801,163 acres
Park Size
581,220
Annual Visitors
150 mi
Trail Miles
200
Campsites
About Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park protects more than 801,000 acres of remote Chihuahuan Desert wilderness in southwest Texas. The park's name comes from the large bend in the Rio Grande that forms the park's southern boundary. With over 150 miles of trails and some of the darkest night skies in the country, Big Bend offers solitude and adventure for those willing to make the journey. The park contains more species of birds, bats, and cacti than any other national park.
Park Highlights
- Santa Elena Canyon
- Chisos Basin
- Emory Peak
- Hot Springs
- Rio Grande
- Window Trail
Activities
Wildlife
Visitor Information
$30
Entrance Fee
Spring, Fall
Best Seasons
Visitor Tips
- Fill up on gas before entering - no services for 100+ miles
- Summers are extremely hot in the desert
- Chisos Basin is 20 degrees cooler than the desert floor
- Book backcountry permits for river canyons in advance
Location
Official Resources
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