Big Bend National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers visitors spectacular scenic vistas, hundreds of miles of hiking trails and roads for exploring, the mighty Rio Grande River for float trips and some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48.
About the Park
Big Bend was established as a national park in June of 1935, preserving the largest tracts of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. The park is comprised of 1,252 square miles of land, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island.
Big Bend National Park is America’s fifteenth largest national park, boasting 801,163 acres of protected land, making it the largest protected portion of the Chihuahuan desert in the United States.
Hiking
Big Bend is a hiker’s paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips. Elevations range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet on Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. There are 78 different hiking trails in the park.
When to Visit Big Bend National Park
From October-April, you can usually find a pleasant weather window in the park. Weather in the winter can be variable though, and for that reason the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is October, November, March, or April. The spring brings optimal weather to the park as well as wildflowers.
If you’re looking for the night skies, the best time of year to stargaze in Big Bend National Park is October to April. There are no visible lights indicating a house or even a town. You can see the Milky Way in its full glory and more than 2,000 stars on a clear night.
Reservations
Reservations are not needed to enter Big Bend National Park, but normal entrance fees will be collected at all park entrance stations.
Important Tip
Remember, Big Bend is hours away from any neighboring town, so be sure to have a full tank of gas and plenty of snacks and water with you. You do not want to be caught out here without it.
Where to Stay
You can always camp inside the park (with a reservation) or make the long drive from a neighboring town like we did. We stayed in Fort Stockton and drove quite a ways, but we wanted a nicer place to stay since we were driving home to Houston the next day. Check the map below to find a place that matches your style and budget.
Booking.com
