National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Big Bend National ParkRuins of the Mariscal Mine
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Big Bend National Park
Environmental Factors
 
Sunset through The Window
Dr. William B. Winborn
Sunset through The Window
 
There is a certain something that pulls us to places like Big Bend National Park.  Whether it is viewing your first night sky, experiencing a float down the river, enjoying a scenic overlook, or simply being here, memories of Big Bend and its environment are oftentimes the strongest.

Unfortunately a number of issues are negatively affecting many of these special experiences.  In the coming years, we hope that interest from the visiting public and concern for the longterm stability of park resources will shape how this park is managed.

BRAVO study
Air Quality in Big Bend
Learn more about recent studies into air quality issues in the Big Bend.
more...
Hikers along the South Rim Trail  

Did You Know?
In Big Bend's first year of operation as a national park (1944), only 1,409 visitors entered the park. In 2005 a record 400,947 visitors entered the park. In recent years annual visitation has averaged around 350,000 annually.
more...

Last Updated: March 04, 2007 at 08:44 EST