Experience the Natural Beauty of Big Bend National Park
This seldom visited Texas national park offers picturesque mountains and the exciting Rio Grande River.
The United States National Park Service notes that the Big Bend National Park is one of the least visited though most lovely of all the national parks in the United States.
Too bad! At 801,000 acres and altitudes ranging from 2,000 feet at the river to 8,000 feet high in the Chisos Mountains, there's a little something for everyone at this splendid National Park.
About the Park
Because of the diverse terrain of the park, visitors will be able to see rivers, canyons, the desert, and nearly the entire Chisos Mountain range. As a matter of fact, the National Park Service touts Big Bend as one of the "last remaining wild corners of the United States."
For nature lovers, Big Bend is the northernmost range for many plants and animals, including some Latin American species from the tropics. It also serves as a blending area for both southern and northern flora and fauna, thanks to the contrasting elevations at the park.
Where is Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend is located in the southwestern corner of Texas, in Brewster County, on the border with Mexico. If you're flying to Texas, the closest major airports to the park are Midland (230 miles) and El Paso (325 miles), so be prepared for a bit of a ride after you pick up your rental car.
Things to Do
The Rio Grande borders Big Bend for 118 miles, so water activities are especially popular. For boating, visitors may bring their own equipment, rent it, or hire a guide service for their jaunt down the river.
The canyons in the park are great places for canoeing, rafting, and kayaking. Some are small enough for one-day trips while others present the need to travel for up to two or three days to complete the entire run.
Some of the waters through Big Bend's canyons are quite calm but the adventurous whitewater rafter can find Class III and IV rapids along the way as well.
If you desire a true wilderness experience, consider a five to ten day float through all the lower canyons, a total of up to 137 miles. Expect to face some Class V rapids!
Fishing is also popular in Big Bend National Park and no state license is required. Bass and catfish are plentiful.
Because its roads are lightly traveled, this park is also a great place for cyclists. There are more than 100 miles of paved roads and 160 miles of backcountry dirt roads in Big Bend, meaning that cyclists of all ages and levels can enjoy a trip around the park.
For hikers, there are about 30 miles of developed trails, including short scenic trails and longer ones through the Chisos Mountains. The park's desert areas offer hikers a variety of terrain from arid badlands to rugged volcanic peaks.
Overnight backpackers are welcome at designated campsites in the mountains and should obtain a permit from the park before setting out on a journey.
During most months, park rangers offer a variety of educational lectures and interactive programs to help teach visitors about the history of the park and its unique terrain and varied climate.
Accommodations
The Chisos Mountain Lodge, located in the Big Bend National Park, offers 66 comfortable rooms and 6 cottages, all within easy distance of food service, a convenience store, the trail heads, and additional guest services.
When to Go
March and April are the busiest times in the park. During those months, the weather is lovely. For hikers and bikers, the hot summer weather can be brutal, so if you're planning on spending several days exploring the Big Bend National Park on foot or via a bicycle, consider the cooler spring and fall months.