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Plan Your Visit to Big Bend National Park Travel Guide
Big Bend National Park is known for the Rio Grande River, Chisos Mountains, and Chihuahuan Desert. You will also find river canyons, scenic vistas mountain cliffs, box canyons, yucca plants, scenic drives, hiking, floating, hot springs, stargazing, deer, javelinas, road runners, rabbits, coyotes, mountain lions, and bears. Plan your visit with this Big Bend National Park Travel Guide.
You are excited to visit Big Bend National Park and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, what not to miss, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do while visiting Big Bend National Park while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this Big Bend National Park travel blog.
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Where is Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is located in Southwest Texas on the Mexico border 4.5 hours from El Paso Texas and 3 hours from Midland.
Facts About Big Bend National Park
The park is open 24 hours, 365 days a year.
The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for 7 days.
Big Bend National Park receives approximately 440,276 visitors annually.
The park is 800,000+ acres.
Big Bend became a National Park on June 12, 1944 and is named after the 90-degree bend in the Rio Grande River.
Became an International Dark Sky Park in 2012 and has the darkest skies in the lower 48 states.
Emory Peak is the highest point in the park at 7,825 feet.
Big Bend National Park shares 118 miles of shared border with Mexico.
There are 150 miles of hiking trails and 200 miles of backcountry roads.
You will find 1000 species of plants, 450 bird species, and 31 species of snakes in the park.
Best time to visit Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is busiest from November to May. Winter temperatures are in the 80s during the day and freezing at night. Cacti bloom in March; visit in April to see the bluebonnets in bloom. Summertime temperatures reach above 100 by mid-morning. May through September is the rainy season and flash floods may occur. Temperatures return to the 80s in September and leaves begin to change. You will find fall colors in October and November.
Where to Stay at Big Bend National Park
There are three campgrounds in the park available on a first-come-first-served basis for a small fee. Backcountry tent camping is allowed by permit at the visitor center. Big Bend National Park has one lodge, the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Accommodations are also available in Terlingua, Marathon, Alpine, and Marfa.
Things to Do at Big Bend National Park
Photograph the hoodoos off the road near Persimmon Gap Visitor Center.
Learn about the park’s geology at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit.
Watch the park video at Panther’s Junction Visitor Center.
Check out the desert oasis at Dugout Wells.
Stretch your legs on the 1.2 RT Boquillas Canyon Trail.
Hop on the Boquillas Crossing ferry and have lunch in Mexico, a passport is needed.
Bring your swimsuit and relax in the Langford Hot Springs next to the Rio Grande.
Walk the Chisos Mountains 0.3-mile Window View Trail.
Hike the 10.4-mile RT Emory Peak Trail above the Chisos Basin.
Bike the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive through the park stopping at the viewpoints.
Follow the 1-mile RT Lower Burro Mesa Pour Off trail to the base of a 100-foot dry waterfall.
Take the 6-mile RT hike to the chimneys and arch.
Photograph Mule Ears Peaks.
Check out the ruins with a view on the 1-mile RT Dorgan House Trail.
Hike a 1.5-mile RT on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail into the river gorge.
Take the 2-mile RT Grapevine Hills Trail to Balance Rock, and be prepared to scramble over some rocks.
Book a kayak trip on the Rio Grande River.
Go stargazing with a park ranger.
Things to Do Near Big Bend National Park
Take a selfie at the Prada store in Marfa
Explore the ghost town of Terlingua
Hike the 1.4-mile RT Closed Canyon slot in Big Bend State Park.
Snorkel Balmorhea State Park natural spring pool.
Take the self-guided tour of Fort Davis National Historic Site and stop for souvenirs at Fort Davis Drug Store.
Tips for Visiting Big Bend National Park
There is limited to no cell phone service in the park, download an offline map before you enter
There are two gas stations in the park at the Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village
Watch for animals crossing the road, especially at dusk
Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds but are not allowed on the trails
Be on the lookout for scorpions, tarantulas, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, javelinas, and bears
Store food and toiletries in bear-proof containers
The desert is hot and there is little shade. Water, sunscreen, and a hat are necessary
Plan ahead and bring a picnic
Wood and ground fires are prohibited in the park
There is one restaurant at Panther Junction and several convenience stores in the park
Pack and swimsuit to soak in the historic hot springs
Do not swim or wade in the Rio Grande, there are dangerous snags and drop-offs
Bring your passport to cross the US-Mexico border
Be on the lookout for flash floods or sand storms
Big Bend National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, you will need a flashlight to find your way back after sunset hikes
Practice Leave No Trace Principles
Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass and keep exploring National Parks
Be sure to check with the Big Bend National Park Service for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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Texas Travel Guide
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Big Bend National Park Attractions and Day Tours
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Have a great vacation!