Overview
Big Bend is one of the largest and least visited of America's national parks. From an elevation of less than 2,000 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,825 feet atop Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains, Big Bend includes massive canyons, vast desert expanses, and the entire Chisos Mountain range. These elevation changes produce an exceptional variety of plants, animals, and scenic vistas. Big Bend National park is a hiker's paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips.
Three separate ecosystems can be found in the park -- river, mountain and Chihuahuan Desert which dominates, making the park a fascinating place to visit during late fall, winter and early spring. The summer months are brutally hot and should be avoided unless you plan to spend all your time in the mountains.
Most visitors begin their tour of the park in the Chisos Mountains. Cooler and greener than the surrounding desert, the Chisos offer excellent backcountry hiking and camping in forests of pines and oaks. Two canyons highlight this portion of the park: Boquillas Canyon to the east and Santa Elena to the west. Rafting on both stretches of the Rio Grande is also very popular. At certain times you can find short stretches of Class I to Class IV rapids. Extended float trips on the Rio Grande can be arranged through outfitters in three towns west of the park: Lajitas, Terlingua and Study Butte. Short hiking trails near both canyons also let you get a glimpse of the sheer rock walls on foot.
Many of the park's services are centered in the Chisos Mountains Basin. In addition to the only lodge in the park, it has a restaurant, grocery, visitors center, campground and gift shop. Get to know these facilities well. They are the only ones within 30 - 45 minutes of the Basin. Of an interesting note, Big Bend is one of the few National Parks that sells beer and wine within their borders. These important refreshments can be found in the Basin grocery store. Several hiking trails begin in the basin. Other centers of activity are Rio Grande Village (a campground, visitors center, grocery and gas station) and Castolon (a campground and grocery). There is another gas station at Panther Junction. Camping and lodging facilities within the park are often filled, so try to reserve your place well in advance.
Terlingua, west of the park on Highway 170, was a mining town from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s. It offers a gas station, and the best Tex-Mex in the area at Tivos. Study Butte, Terlingua and Lajitas all offer overnight accommodations.
West of Lajitas, Highway 170 follows the Rio Grande for 50 mi/80 km, ending at the border town of Presidio. Known as the River Road (El Camino del Rio), it's one of the most scenic drives in Texas, if not the U.S., winding up steep grades and dipping down to riverside pulloffs.
Location: 69 miles south of Marathon, Texas on the Mexican border.
Size: 801,163 acres/324,471 hectares
Directions: Three paved roads lead to the park:
- U.S. 385 from Marathon, TX to the north entrance
- State Route 118 from Alpine, TX to the west entrance
Ranch Road 170 from Presidio to Study Butte, and then State Route 118 to the west entrance
Big Bend National Park headquarters is located 70 miles south of Marathon, TX and 108 miles from Alpine, TX via Hwy. 118
Trails: There are over 150 miles of trails with about 30 miles that are developed and heavily used. These include short nature trails and the trails in the Chisos Mountains.
Activities: Auto Touring, Backpacking, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Nature Walks, Whitewater Rafting
Hours: The park is open 24 hours daily, all year. The Panther Junction Visitor Center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but may be closed on Christmas Day. Other visitor centers have variable seasons and hours.
Permits: A free backcountry use permit is required for all overnight hiking trips, and can be obtained up to 24 hours in advance of the trip in person only. Permits for the high Chisos designated campsites are available at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. Maximum group size is 15.
Admission: $15.00 for a 7 Day Pass.
Contact: National Park Service Big Bend Phone: 915-477-2251 E-mail
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