Driving to Big Bend • Highway 118 or Highway 385 Big Bend State Park is also beautiful to drive through so another option is to drive Highway 170 to Presidio and connect with Highway 67 north (or vice-versa).
Can you just drive through Big Bend National Park?
A little over an hour to drive. The route is just beautiful and great scenery all along the way. over a year ago.
Do you need a 4×4 in Big Bend National Park?
Extremely rough, this section of road is NOT maintained, and 4-wheel drive is required at all times. Only for the most rugged vehicles.
How many entrances does Big Bend National Park have?
two entrances
There are two entrances to the park and three main routes to reach them: US-385 south from Marathon.
How much does it cost for a vehicle to enter Big Bend National Park?
$30 per
$30 per non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 15 or less. $15 per person traveling in a non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more. Fees will not exceed the commercial rate for the same sized vehicle.
What is the difference between Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is nearly three times the size of Big Bend Ranch and more developed, with paved, RV-friendly roadways, big campgrounds, and a hotel and restaurant. The only paved road in the state park is River Road, FM 170, along the park’s southern boundary.
Do you need reservation for Big Bend?
Reservations are not needed to enter Big Bend National Park, but normal entrance fees will be collected at all park entrance stations.
What kind of car do you need for Big Bend?
The main attractions are all paved. High clearance 2 wheel drive is all you need. Spend the extra money.
Does Big Bend National Park need an SUV?
You don’t need a 4WD or other special car to explore Big Bend, but we were grateful to have the extra space. It’s so hot in the park that you’ll want to transport groceries, lunch, water and snacks in a cooler with ice packs if at all possible.
How remote is Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend is remote—So remote that the National Park Service has a section of the Big Bend website called “How Far Is It?” But the 330 miles that separate you from the El Paso airport are the whole point.
Which entrance is best for Big Bend National Park?
There are two main paved-road approaches to Big Bend NP and they are Presidio and Marathon. We entered via Presidio and departed via Marathon. Nothing against Marathon, but the Presidio Rio Grande River Road through Big Bend State Park was best for us.
What time can you enter Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is always open. You can enter and exit at any time of the day or night. Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year.
How much time should you spend at Big Bend National Park?
2 days
Plan to spend at least 2 days in Big Bend, although more time is better. This is a fairly large national park with three distinct areas: the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive region, Chisos Basin, and the sights in and around Rio Grande Village.
Can I sleep in my car at Big Bend National Park?
Backcountry camping in Big Bend National Park does require a permit, which can be obtained no more than 24 hours before your first night. You will need to visit the Panther Junction Visitor Center, in person, to secure your permit.
Can you stay overnight at Big Bend National Park?
Although very remote, Big Bend provides a variety of opportunities for overnight camping and lodging, as well as two gas stations, and three camper stores.
Is Big Bend worth the trip?
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.
Is Big Bend National Park or state park better?
I’m new to the big bend area so I really don’t have any biases. Visited both parks in Nov & Dec. The national park is more accessible and more favorable to a short visit and Robert’s right, it has so much to offer. The state park is equally wicked in my humble opinion but it’s more remote, rugged and spartan.
Is Big Bend state park safe?
Big Bend National Park is a safe destination for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers. A recent study from a law firm found that Big Bend had only 16 deaths among 4.4 million visitors from 2007 to 2018.
What is the biggest state park in Texas?
Big Bend Ranch State Park
As Texas’ largest state park, Big Bend Ranch State Park offers all of the flora and fauna of the Big Bend area without the national park crowds. Located in far West Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border, this state park offers rugged adventure in the form of hiking, horseback riding, river floating, biking, and more.
How do I access Big Bend?
Unless you’re part of a tour group, driving your own vehicle is the only option as there is no public transportation to or within Big Bend. Several highways lead to the park. Options include Highway 118 from Alpine to Study Butte; Highway 170 from Presidio to Study Butte; and Highway 90 and Highway 385 to Marathon.
How do I reserve at Big Bend?
Located adjacent to the Rio Grande Village Store. For reservations call 432-477-2293.