Big Bend National Park
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 diversity of species is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...
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.
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Fishing
- Food
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Paddling
- Canoeing
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Kayaking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Archeology
- Ruins
- Aviation
- Farming and Agriculture
- Ranches
- Hispanic American Heritage
- Industry
- Mining
- Latino American Heritage
- Military
- Cavalry
- US Air Force (Army Air Corps)
- Native American Heritage
- Transportation
- Roads, Routes and Highways
- Animals
- Birds
- Fish
- Canyons and Canyonlands
- Fossils and Paleontology
- Dinosaur
- Geology
- Geothermal
- Hot Springs
- Mountains
- Natural Sounds
- Night Sky
- River and Riparian
- Scenic Views
- Trails
- Unique Species
- Endangered
Blooming Cenizo
Cenizo, or Big Bend Silverleaf blossoms after summer rains.
Century Plant Agave
Century Plants bloom only once in their long lives.
Vermilion Flycatcher
Big Bend is home to over 450 species of birds!
Fascinating Geology
Volcanic features abound near Castolon
Desert Scenery
Big Bend is a prime example of Chihuahuan Desert
Santa Elena Canyon
Santa Elena Canyon
View from the South Rim of the Chisos
Big Bend is a place of expansive views
Rio Grande Scene
The Rio Grande serves as the park's southern boundary
Blooming Ocotillo
When ocotillo bloom, they transform the desert
Balanced Rock
The balanced rock is a popular day hiking destination.
Top of the Lost Mine Trail
Hiking the Lost Mine Trail affords many amazing views.
Chisos Mountains
The Chisos Mountains rise above the desert