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Big Bend National ParkPaddling along the Rio Grande
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Big Bend National Park
The Chisos Basin Area
 
The Basin, as viewed from Casa Grande Peak.
NPS/Big Bend National Park
The Basin, as viewed from Casa Grande Peak.
 
Ringed by massive cliffs and superlative views, the Chisos Basin is located in the center of Big Bend NP. Here, you will find the only restaurant and lodging within the entire park. A National Park Service visitor center and a camper's store are also located here. A campground is located a short distance from the Basin developed area.

Elevation
5,400 feet (1,646 meters)

Services and Facilities
A 60-site Class A campground is located in the lower portion of the developed area. An outdoor ampitheatre is located adjacent to the campground. In the upper developed area a visitor center, camper store and resturant are also located here.

 
What to do
Numerous trails begin in the basin; ranging from dayhikes to much longer backcountry trails, there is something for everyone. The .3 mile Window View Trail provides an excellent place to watch sunset and view the mountains. The number of services here, including the lodge, also provide ample opportunites to relax and enjoy yourself.
Hikers on the Boot Canyon Trail
Dayhikes in the Chisos Basin
Take a hike in the mountains!
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Logo of the CCC
The CCC in Big Bend
Find out more about the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Big Bend
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Bird-watching
Bird-watching
Where to see the best birds in Big Bend.
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A mountain lion on the prowl
Mountain lions
Big Bend is cougar country!
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Sotol grasslands  

Did You Know?
Sotol is a plant found in the middle elevations of Big Bend National Park. The sotol plant is a crowded cluster of ribbonlike leaves up to three feet long, with sawtooth margins. In April and May, the plants produce a stalk 10-20 feet high which gives sotol a second name - Desert Candle.
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Last Updated: August 24, 2006 at 17:00 EST