With three days to spend in the park, you can explore the major roads more thoroughly and still have time for hiking.
How long should you stay in 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.
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.
How long does it take to drive through Big Bend National Park?
about 1 to 1/2 hr drive
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 do I need to know about visiting 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.
What is the difference between Big Bend State Park and Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend Ranch State Park, although just west of Big Bend National Park, offers a completely different experience with rugged volcanic landscapes and many opportunities for backcountry solitude. It offers 275,000 acres of managed wilderness.
When can you see the Milky Way in Big Bend?
The best time of year to stargaze in Big Bend National Park is October to April.
What is the closest city to Big Bend National Park?
Terlingua is the closest town and offers a large variety of services and entertainment for travelers. But, if you want a big city with all its amenities, El Paso is the closest one to Big Bend National Park.
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.
Why do people go to Big Bend?
Breathtaking Views. One of the most important reasons to visit Big Bend National Park is the absolutely breathtaking views you’re going to see. Steep mountains and cliffs, rocky terrain, the Rio Grande, and vistas that span as far as the eye can see.
Do I 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 long is the scenic drive in Big Bend?
thirty-mile
The thirty-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive leads to the Castolon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon. Along the way the road showcases some of the historic and geologic features this region is famous for.
Which entrance to Big Bend is best?
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.
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.
Are there bathrooms at Big Bend?
Are There Showers and Bathrooms in the Park? The park’s three official campgrounds—Chisos Basin, Cottonwood, and Rio Grande Village—all have restroom facilities. However, the only showers in Big Bend are located at the Rio Grande Village Store, where the pay-to-use showers are available 24/7.
What is the best way to visit Big Bend National Park?
The most popular time of year to visit Big Bend is in the late fall to early spring period, where the weather is typically more moderate. In fact, the park is often best visited in the winter, with an average high temperature in January of 61 degrees Fahrenheit and a low around 38.
Which is better Big Bend or Guadalupe Mountains?
While both parks have plenty of hiking opportunities, Big Bend offers about 150 miles of trails to about 80 at Guadalupe Mountains. Hiking is also more varied at Big Bend, featuring a choice between river hikes like Santa Elena Canyon, desert hikes like Mule Ears Spring Trail, and mountain hikes like the Window Trail.
What airport is closest to Big Bend National Park?
Midland/Odessa
The closest commercial airport to Big Bend National Park is Midland/Odessa, 160 mi.
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.
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.