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.
What is the highest point in Big Bend National Park?
Emory Peak
Emory Peak is the highest peak in the Chisos Mountains and Big Bend National Park.
What is 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.
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.
What is the best month 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.
Are there mountain lions in Big Bend?
Encountering a Mountain Lion
Each year, more than 150 lion sightings are reported by visitors to Big Bend National Park. While most of these sightings happen along park roadways, encounters along trails also occur. Since 1984 several mountain lion encounters in the park have resulted in attacks on people.
Are there rattlesnakes in Big Bend National Park?
There are 31 species of snakes found in Big Bend National Park, including 4 species of rattlesnakes. There are also three additional snakes listed as hypothetical (no confirmed sightings). After summer rains snakes may be more active. Keep in mind that all wildlife, including snakes, are protected in the park.
Are there bears at Big Bend National Park?
There are approximately 30-40 black bears living in Big Bend. However, as with most creatures in a desert environment, fluctuations in their numbers can occur from time to time.
How Safe Is Big Bend National Park?
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.
How many days do you need at Big Bend National Park?
With three days to spend in the park, you can explore the major roads more thoroughly and still have time for hiking.
How long does it take to drive thru 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 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.
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.
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.
Does Big Bend get cold at night?
Average Temperatures and Precipitation
At the higher mountain elevations temperatures average 5–10 degrees cooler during the day and 0-5 degrees cooler at night.
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.
Are there wolves in Big Bend National Park?
Extirpated from the wild throughout the Southwestern United States, the status of the Mexican Wolf (a subspecies of Gray Wolf) in Northern Mexico is uncertain. Two lone males killed on separate ranches north of the park in 1970 are the last confirmed sightings in the vicinity of Big Bend National Park.
What should you do if a mountain lion attacks you?
The National Park Service advises that if a mountain lion acts aggressively toward you, raise your arms, open your jacket and speak firmly in a loud voice. Without crouching or turning away, throw objects in its direction.
How do you defend against a mountain lion?
If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice, and throw objects like the water bottle in your hand. The goal is to convince it that you are not prey and may be dangerous yourself. Try to remain standing to protect your head and neck. If attacked, fight back!!
Are there poisonous snakes in Big Bend National Park?
The Trans-Pecos copperhead is a venomous snake, found throughout the park in the proper habitat, which includes springs and the Rio Grande.
Are there mosquitoes in Big Bend National Park?
The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites.