National Park
Big Bend National Park
- South
- 9 hikes
- 6 places to see
- 2 current alerts
Current alerts
-
Notice
Big Bend is a NO DRONE Zone
The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.
-
Notice
Bringing your pet to Big Bend National Park will limit some of your park explorations and opportunities. Pets are not allowed on park trails, in the backcountry, or on the river. Pets are allowed only where vehicles can go. Pets may not be left unattended
From the National Park Service, as of November 1, 2026, 5:14 am. Check nps.gov before you go.
About Big Bend
There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- South
- State
- Texas
- Designation
- National Park
- Entrance fee
- $30, private vehicle
- Hikes on this page
- 9
- Places to see
- 6
- Articles
- 1
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Big Bend.
Entrance fees
- $30 Private Vehicle Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.
- $15 Per Person
- $25 Motorcycle
- $30 Non-commercial Groups
Passes
- $55 Annual Entrance - Park
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, every day.
Big Bend National Park is always open. You can enter and exit at any time of the day or night. Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year.
Weather and when to go
Big Bend is in the Chihuahuan Desert. Sunshine is abundant year-round. Spring (March) is typically warm and pleasant and is the park's busiest season. Summer heat begins in May. It is extremely HOT. Temperatures vary greatly between the desert which is usually well above 100 degrees F by late morning, and the Chisos Mountains, which can be 10-15 degrees cooler. May - August are the hottest months. Fall and Winter (Nov-Feb) are mild and pleasant, but some freezing does occur. Snow is rare.
Getting there
Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip. There are no electric vehicle charging stations in Big Bend National Park. The closest EV charging station is 130 miles away in Fort Stockton.
- Gateway towns
- Terlingua, TX · Alpine, TX
- Nearest airports
- Midland International Airport (MAF) · El Paso International Airport (ELP)
Contact the park
- Address
- 1 Panther Junction, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
- Phone
- (432) 477-2251
- bibe_info@nps.gov
- Official site
- nps.gov/bibe
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Big Bend
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Where to stay for Big Bend
The gateway towns, closest first. Add your dates in the planner to search for your own nights.
-
Terlingua, TX Closest
-
Alpine, TX
-
Guided tours and trips
National Park Getaways participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Things to do in Big Bend
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
-
Backpacking Big Bend
Big Bend National Park is a backpacker's paradise. For those who come prepared, there are hundreds of miles of trails, and vast expanses to explore.
-
Get a Big Bend Passport Stamp
Are you a "Passport to Your National Parks" cancellation collector? Big Bend National Park has a cancellation stamp to commemorate your visit in your passport book.
-
Big Bend Junior Rangers
Big Bend National Park invites young visitors to become official Junior Rangers.
-
View the Night Sky
Far away from most city lights, Big Bend National Park preserves pristine darkness. Take this chance to stargaze, and experience the half of the park that many of us miss - nightt…
-
List of Hiking Trails in Big Bend
Hiking trails
-
See the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is accessible from a number of places in Big Bend National Park, and a variety of hiking trails provide even further opportunities to get up close and personal with…
-
Hike the Lost Mine Trail
The Lost Mine Trail climbs to the side of Lost Mine Peak, offering spectacular views of Juniper Canyon and the Northeast Rim of the Chisos.
-
Hike Into Santa Elena Canyon
The trail begins at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon, and is one of the prettiest short trails in the park. The trail crosses Terlingua Creek, takes…
-
Visit Boquillas, Mexico
Visiting the small village of Boquillas, Mexico through the park's Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is an option for visitors possessing a valid passport.
Places to see
Campgrounds in Big Bend
Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.
-
Chisos Basin Campground
The Chisos Basin Campground is nestled in an open woodland within a scenic mountain basin. Campers enjoy the iconic views of Casa Grande and Emory Peak. The su…
-
Rio Grande Village Campground
Set in a grove of cottonwoods and acacia trees, the Rio Grande Village Campground is located near the Rio Grande. Elevation: 1,850 feet. Paved roads connect ea…
-
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood Campground is a quiet oasis in the western corner of Big Bend National Park. Reservations are required. Conveniently located between the Castolon Hi…
-
Rio Grande Village RV
Open, paved lot with grassy, tree-lined edges. Adjacent to the Rio Grande Village camp store. This campground, operated by Aramark, has the only full hook-ups…
Reading about Big Bend
What to pack for Big Bend
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
The shop
