Big Bend Gets More Visitors Big Bend is the clear winner in visitation, with about 464,000 visitors in 2019, compared to about 189,000 for Guadalupe Mountains in the same year. Still, both of the Texas parks have visitor numbers well below the millions that flood the top 10 U.S national parks.
Is Guadalupe Mountains National Park worth it?
Compared to the Great National Parks, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon . . . Guadalupe Mountains NP is a good park, but not in the same category. If you’re in West Texas, definitely combine this NP with Carlsbad Caverns NP, White Sands NM, or a bunch of excellent Texas and New Mexico State parks and attractions.
How long should you spend in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
This park is best explored over a period of 2 or 3 days, with at least 1 day devoted to the visitor center, historic attractions, and trails in the Pine Springs section, and another full day allotted to McKittrick Canyon.
Is Big Bend worth visiting?
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 special about Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas, and below it lies a park that offers striking natural beauty, winding trails through serene forests, captivating local history, and the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef.
How does Big Bend compare to other national parks?
Big Bend Is Nearly 10 Times Larger
At more than 800,000 acres, Big Bend is the 15th largest park in the nation — larger than massive parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite. Guadalupe Mountains, on the other hand, covers about 86,000 acres. Big Bend’s size is part of its appeal.
How many days do you need 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.
Are there bears in Guadalupe Mountains?
Black bears are shy, reclusive, and rarely seen. They generally do not hibernate here since it is usually mild enough in the Guadalupe Mountains to find food all year round. Black bears feed on nuts, berries, roots, insects, and small mammals.
Can you drive through Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
No roads pass through the heart of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, a series of roads lead to, and provide access within the park. U.S. Highway 62/180 provides the primary access to the park, with a number of spur roads leading into the park.
Are there waterfalls in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
Ranging from 2.3 to 8.5 miles, there’s a hike for every fitness level. Natural rock staircases, lush forests, and roaring waterfalls are just several of the features you’ll encounter.
What is the best time of year to hike Guadalupe Peak?
Guadalupe Peak and the Guadalupe Mountains are known as one of the windiest places in the United States, so don’t forget some warm clothes. Be wary of the rattlesnakes too. Summers are too hot, thus the best time is winter, spring, or fall.
What is the closest town to Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
The closest lodging options are Dell City, TX or Whites City, NM. Dell City is 40 miles west of the park off of US Highway 62/180. Whites City is 35 miles east of the park in New Mexico off US Highway 62/180.
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.
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.
What is Big Bend 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 do people go to Guadalupe Mountains?
Love hiking, wildlife, and geology? Head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in west Texas. This public land offers diverse landscapes in a small area—you can explore a salt basin with white sand dunes; rugged mountain tops; lush meadows; pine forests and more.
Why should you visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
This park protects the four highest peaks in Texas and a Permian fossil reef, all while supporting a fragile desert ecosystem! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE. Guadalupe Mountains is a place you will never forget — and likely somewhere you will talk about for years to come.
How hard is Guadalupe Peak Trail?
Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although very strenuous, 8.5 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. It will take from six to eight hours to complete the hike. The peak provides fantastic views from the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet / 2,667 meters).
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.
Is Guadalupe Peak in Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is bounded by the Rio Grande, as it defines the U.S.-Mexico border, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts the highest peak in Texas and a canyon that I believe has the prettiest scenery in the state, especially in the fall.
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!