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National park · Terlingua, Texas
Big Bend National Park
Park at the big bend of the Rio Grande, on the border with Mexico, featuring the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, hot springs and more than 160 km of river.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, established in 1944, protects about 3,200 km² of the Chihuahuan Desert at the big bend of the Rio Grande, which marks the border with Mexico. It is one of the least-visited and most remote national parks in the United States, with desert, river and mountain landscapes in the same place.
In the center of the park the Chisos Mountains rise to over 2,300 meters and host oak and pine forests, cooler than the surrounding desert. The Chisos Basin has a visitor center and trails such as the Window, which ends at an opening in the rocks overlooking the desert. To the east, along the river, are hot springs at the ruins of an old bathhouse.
The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive descends to Santa Elena Canyon, and trails and dirt roads lead to other river canyons. The park’s sky is recognized as one of the darkest in the country. There is an entrance fee and some national parks charge an additional fee for foreign visitors; check the park’s website.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to three days.
Best time
October to April; in summer favor the Chisos Mountains, which are cooler, and the early hours of the day.
How to get there
From Terlingua about 40 km to the Panther Junction visitor center. From Alpine about 170 km. There is no public transportation.
Tip
Bring water and food: services inside the park are few. Cell signal is rare. Do not cross the river except at an official border crossing.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Big Bend National Park
Is there an entrance fee for Big Bend National Park?
Yes, there is an entrance fee, charged per vehicle or per person. Check the park website for current rates.
What is the best trail in Big Bend National Park?
For a first visit, try the Window Trail in the Chisos Basin and the Santa Elena Canyon trail, which is short and flat.
Can you go to Mexico from Big Bend National Park?
There is an official border crossing in the park, with its own rules, hours, and required documents depending on your nationality; check the park website before you go.