You probably won’t even drive any dirt roads on your first trip to Big Bend. The main attractions are all paved. High clearance 2 wheel drive is all you need.
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.
Do you need 4WD for Big Bend?
Extremely rough, this section of road is NOT maintained, and 4-wheel drive is required at all times.
Do you need AWD in Big Bend National Park?
Be Safe on Big Bend’s Backcountry Roads. Most backcountry roads in Big Bend require four wheel drive and high clearance (Sturdy tires on 15″ rims or more, and at least 8 inches clearance from the lowest part of the axle or frame).
Can you drive through Big Bend National Park?
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).
What is the best time of year to go to 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.
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.
How long does it take to drive across Big Bend?
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.
Where do you stop on the way to Big Bend?
10 Hot Spots on the Way to Big Bend
- Photo by Chinati Foundation. Chinati Foundation.
- Photo by Wrong Marfa. Wrong Marfa.
- Photo by Food Shark. Food Shark.
- Photo by El Cosmico. Cosmico.
- Photo by Museum of the Big Bend.
- Photo by Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon.
- Photo by Gage Hotel.
- Photo by Balmorhea State Park.
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.
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 you need a reservation to go to Big Bend National Park?
Reservations are not needed to enter Big Bend National Park, but normal entrance fees will be collected at all park entrance stations.
How far is Big Bend from Alpine?
There are 88.68 miles from Alpine to Big Bend National Park in southeast direction and 112 miles (180.25 kilometers) by car, following the Main Park Road route. Alpine and Big Bend National Park are 3 hours far apart, if you drive non-stop .
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 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.
Are there snakes 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Is Big Bend 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.