How to Enjoy Big Bend National Park

Situated on the "big bend" of the Rio Grande River that separates the United States from Mexico, Big Bend National Park showcases 800,000 acres of natural wonders. Spectacular mountains and canyons, paleontological and archaeological treasures, Native American history and some of the best birding in the country are only a few of the special features the park offers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Reservations
• Maps
• Maps
• Trail Guides
• Trail guides
• Car
• Binoculars
• Binoculars
• Cameras
• Cameras
• Hiking Boots
• Sunscreen

1. Decide when to go. Early spring (March and April) is the busiest season, and the time when birding, viewing wildflowers and hiking are best and most comfortable. Temperatures can soar to 120 degrees F along the river in summer, and winter can be quite cool.
2. Choose your transportation. The park is in an isolated area of Texas, with the nearest major airports (Midland/Odessa and El Paso) 200 to 300 miles away. You can take Amtrak to Alpine, Texas, 100 miles from the park and rent a car, or drive to the park in your own vehicle.
3. Decide where to stay. Campgrounds cannot be reserved in advance, and fill on a first-come, first-served basis. The Chisos Mountain Lodge is local within the park, and there are several lodging options in the Chisos Basin, including motels and cottages.
4. Stop at one of the visitors centers at Chisos Basin, Panther Junction, Persimmon Gap or Rio Grande Village. The Big Bend Natural History Association has a great selection of books, and you can get trail maps, see exhibits and learn about the park.
5. Ride your bike. There are more than 100 paved trails in the park, and 160 miles of unpaved backcountry roads provide a bigger challenge. Make your ride easier by hooking up with a shuttle that will pick you and your bike up at the end of your ride.
6. Go for a hike. More than 200 miles of hiking trails are inside the park, and they'll take you through parts of the Chihuahuan Desert, along the Rio Grande or into the Chisos Mountains.
7. Stay up late. Thousands of stars and streaking meteorites make sky watching a popular diversion, especially in winter. You can also watch local wildlife emerging for a night of hunting, or soak in the warm water at Hot Springs while stargazing.
8. Go birding. Big Bend is one of North America's premier birding destinations. More than 450 species of birds have been recorded here, including the rare Colima Warbler, which wanders over the border from Mexico. The best time to bird is mid-April to mid-May.
9. See the historic sites. These include the Castolon Historic District (be sure to visit the La Harmonia Company Store) and the Hot Springs Historic District, where you can see rock art and buildings from long ago, as well as soak in the bubbling springs.
10. Cross the border. A ferryboat will take you across the river, then it's a 1-mile trek (or mule ride) to the village of Boquillas. Or, you can go by rowboat to Santa Elena.
11. Consider many of the other activities offered in Big Bend. These include river float trips, fishing, guided ranger-led activities, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and rock climbing.

Tips & Warnings

• To contact the park directly, write to Big Bend National Park, P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, or call [phone].
• Because of the many predators within the park, you're urged to leave pets at home. If you bring a pet into the park, the animal must be on a leash at all times and cannot be on trails, off roads or on the river.
• You'll need a permit for backcountry camping. Permits are free and may be obtained at the visitors center up to 24 hours in advance.
• Border crossings are not official ports of entry, and the National Park Service reminds you that you cross at your own risk. All vehicles left by the river should be locked, with no valuables left inside.
• Dangers that lurk within the park include extreme heat in summer, poisonous snakes, scorpions, spiders, centipedes, mountain lions and bears.
• Swimming in the Rio Grande is considered unsafe due to polluted water and strong undercurrents. Watch your step and use common sense when exploring the park at any time of year.
• Picking up and taking any natural or historical object from the park is prohibited.

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