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Big Bend National Park
Plan Your Visit
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M. Hench |
Viewing the Chisos Mountains from the Chihuahuan Desert. |
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"He who drives in and drives out without letting the motor cool, may see, to be sure, some most interesting natural objects, but he will not know, and can never love, Big Bend."
-Freeman Tilden, 1945
Big Bend is one of the largest and least visited of America’s national parks. Over 801,000 acres await your exploration and enjoyment.
Something for everyone
Extensive paved roads allow for a quick look at the landscape, and over 150 miles of dirt roads provide for an more adventurous perspective. Hiking trails can be found along the river, in the desert, and in the Chisos Mountains; trail lengths vary from short dayhikes to multi-day backcountry hikes such as the difficult Marufo Vega and Outer Mountain Loop hikes.
Other possible activities in the park include (and are not limited to) birdwatching, bike riding, floating the river, and much more. Use the information in this section to plan ahead to make the most out of your Big Bend experience.
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| ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509030748im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509030748im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) |
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![Find a park map here! Find a park map here!](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509030748im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/BIBE_hi_bibe_map_promo.jpg) Park Maps Chart Your Course more... | | ![Cover of a recent issue of the park newspaper Cover of a recent issue of the park newspaper](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509030748im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/BIBE_hi_paisano.jpg) Park Newspaper Help plan your visit with the Big Bend Paisano! more... | | ![Hiking Hot Springs Canyon Hiking Hot Springs Canyon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509030748im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/BIBE_hi_rio-hiker.jpg) What to See and Do Suggested itineraries to help you make the most of your visit more... | | ![The Deadhorse Mountains The Deadhorse Mountains](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509030748im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/BIBE_hi_oldoreview.jpg) The Backcountry Big Bend's backcountry areas provide excellent opportunities for hiking, floating, and camping. more... | |
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![Amon Carter presenting President Roosevelt the deeds to Big Bend Amon Carter presenting President Roosevelt the deeds to Big Bend](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509030748im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/BIBE_dyk_dday.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
President Franklin Roosevelt received the deed to the property of the Big Bend on D-Day (June 6, 1944). The park was formally established six days later, and officially opened to visitors in July 1944.
more...
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Last Updated: February 08, 2008 at 17:25 EST |