Big Bend National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Things to know
About the Activity
Discover the true American West with this self-guided Big Bend National Park, Texas, driving tour—cruise across vast desert landscapes in the shadow of the Chisos Mountains. Unearth an embattled history of Spanish presidios, raiding parties beneath a Comanche Moon, and cursed silver in the mountains. Take in soaring panoramas from Sotol Vista and Tuff Canyon Overlook and visit the historic town of Castolon. This park is a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered! Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route. New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips! This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.3 hours to 4 hours
Private Tour
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Inclusions & Exclusions
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
More Activities in Big Bend National Park
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Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Big Bend National Park - Fossil Bone Exhibit
United StatesThis tour takes about two to three hours, but we’ll have an opportunity for an hour-long detour partway through if you want to extend your journey. It will lead to the remains of a historic village by the Rio Grande and a hot springs hiking trail. I’ll give you a heads up once we get close.
Note: This 72-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Big Bend in 3-4 hours.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location2
Big Bend National Park's entrance station, located near Alpine, Texas, serves as the primary gateway to this expansive and rugged national park. The entrance station itself is a modest structure, often featuring a small building with a rustic design that blends harmoniously with the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors are greeted with a sign marking the entrance to the park, typically bearing the park’s name and emblem.10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
3
Chihuahuan Desert
United StatesWe’re surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert—a desert so large that the entire country of France could fit cozily inside of it! Don’t let the idea of a little chihuahua make you think this is a little desert. It spans across Texas, New Mexico, and several Mexican states. This desert lends its name to the state of Chihuahua. And that’s where the little dogs originated, so it’s where they get their name!10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included4
They border the park along the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. With no rivers, roads, or towns in the Sierra, the region has earned the reputation of being one of the most remote places on earth! 10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
5
Chisos Mountains
, United StatesThey get their name from the Chizos tribe. You might notice that while most of Big Bend consists of desert, the Chisos are forested. So, how does this green speck exist in a stretch of brown? Well, it’s a sky island.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location6
Opened in 2017, this exhibit features replicas of some of the most famous fossils discovered in Big Bend. The paleontologists here have been hard at work for years, excavating more than 1,200 fossils! This is also the only National Park where they’ve found rocks from the Cretaceous period!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location
7
It’s named after J.C. Avery, who ranched here at the dawn of the 1900s. At this time in Big Bend history, settlements began to spring up like wildgrass. The flood of people was a result of the developing railroad, which finally reached the nearby town of Marathon in the 1880s. With the addition of 4,000 miles of tracks, Brewster County was born—that’s the county we’re driving through now.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
The Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park rise majestically from the desert floor, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding arid landscape. These rugged, forested peaks are often shrouded in mist, with their rocky crags and lush greenery providing a haven for diverse wildlife. The dramatic vistas from the mountain trails reveal sweeping views of the park's vast expanse, punctuated by deep canyons and the winding Rio Grande.View Location
Meeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite. View Location
End point
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
- Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
- CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed.
Language And Guide
Audio Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketYou’re not done yet! It’s time to set up the tour you purchased. Follow these steps now, while in wifi/signal. Do NOT wait until your travel date or while onsite. 1. Find the tour setup instructions: >> Email: search for the phrase "Your tour operator sent you a message” OR “Set up your Action Tour Guide self-guided tour now." If it’s not in Inbox, check All Mail. >> Viator App Messages: open the app, check Bookings, select View Voucher, and click on Contact Tour Operator >> TripAdvisor App Messages: open the app, check Account, select Messages >> Text: check for a text from 415-980-4997 >> Can’t find it? Ask us to resend: https://actiontourguide.com/redeem/ 2. Follow the set up instructions NOW, not later: >> MUST do this before traveling to site. Requires WiFi/signal. >> Do NOT wait until your travel date to access the tour for the first time. The tour is not tied to your travel date. 3. Not familiar with our self-guided audio tours? Watch this quick tutorial: https://actiontourguide.com/tutorial ⚠️ Important Note: Your purchase is for the audio tour ONLY. It does not include entrance tickets to parks or attractions. ⚠️ CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed. Have a question - We’re here to help! For quick answers, visit the app's FAQ section or our website at actiontourguide.com/faq. If you need further assistance, please call us at +1 412-254-3988, chat with us online, or email us at support@actiontourguide.com. We're committed to providing you with the support you need every step of the way!Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in America/Chicago time to receive 100% refund.
Reviews from Travelers
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No reviews found!Operated by Drive with ActionCreated on 21 May 2024Created on 18 Dec 2024
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