Introduction
Located in southwestern Texas along the Texas-Mexico border, Big Bend is a haven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and adventurers. This vast and remote park, established in 1944, preserves the largest tracts of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. The park's name comes from the prominent bend in the Rio Grande, which forms a natural border between the United States and Mexico. In 1933, Texas established Texas Canyons State Park, which later became Big Bend State Park. In 1944, it officially became Big Bend National Park. The park's territory spans 801,163 acres (larger than Rhode Island), 1,252 square miles (3,244 square km). In 2021, Big Bend welcomed a record 581,000 visitors.
Within Big Bend you will find a diversity of wildlife, including 450+ bird species, including migratory birds, 75 mammal species, such as mule deer, coyotes, and javelinas, 56 reptile species, including rattlesnakes and lizards.
The park's unique location and dark skies make it a prime spot for stargazing. For more infomation on the park go to the wikipedia page.
Top Hikes
These three hikes are good starting points for planning, with at least one more difficult option. Distances and elevation gain are rounded; check the official park trail page for current closures, permits, weather, and trail conditions.
Lost Mine Trail (moderate) - 4.8 miles (7.7 km); elevation gain 1,100 feet (335 m). A Chisos Mountains favorite with strong views for the distance.
Window Trail (moderate) - 5.6 miles (9.0 km); elevation gain 900 feet (274 m). A canyon route from the Chisos Basin to the Window pour-off.
South Rim Trail (difficult) - 12.6 miles (20.3 km); elevation gain 2,000 feet (610 m). A long mountain hike with some of the park's broadest desert and canyon views.
River Rafting and Biking
Riding the River Big Bend National Park, located in southwest Texas, offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and participate in a variety of recreational activities, including rafting on the Rio Grande. The park's canyons offer incredible opportunities to kayak, canoe, or raft the Rio Grande. The river is not difficult for beginning and intermediate paddlers at normal river flows, and some sections are ideal for novices.
Seeing the park's canyons from the middle of the Rio Grande can be an incredible experience. Depending upon the river levels, there are many possibilities including half-day floats or multi-day excursions. Floating the Rio Grande can take you through miles of canyons up to 1,500 feet (457 m) deep, where the sunlight may reach the bottom only briefly on winter days. As in other parts of the park, your ears may tell you more than your eyes. Listen for beavers crawling through the brush; you might catch a glimpse as one slides down the riverbank into the water. Turtles, especially red-eared sliders, often sun themselves on rocks and logs just above the waterline. Great blue herons and green kingfishers are just some of the many birds you may see flying along the river.
A backcountry permit and specific equipment is required for day-use and overnight river trips. There is often concern about being close to an international border, but incidents between Big Bend visitors and Mexican nationals are exceptionally rare. The middle of the deepest channel of the Rio Grande is the international boundary. Over the course of your trip, you may cross this boundary several times. Currently, passports are not required. Landing on the Mexican bank of the river is considered an illegal crossing and could result in fines and jail time. However, limited exceptions are made when safety is a consideration: to bail/repack a boat, scout rapids, or seek shade when overheating.
Additional rules, regulations, and permits are available on the NPS website.
Biking Big Bend National Park is a premier bicycling location, with over 100 miles (160 km) of paved roads and 160 miles (257 km) of backcountry dirt roads that provide challenges for riders of all types and abilities. Bicycling (including e-bikes) is allowed on any road within Big Bend National Park, but is not allowed off-road or on any trail. Bicyclists must be extremely cautious and well-prepared, but bicycling allows outstanding panoramic views unobstructed by a windshield.
Paved roads within the park are narrow and often have no shoulders. Bicyclists should take proper measures to stay safe, such as riding single-file, wearing bright and/or reflective clothing, and being aware of their surroundings. Traffic is sparse in summer and highest during March and early April and on holiday weekends throughout the year. Use extreme caution. A good map is essential. Maps and road guides are available at the Big Bend Natural History Association Book Store. Go to the NPS website for additional information.
If you have a shuttle available, consider the following bike rides:
1. Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village: Difficulty: Easy; Distance: 20 miles (32 km), paved; Time 1.5-2.5 hours. Although there are some hills, the ride is mostly downhill as the elevation drops 1,900 ft. (580 m) over the course of the ride. Be wary of large motorhomes and trailers traveling this road, especially during fall, winter, and spring.
2. Panther Junction to Castolon via the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive: Difficulty: Strenuous; Distance: 35 miles (56 km), paved; Time: 3-6 hours. This ride is challenging, but it offers outstanding views of the park's colorful hills near Castolon.
Please note that bicyclists must share the roads with vehicles and obey all traffic laws. Safety is paramount, so be sure to take proper precautions and enjoy the ride!
Accommodations
Camping There are four campgrounds in the park, all require reservation either through recreation.gov or the Rio Grande Village RV Park website. The links are below
Chisos Basin Campground The campground is located in the heart of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park, Texas. The campground is nestled in an open woodland within a scenic mountain basin and offers 56 campsites. The campground is open year-round and offers a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. The campground is situated at an elevation of 5,400 feet (1,645 m) and offers stunning views of Casa Grande and Emory Peak. The campground is a great base for exploring the park's many trails and scenic drives. Please note that trailers over 20 feet (6 m) and RVs over 24 feet (7 m) are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites at this campground.
Rio Grande Village Campground is located on the banks of the Rio Grande River. The campground is open year-round and offers 93 campsites. The campsites are situated in a grove of cottonwoods and acacia trees, near the Rio Grande. The campground offers flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, grills, and some overhead shelters. There is also a dump station nearby. Please note that trailers over 20 feet (6 m) and RVs over 24 feet (7 m) are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites at this campground.
Cottonwood Campground is a quiet oasis in the western corner of Big Bend National Park. The campground is situated at an elevation of 5,400 feet (1,645 m) and offers 22 campsites. The campground is open from November through April. The campsites are situated in a grove of cottonwoods and acacia trees, near the Rio Grande. The campground offers basic amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. The use of generators is not allowed at Cottonwood Campground. Wood fires and ground fires are NOT allowed anywhere in the park. A charcoal fire in an above-ground grill is allowed; ashes must be packed out. Liquid-fuel stoves are allowed. Please note that trailers over 20 feet (6 m) and RVs over 24 feet (7 m) are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road.
Rio Grande Village RV Park is adjacent to the Rio Grande Village camp store. The park is operated by Forever Resorts and offers 25 back-in sites with full hook-ups (water, electrical, and 3-inch sewer connection). The park is open year-round and reservations are required. Tents are not permitted at this RV park. The park is situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet (550 m) and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Reservations for this campground, which is operated by Aramark, must be made through their website.
Hotel/Lodge There is only one hotel in Big Bend National Park. Chisos Mountains Lodge is nestled in the basin of the majestic Chisos Mountains. It is the only lodging available within the park and offers comfortable accommodations with famous Texas hospitality. The lodge offers a variety of rooms and cottages, plus a gift shop, camper store, and dining room. The lodge is open year-round and offers stunning scenery and serenity, as well as a vast undisturbed wilderness. The lodge offers a variety of rooms and cottages, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and cottages. Standard rooms are available with one or two queen beds, while deluxe rooms offer one king bed and a private balcony. Cottages are available with one or two bedrooms and a full kitchen. All rooms and cottages are equipped with air conditioning, heat, and private baths.
Restaurant and Groceries
Restaurants Mountain View Restaurant at Chisos Mountains Lodge is the only full-service dining facility within the park.
Grocery Stores There are three stores open year round within the park. They are located at Rio Grand Village, Chisos Basin and Castolon. In addition you can find other services at the link provided including ATMs, Wifi and gas stations.