Most trips are run by the three large outfitters west of the park: Far Flung Adventures in Terlingua (371-2489, 800-359-4138), Big Bend River Tours in Lajitas (424-3219, 800-545-4240), and Outback Expeditions in Study Butte (371-2490, 800-343-1640).
What is the best way to visit Big Bend National Park?
If you want a quick taste of all of Big Bend National Park from primarily the comfort of your vehicle, your best bet would be the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The route highlights mountain, desert and river regions — as well as the geologic splendor the park is known for.
How many days do you need for Big Bend?
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 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.
Are there guided tours of Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park has 100 miles of paved road, and at least 150 of backcountry dirt roads. Highway 170 between Lajitas and Redford is one of the most spectacular drives in the US. Guided tours are available in a variety of vehicles, from luxury SUV’s to rugged open air Jeeps with cloth canopies.
What is the best month to go to 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.
What is the closest town to Big Bend National Park?
Terlingua and Lajitas are the towns closest to Big Bend National Park. It’s 9 miles (14 km) from Terlingua and 21 miles (34 km) from Lajitas to the Big Bend park entrance at Maverick Junction.
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.
Do you need a passport to go to Big Bend National Park?
The Boquillas Crossing Point of Entry is now open at Big Bend National Park. There are many things you need to know before you even leave home. Everyone, including children, will need passports or passport cards. You may not take your vehicle into Mexico.
Where do you fly into for Big Bend National Park?
The nearest airports served by major airlines are located in Midland/Odessa, Texas (235 miles from park headquarters) and El Paso, Texas (330 miles from park headquarters). Rental cars are available at both airports. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Alpine, Texas (100 miles from park headquarters).
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.
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.
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.
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!
How long is the window trail in Big Bend?
5.6 miles
It is a moderate hike of 5.6 miles round trip from the Chisos Basin Lodge area to the Window pour-off.
Where does Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive start?
Panther Junction
In 12-miles from Panther Junction, we finally arrive at the beginning of our scenic drive. Turn left onto Ross Maxwell Drive which passes between the Chisos Mountains to the east and Burro Mesa to the west. Along the windy road are a number of turnouts where you can see volcanic outcroppings and stunning vistas.
Does Big Bend get cold?
Winters in Big Bend are generally mild, with the occasional short cold snap. Usually, the skies are clear, and day time highs can run into the 70’s or higher. Under clear skies, however, it gets colder at night, often near freezing. Counterintuitively, it is colder along the Rio Grande at night than in the mountains.
What is Big Bend National Park known for?
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.
Why is Terlingua a ghost town?
The market for mercury mining steadily declined throughout the 1930s. The Chisos Mining Company, which employed virtually all of Terlingua directly or indirectly, filed for bankruptcy in 1942. After WWII, Terlingua’s population declined so sharply that it became a ghost town.
Can you see the northern lights in Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park, Texas
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.
Is Big Bend the darkest place on earth?
Darkest Skies in Texas
For the best night skies in Texas, head west. Big Bend Ranch State Park sits in the darkest area of the state. After all, we are on the other side of nowhere. The International Dark-Sky Association designated Big Bend Ranch State Park a gold tier Dark Sky Park in 2018.