This huge park encompasses 801,163 acres of magnificent
contrasts. Visitors can travel from the Rio Grande with its
spectacular canyons and jungle-like flood plain up through
Chihuahuan Desert, which constitutes majority of the park, to
Chisos Mountains with cool woodlands. Its variation in elevation
and temperature makes Big Bend an ideal year-round park. The desert
areas are very challenging in the summer. The Chisos Basin is at an
elevation of 5,400 feet and trails go higher from there, thus
temperatures are relatively moderate even in summer with low
humidity. The basin and higher Chisos offer backpacking, day hiking
on numerous trails, wildlife watching, camping, hotels,
restaurants, and ranger programs throughout the summer.
May and June average high temperatures in the Chisos Mountains
are in the 80s but can reach 95 degrees. With a diversity of
Mexican and American plants, more than 1,200 plant types are found
in the park. Animal life is just as varied. Desert wildlife is
mostly nocturnal, but deer, coyotes, javelinas, gray fox, skunks,
raccoons, and jackrabbits might be seen during the day. Lucky
visitors might spot some of the rarer animals, such as ringtail,
black bear, beaver and mountain lion. More than 450 bird species
have been identified—more than at any other national park.
One hundred million years ago, this area was ocean. And 65
million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the area.
It is a vast land that invites exploration, not a park that can
be seen in just a few hours. More than 201 miles of trails range
from short, easy nature walks to primitive trails for experienced
hikers. More than 100 miles of paved roads and about 170 miles of
dirt roads are in the park; check with any ranger for current
conditions of all primitive, back country and graded roads before
attempting travel.
A permit is required for all back country and primitive camping;
also for all river users. Free permits may be obtained at park
visitor centers.
Pet owners take note: Pets are not permitted on any trail and
must be kept on leash at all times. In fact, pets aren’t allowed
outside developed areas: campgrounds and roadsides. Also, because
of wild animals roaming the park, do not leave any pet unattended,
and because of extreme heat, do not leave pets locked in cars. It’s
best to leave your pets at home.
Rangers present walks and illustrated talks throughout the
year.
Basic facilities in the park include visitor centers, post
office, National Park Service campgrounds, a trailer park,
store-gas stations, and a restaurant-gift shop-lodge in the Chisos
Mountains Basin. Lodging is available in 58 motel-type rooms and
eight lodge-type units, plus six more rustic cottages—all located
in the Basin area of the park. Advance reservations are strongly
advised throughout the year, especially around holidays and during
spring break. Write Chisos Mountains Lodge, Basin Rural Station,
Big Bend National Park, Texas 79834. 432/477-2291.
For more information, write Superintendent, Big Bend National
Park, Texas 79834, or call 432/477-2251.
Big Bend National Park Visitor Centers offer information, maps,
literature, and exhibits about the area. Visitor center in lobby of
Park Headquarters at Panther Junction open year-round, 8 a.m. - 6
p.m. Visitor centers in Chisos Basin and Persimmon Gap open
year-round 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and at Rio Grande Village open
seasonally 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Castolon Visitors Center is located in the Castolon Historic
Compound next to La Harmonia Store along the Ross Maxwell Scenic
Drive. Open daily Nov. - Apr. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 432/477-2666.
The national park is accessible from Marathon via U.S. 385 (70
miles), from Alpine via Texas 118 (108 miles), and from
Marfa/Presidio via U.S. 67 and F.M. 170 (156 miles). Admission
fee.