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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Big Bend National Park |
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PO Box 129, Hwy 385 S, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Phone: 915-432-2251
Fax: 915-432-2357
Open All Year
Overview. At first glance, the Chihuahuan Desert, which straddles the southwestern border of Texas and extends deep into Mexico, is a forbidding place with its volcanic peaks and arid, open grasslands. But take a closer look, especially after a spring rain, and you'll be treated to a symphony of colorful desert flowers in bloom and the comings and goings of coyote, roadrunners, peregrine falcon, and even white-tailed deer.
The eclectic landscape of Big Bend National Park supports seemingly contrasting species of plants and animals. Yucca, claret cup cactus, and prickly pear thrive in the desert, while green, leafy shrubs, such as evergreen sumac, and oak and pine trees enjoy a cooler, wetter climate in the surrounding Chisos Mountains. The tenacious Rio Grande--tenacious because its waters have survived desert floor heat upwards of 180 degrees--forms much of the park's southern boundary and is home to the garfish and several species of turtles, the living remnants of land that was once swamp and savannah.
Silt and sand abrasives flowing within river waters helped to carve out the deep canyons and gorges that characterize much of Chihuahuan desert terrain. A canoe trip along the park's waterways offers an up-close look at the colorful striations in canyon walls that help geologists to mark time and history.
What to see and do. A full spectrum of activities awaits visitors. You can go hiking along any number of nature trails or ride the open plains on horseback (there are horse rentals available ouside the park's western boundary and a free permit is required). There are also opportunities for wildlife and bird watching, camping, and fishing. Whatever your interests, a one-day trip is not recommended, simply because the area is so vast. Several days are necessary if you want to fully experience the park.
If you're planning to spend most of your time hiking, be prepared. Bring plenty of bottled water (spring water must be treated or boiled), and be sure to pick up a topographic map at a park visitor center. The level of difficulty varies from a short stroll to more strenuous uphill treks.
For an easier time, take a walk along the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, which leads through lush vegetation up to an overlook. It's a little less than a mile round trip. Other easy hiking can be found at trails in Tuff Canyon and Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff.
If you want a slightly longer route that can be explored in one day, try the Chimney and Pine Canyon trails; both are about four or five miles round-trip. The Pine Canyon Trail is notable for a 80-foot waterfall that is active after summer storms, while rock formations and petroglyphs characterize the Chimney Trail.
Serious hikers shouldn't miss the 13-mile round-trip hike to the South Rim, a 7,400-foot-high canyon bluff that provides a spectacular, panoramic view of the surrounding desert. Along the way you'll want to stop and explore Boot Canyon and its forest of hardwood and pine trees.
If you are an experienced hiker and have a few days to spend, try Mesa de Anguila, but only during the winter months when the temperature is more moderate.
If a canoe or raft trip along the Rio Grande is your interest, contact one of several local outfitters located near the park, because there are no rental facilities on park grounds. A permit is required at no charge and is available at visitor centers and in local towns. Trips along the Santa Elena and Boquillas canyons require two to three days, and a week is necessary for a journey along the Lower Canyons.
You can camp out at one of three campgrounds, stay in an RV park, or venture into the backcountry to primitive campsites.
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Archeological Sites |
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Bird Watching |
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Boat Launching |
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Climbing |
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Fishing |
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Food Service |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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