National-Park

One of the most spectacular and remote national parks in America where the Chisos Mountains rise dramatically from the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande carves deep canyons along the Mexican border. The Window Trail is the signature family hike leading to a pour-off with desert basin views that kids never forget. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail walks right into a 1,500-foot limestone canyon with the river echoing off the walls. The night sky here is among the darkest in North America and the stargazing alone is worth the drive.

Home to Guadalupe Peak at 8,751 feet which is the highest point in Texas and a bucket-list summit for adventurous families with older kids. The trail to the top is 8.4 miles round trip and strenuous but the views from the summit are extraordinary. For younger families the McKittrick Canyon trail in fall is one of the most beautiful hikes in the state when the bigtooth maples turn brilliant orange and red. The park is remote and uncrowded which adds to the sense of real adventure.