Big Bend National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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Park News

Ken Burn's National Parks series, international Chihuahuan desert protections, new Department of Homeland Security ID requirements for river trips, Musco Lighting installs efficient LEDs in the park.
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"A land of strong beauty—
often savage and always imposing."

Sometimes considered "three parks in one," Big Bend includes mountain, desert, and river environments. An hour’s drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. Here, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States, and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and solitude.
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Park Ranger answering questions about desert plants

Plan Your Trip

Lodging in the park
Campgrounds
Traveling to Big Bend: Directions, Maps, Arriving after dark
Other ways to stay: Backpacking, and Permit-only primitive roadside camping
Reservations: Campgrounds, Lodging
Regulations: Laws & Policies, Compendium
Your Safety | Visiting a border area
Things to know before you come | Brochures
Activities/things to do, Ranger-led Activities

How NOT to die in the Desert

With over 800,000 acres of remote desert and mountains, visitors to Big Bend can wander and explore to their hearts’ content. But with this freedom comes risk. Every year, park staff must rescue hikers who either underestimate the terrain and/or temperatures or overestimate their own abilities. This environment is not forgiving; hikers have died here after going just a few hours without water.
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Explore Big Bend's backcountry

Big Bend's river, desert, and mountain environments provide a multitude of backcountry experiences. Primitive dirt roads offer remote car camping; the Rio Grande offers single and multi-day float trips through majestic canyons; the Chisos Mountains offer a high-altitude retreat from the desert, and open-zone camping offers limitless desert exploration.
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Overlooking the Rio Grande at Boquillas Canyon

Big Bend and the Border: Is it safe?

In addition to defining the curve that forms the Big Bend, the Rio Grande also serves as the international boundary between the United States and Mexico. Throughout much of its history the border along the Rio Grande has often been fluid, allowing people of both countries to come and go as needed. However, the border is an artificial boundary imposed on the natural environment, and as such is subject to political and social pressures. Visitors often ask if the border is safe; the following pages explore what you need to know when visiting a border area.
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Write to

PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834

Phone

Visitor Information
(432) 477-2251

Weather Information Hotline
(432) 477-1183

Fax

(432) 477-1175

Climate

Fall and spring are usually warm and pleasant. Summers are hot, although temperatures vary greatly between the desert floor and the Chisos Mountains; May and June are the hottest months. Afternoon and evening rains often cool the desert from July to October. Winters are generally mild, although periods of cold weather (including light snow or ice) are possible. Winter visitors must prepare for a variety of conditions.
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