Location:
Tucked along the southwestern edge of Texas, in the curve where the Rio Grande turns south toward Mexico, Big Bend is about four and a half hours from El Paso and three hours from Odessa, but its landscape is so remote you might think you're on another planet.
Vital Stats:
Nearest airports: El Paso (325 miles) and Midland-Odessa (230 miles)
Established: June 12, 1944
Size: 801,163 acres
Park website: www.nps.gov/bibe
Snapshot
They say everything is bigger in Texas, but you really begin to understand the phrase in Big Bend. From the lush Rio Grande floodplains to the majestic Chisos Mountains, the park is home to more than 1,200 plant species and vast topographic diversity. Stretching 118 miles along the border with Mexico, the area has been inhabited for more than 10,000 years.
Did You Know?
At least 450 species of birds inhabit the park—more than any other national park in the United States.
Scenic Drive
The Maxwell Scenic Drive serves up one postcard-worthy panorama after another. Departing from the north side of Burro Mesa, this 30-mile trek winds through pioneer settlements and along the Sotol Vista, where you can enjoy a tremendous view of the Santa Elena Canyon and nearby Mexico. It then dips into the Castolon, a former Army post that was established during border disputes between Mexico and the U.S.
Best Hikes
Lost Mine Trail: Local lore holds that Spanish conquistadors passing through the region discovered silver at the summit of the Chisos mountains, and enslaved local Indians to mine it. But the Indians revolted and sealed the mine, hiding it forever. Search for it yourself as you hike along this moderate five-mile stretch that is suitable for children. The panoramic view from the top is one of the grandest in the park.
South Rim Trail: This strenuous 13.5-mile hike along the southern rim of the Chisos Mountains is often done as a one- to two-night backpack trip. The effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the mountains and desert.
Top Experiences
Sign up for an overnight rafting trip down the Rio Grande into Santa Elena Canyon. The day is spent floating on the river. At night, the 1,500-foot-high canyon walls cocoon around your campsite under a halo of stars. Three rafting companies are licensed to take groups down the river. For more information about activities on the river visit: www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/outfitters.htm.
Flora/Fauna
Big Bend's diverse flora includes desert scrub, sotol grassland, pinyon pine, juniper, oak woodland, claret cup, bigtooth maple, Douglas fir, Arizona cypress, oak, pines, bunchgrasses, creosote bushes, cactuses, lechuguillas, and yuccas. Wildlife you may spot: the Colima warbler, native only to Big Bend; deer; mountain lions; coyotes; bears; rattlesnakes; jackrabbits; javelina; owls; bats.
Photo Ops
Rise at dawn for an outstanding view of the Santa Elena Canyon from the Sotol Vista, along the Maxwell Scenic Drive. Shoot the Sierra del Carmen at dusk from the Rio Grande Village approach.
Smart Traveler Strategies
The desert comes alive at night, when temperatures drop and many of the animals emerge to hunt. But be sure not to focus too much on the landscape: The stargazing in the dark Big Bend sky is extraordinary. One of the best places to see the stars is from the Hot Springs near Rio Grande Village.
Personalized ranger-led tours are available for $35/hour for a minimum of four hours, and are perfect if you're traveling with a family or have specific areas or interests in the park that you'd like to explore. Advance notice is recommended (+1 432 477 1108).
When to Visit
The park is open year-round. Summer temperatures can exceed 110 (F), so it's best to visit during fall, when temperatures fall. This is also when the leaves turn, creating an autumnal vista. If there's been ample rain, desert blooms explode in springtime, which is also a great time to view birds. In the summer, visit the higher elevation Chisos Mountains for numerous hiking opportunities and cooler temperatures.
Where to Stay
Tent and RV camping, as well as overnight backpacking, are permitted within the park for an average of $14 per night. Chisos Mountains Lodge offers 72 rooms, including six cottages, and is the only lodge located inside the park. The Gage Hotel is a historic hotel 60 miles north of the park, with 39 elegantly rustic guest rooms.
Excursions Outside the Park
Worthwhile visits include the McDonald Observatory (140 miles northwest of the park), the Chihuahuan Research Institute (124 miles north), and the nearby towns of Terlingua/Study Butte, Alpine, Marathon, and Marfa.
Advisories
Given the park's proximity to the Mexican border, heightened security precautions are in place for those taking trips on the Rio Grande. Plan to have a U.S. passport or passport card, as Homeland Security officials may ask to see identification.
Those planning to hike extensively or camp in the backcountry are required to obtain a permit beforehand. Be prepared for dramatic temperature changes and bring lots of water. Flash floods are common after thunderstorms, so it's best to avoid narrow canyons or dry washes. Water-borne organisms that cause illness can be found in the Rio Grande, so avoid swimming in the river. Many wild animals, such as mountain lions, bears, scorpions, and venomous snakes inhabit the park, so act wisely and research proper techniques to ensure your safety. Rangers at any visitor center can provide safety tips.
More From National Geographic
From National Geographic Traveler, Texas Borderlands Drive
From National Geographic magazine, "Big Bend," February 2007
National Geographic Guide to the National Parks, Sixth Edition
Big Bend National Park Explorer 3D
National Geographic Big Bend National Park Trail Map
Copy for this series includes excerpts from National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States, Sixth Edition, 2009, and our National Parks series featured in National Geographic Traveler. See staff contributors here.