Big Bend National Park encompasses the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River forms its southern boundary, and it’s the only park in the United States that contains a complete mountain range – the Chisos.
What’s special about Big Bend National Park?
Often referred to as Texas’ Gift to the Nation, Big Bend is famous for its natural resources and recreational opportunities, the park is also rich in cultural history. Native peoples lived in and/or passed through this area for thousands of years. Their presence is evidenced by pictographs and archeological sites.
What does Big Bend National Park have the most of?
The park protects more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals. Additional park activities include scenic drives, programs led by Big Bend park rangers, and stargazing.
Big Bend National Park.
| Big Bend | |
|---|---|
| Operator | National Park Service |
| Website | Big Bend National Park |
Is Big Bend National Park popular?
Interesting Facts about Big Bend National Park
This is one of the largest, most remote, and least visited national parks in the United States. In 2021, only 580,000 people visited the park.
How can I enjoy Big Bend National Park?
Consider spending a day in each of the three major areas of the park: In the Chisos Basin area, consider hiking the Window Trail (6 miles round trip) or the Lost Mine Trail (5 miles round trip). Visit the day hikes page for more information about other trails you might enjoy hiking during a three-day visit.
Is it worth going to Big Bend National Park?
Yes, Big Bend National Park in Texas is beautiful and definitely worth visiting. That’s the short answer. 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.
What is the most visited national park in Texas?
National Parks Near Me: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Hiking Guadalupe Peak is by far the most popular activity with visitors; the hike takes between six and eight hours round-trip, and there are excellent views of the park to be had from the top of the mountain.
Can you swim in Big Bend National Park?
Swimming in the Rio Grande is NOT recommended, as undercurrents, deep holes, sharp objects, micro-organisms, and other hazards exist. Three hours north of the park is Balmorhea State Park, which offers excellent swimming opportunities in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool!
Is Big Bend one of the least visited national parks?
With an average yearly visitation of less than 300,000, Big Bend is one of the least visited national parks, and yet its diversity of plants, animals and geology make it one of the most fascinating.
What is the best time of year to visit Big Bend National Park?
Fall and spring are the best times to visit Big Bend National Park. Temperatures are mild during the day and cool at night. March is one of the busiest months in the park, because of the great weather conditions and the influx of spring break travelers.
Does Big Bend get crowded?
Big Bend is open year-round.
November – April is the busy season in the park. The spring months see the most crowds as well as the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Spring Break {mid-March}. For more information on the park’s operating hours and seasons, click here.
Is Big Bend kid friendly?
Big Bend National Park is one of my all-time favorite National Parks to visit with kids. The park’s enormous size provides so many opportunities to explore different landscapes. From the Chihuahuan Desert to the Chisos Mountains to the Santa Elena Canyon to Boquillas Overlook; Big Bend National Park cannot be missed.
What is the largest park in Texas?
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, far West Texas
The largest of the national parks in Texas, Big Bend sprawls over 801,100 acres, so one thing you won’t find is big crowds. Peak season is November through April—no surprise, as temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees in summer.
What do I need to know before going to Big Bend?
Top Ten Tips for Visiting Big Bend
- Seasons. Big Bend is best enjoyed from late fall through early spring.
- Camping and Lodging. Big Bend is busy!
- Road Conditions. Know what your vehicle can handle.
- Bring Water! Bring more water than you think you will need.
- River Trips.
- Beat the Heat!
- Phone Service.
- Pets.
When can you see the Milky Way in Big Bend National Park?
The best time of year to stargaze in Big Bend National Park is October to April.
How long does it take to drive through Big Bend?
about 1 to 1/2 hr
The trip to Big Bend National Park took about 1 to 1/2 hr drive. over a year ago. You can pretty much fly through the 108 miles. If you’ve got a good car open it up.
What is there to do in Big Bend in summer?
10 Adventures That Make Big Bend an Awesome Place to Visit in the Summer
- Explore Big Bend’s Scenic Driving Routes.
- Stay in Style.
- Play On One of the Best Golf Courses in Texas.
- Relax in the Langford Hot Springs.
- Ride Horseback in the Desert.
- Discover Big Bend’s Art Galleries.
- Get Your Fill at a Unique Restaurant.
Can you cross into Mexico from Big Bend?
At the Port of Entry, visitors will be able to cross into Mexico by foot (during low water) or by rowboat ferry (for a fee) during business hours only. This port of entry does not accommodate vehicle crossings or commercial importation of products. There is no other legal access to Mexico within Big Bend National Park.
What kinds of wildlife live in Big Bend National Park?
Nocturnal desert animals include the kit fox, ringtail, bobcat, kangaroo rat, and more than a dozen species of bats. Other animals such as mule deer, coyotes, badger, blacktail jackrabbits, and desert cottontails may be seen in early morning or at dusk.
What is the most beautiful state park in Texas?
16 Best State Parks in Texas for Beautiful Desert, Mountain, Waterfall, and River Views
- Big Bend Ranch State Park.
- Garner State Park.
- Inks Lake State Park.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
- Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway.
- Caddo Lake State Park.
- Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site.
- Dinosaur Valley State Park.
What is the only national park in Texas?
Corpus Christi, TX
Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world. The park protects 66 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life.