated, self-guided driving tour takes you through Big Bend and the Guadalupe Mountains, from the Big Bend entrance to the Chisos Mountains, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Hot Springs, and Santa Elena Canyon, then on to McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Peak, Devil’s Hall, El Capitan, and the Salt Basin Dunes. Explore both parks with maximum flexibility, safety, and value—stopping whenever you want.

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

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At a glance

Duration: 7–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–4
Audio guide: English
Operated by: Drive with Action

What is included

Included

Included: Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
Included: Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
Included: Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
Included: Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
Included: Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
Included: Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
Included: One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
Included: Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
Included: Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
Included: Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Not included

Not included: No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Itinerary

Big Bend National Park

Passing by

Big Bend National Park is Texas at its wildest, with desert drives, rugged mountains, and the Rio Grande carving deep canyons. Catch epic sunsets, quiet trails, and some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Stop 2

15 min

Big Bend National Park Sign — your classic “we made it” photo stop, with the Chisos Mountains often peeking out behind it. A quick pull-off, a quick pic, and you’re officially in Texas’s wildest corner.
Devil's Den Trail

Passing by

Devil’s Den Hike — a fun, rugged trail that winds through desert terrain and narrow rock corridors before popping out into a dramatic “den” of boulders. Short and adventurous, but watch your footing and bring water, it gets hot fast.
Stop 4

Passing by

Santiago Draw — a rugged desert wash near Persimmon Gap, where dry gullies spill off the Santiago Mountains into Big Bend’s wide-open north end. It’s a subtle but classic Chihuahuan Desert scene, creosote, hardpan, and big-sky views.
Chihuahuan Desert

15 min

Chihuahuan Desert — North America’s largest desert, stretching across West Texas and northern Mexico. In Big Bend, it’s a land of creosote flats, towering cacti, and surprisingly rich wildlife thriving in the heat.
Stop 6

Passing by

Sierra del Carmen — a dramatic limestone mountain range rising across the Rio Grande in Mexico, forming a rugged backdrop to Big Bend. Its cliffs and canyons create one of the park’s most striking cross-border views.
Chisos Mountains

15 min

Chisos Mountains — the heart of Big Bend, rising like a green island from the desert floor. Cooler temperatures, forested trails, and sweeping views make this the park’s most scenic and diverse landscape.
Stop 8

Passing by

An open-air stop highlighting the ancient creatures that once roamed this region, from giant reptiles to early mammals. A quick and fascinating glimpse into Big Bend’s prehistoric past.
Stop 9

Passing by

A quiet desert canyon carved by seasonal water flow, with layered rock walls and classic Big Bend solitude. It’s a lesser-known spot where the landscape feels raw, remote, and beautifully untouched.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

15 min

A stunning 30-mile route winding through colorful desert, volcanic formations, and sweeping mountain views. It’s the ultimate Big Bend drive, leading all the way to the edge of the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon.
The Marfa Mystery Lights

15 min

Mysterious glowing orbs that appear on the desert horizon east of Marfa. Some say headlights, others say something stranger. The magic is in the waiting, scanning the dark sky for flickers that dance and disappear.
Sam Nail Ranch

15 min

A quiet desert homestead tucked among cottonwood trees and an old windmill. The remaining adobe walls and orchard traces offer a peaceful glimpse into early ranch life in the Chisos foothills.
Stop 13

Passing by

A small stone tablet marks the site’s early 1900s bathhouse era, when travelers soaked in the 105°F mineral waters along the Rio Grande. Today, the ruins and warm spring blend history with a relaxing desert dip.
Stop 14

Passing by

A broad, flat-topped mesa rising from the desert, known for its colorful volcanic cliffs. A short hike leads to the Burro Mesa Pouroff, where sheer canyon walls create a dramatic natural amphitheater.
Homer Wilson Ranch

15 min

The weathered remains of one of Big Bend’s most successful early ranches, set against the dramatic backdrop of Blue Creek Canyon. A short walk reveals adobe ruins and sweeping desert views that feel timeless and remote.
Stop 16

Passing by

One of the park’s best sunset spots, with sweeping views over the Chihuahuan Desert and the winding Rio Grande. As the light fades, the desert layers glow in shades of gold and crimson.
Stop 17

15 min

A striking roadside stop showcasing the twin volcanic peaks that resemble mule ears. It’s one of the most iconic silhouettes along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, especially dramatic at sunrise or sunset.
Terlingua

Passing by

A quirky desert ghost town just outside Big Bend, known for its old mining ruins, colorful characters, and famous chili cook-offs. Rustic, artsy, and full of West Texas personality.
Stop 19

15 min

A dramatic roadside stop where pale volcanic tuff cliffs drop into a narrow canyon below. A short walk leads to the rim, with striking desert views and layered rock formations carved by time.
Stop 20

Passing by

A towering volcanic peak rising sharply above the desert near Castolon. Its dramatic silhouette dominates the western skyline and glows beautifully in the late afternoon light.
Castolon Historic District

15 min

A small riverside settlement that once served as a trading post and cavalry outpost along the Rio Grande. Restored adobe buildings and La Harmonia Store offer a glimpse into Big Bend’s borderland history.
Stop 22

Passing by

The gateway to Big Bend’s most iconic canyon, where the Rio Grande slices between 1,500-foot limestone cliffs. A short walk brings you right to the river’s edge and unforgettable canyon views.
Stop 23

15 min

A panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping views of the canyon’s massive limestone walls before you descend to the river. One of the most dramatic vistas along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Stop 24

15 min

A short but unforgettable hike that climbs above the Rio Grande before winding into the heart of the canyon. Towering limestone walls rise on both sides, making it one of Big Bend’s most iconic walks.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park

15 min

Guadalupe Mountains National Park — home to the highest peak in Texas and some of the most dramatic desert-mountain scenery in the state. Rugged trails, fossilized reefs, and striking views make this park a true West Texas adventure.
Chihuahuan Desert

15 min

Part of the vast Chihuahuan Desert, Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects one of the highest and most rugged sections of this desert ecosystem. Here, desert flats rise dramatically into limestone peaks, creating a rare blend of cactus-dotted lowlands and forested mountain slopes.
McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail

15 min

A scenic desert oasis trail known for its striking fall colors and shaded canyon walls. The nearby visitor center offers park info before you set out on this peaceful hike through one of Texas’s most beautiful canyons.
Stop 28

15 min

A striking limestone formation that rises from the desert floor like a stone vessel frozen in time. It’s part of the ancient Permian reef that once lay beneath a prehistoric sea, now towering above West Texas.
Frijole Ranch

15 min

A restored 19th-century ranch house that tells the story of early settlers in the desert. Surrounded by orchards and a reliable spring, it offers a glimpse into how families once carved out a life in this rugged landscape.
Manzanita Spring

15 min

A small desert oasis fed by a natural spring, creating a quiet pond beneath cottonwood trees. It’s one of the few reliable water sources in the park and a peaceful stop with scenic mountain views.
Stop 31

15 min

The stone remains of an 1850s stagecoach stop along the Butterfield Overland Mail route. These rugged ruins mark one of the few surviving stations from this early cross-country mail system.
Stop 32

15 min

The main gateway to the park’s most popular hikes, including Guadalupe Peak and Devil’s Hall. Set at the base of towering limestone cliffs, it’s where many big mountain adventures begin.
Stop 33

Passing by

The challenging hike to the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet. Steep switchbacks lead to sweeping views across West Texas and into New Mexico, with a summit marker waiting at the top.
Devil's Hall Trail

15 min

A rugged canyon hike that leads to a dramatic natural rock staircase and narrow limestone corridor. It’s a fun, slightly adventurous trek through one of the park’s most unique formations.
Stop 35

15 min

A scenic roadside viewpoint offering a clear look at the highest point in Texas. From here, the peak rises sharply above the desert floor, showcasing the dramatic scale of the Guadalupe Mountains.
Stop 36

Passing by

A dramatic limestone wall that rises nearly 1,000 feet above the desert floor. This iconic landmark once guided travelers across West Texas and remains one of the most striking silhouettes in the park.
Stop 37

15 min

Brilliant white gypsum dunes rising unexpectedly from the desert floor. Remote and surreal, this short hike leads into rolling waves of sand framed by the towering Guadalupe Mountains.
Stop 38

Passing by

A rugged mountain range stretching across West Texas, rising sharply from the desert floor. Remote and dramatic, it forms part of the vast landscape surrounding the Guadalupe Mountains.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Start on State Highway 54, just south of Guadalupe Mountains NP. You'll see a scenic overlook with a dirt and gravel pull-off area on your left. Head north toward the park entrance. The audio tour starts automatically as you pass the starting point. Check email/text for details.
Start on US Highway 62/180, just west of Guadalupe Mountains NP. It’s a quiet desert stretch, so download the tour in advance. Head east toward the park entrance. The audio tour will start automatically once you pass the starting point. No one will meet you in person. Check email/text for details.
Start at 5JFF+QGF, Whites City, NM. Head along US Highway 62, with Joel Volunteer Fire Dept on your left and Whites City Fuel on your right, and the audio tour will start automatically. Drive west toward the park entrance to begin the tour. Check your email/text for details.
Start at the Big Bend Entrance Sign (on the highway from Alpine, near Panther Junction—not in town). After booking, search your email or texts for "audio tour." The tour is VALID FOREVER, so set it up NOW over Wi-Fi or data. Do NOT wait until you're onsite.

End point

Start on State Highway 54, just south of Guadalupe Mountains NP. You'll see a scenic overlook with a dirt and gravel pull-off area on your left. Head north toward the park entrance. The audio tour starts automatically as you pass the starting point. Check email/text for details.
Start on US Highway 62/180, just west of Guadalupe Mountains NP. It’s a quiet desert stretch, so download the tour in advance. Head east toward the park entrance. The audio tour will start automatically once you pass the starting point. No one will meet you in person. Check email/text for details.
Start at 5JFF+QGF, Whites City, NM. Head along US Highway 62, with Joel Volunteer Fire Dept on your left and Whites City Fuel on your right, and the audio tour will start automatically. Drive west toward the park entrance to begin the tour. Check your email/text for details.
Start at the Big Bend Entrance Sign (on the highway from Alpine, near Panther Junction—not in town). After booking, search your email or texts for "audio tour." The tour is VALID FOREVER, so set it up NOW over Wi-Fi or data. Do NOT wait until you're onsite.

Using your ticket

IGNORE THE QR CODE ABOVE

The QR code CANNOT be presented for a ticket onsite.

The QR simply contains your tour access instructions. Please follow these instructions BEFORE you’re onsite because they require WiFi/signal.

1. Download my Action Tour Guide app:

actiontourguide.com/app

2. Sign in/ register with your email (this is will automatically generate a one-time verification sent to your email. That code is NOT your tour password).

3. Go to “My Tours” and select “Enter Password”. Find your password in the instructions email sent by “Action Tour Guide” to you by email and text.

4. Download your tour NOW. Do not wait until you are onsite.

BEFORE YOU START

This is a self-guided audio tour. No guide will meet you.

Entrance tickets, attraction tickets, parking, and transportation are not included.

Your tour has lifetime access with no expiry. Use it on any date—no need to change your booking date.

For walking tours, we recommend headphones.

See how it works: actiontourguide.com/tutorial

NEED HELP?

Setup: actiontourguide.com/redeem

FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq

Call: 1-508-506-1844

Email: [email protected]

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.