About Big Bend
There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country.
This magical place is Big Bend...
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Food · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Self-Guided Tours - Auto · Hiking · Backcountry Hiking · Front-Country Hiking
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- Lost Mine Trail4.8 mi
- Santa Elena Canyon Trail1.6 mi
- Chisos Basin Loop5.0 mi
- Boquillas Canyon Trail1.4 mi
- Emory Peak Trail10.2 mi
Camping
Approximately 150 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (October – April).
Best time to visit
Peak season: October – April. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Big Bend is in the Chihuahuan Desert. Sunshine is abundant year-round. Spring (March) is typically warm and pleasant and is the park's busiest season. Summer heat begins in May. It is extremely HOT. Temperatures vary greatly between the desert which is usually well above 100 degrees F by late morning, and the Chisos Mountains, which can be 10-15 degrees cooler.
May - August are the hottest months. Fall and Winter (Nov-Feb) are mild and pleasant, but some freezing does occur. Snow is rare.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.$30
- Entrance - Per Person — Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days.$15
- Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — Companies conducting business in the park are required to obtain a commercial use authorization. The only exception is companies travelling in a 26-person capacity or greater vehicle; such vehicles are charged a flat fee of $200 (commercial use authorization not required).$200
- Entrance - Non-commercial Groups — Organized groups such as Scouts, clubs, etc. that do not qualify for an academic fee waiver are charged as follows: $30 per non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 15 or less. $15 per person traveling in a non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more. Fees will not exceed the commercial rate for the same sized vehicle. Youth 15 and younger are free. Individuals or families with a valid annual or lifetime pass may use their pass for themselves and up to 3 others.$30
- Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/management/cua.htm$100
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: El Paso, TX. Park center: 29.250°, -103.250°.
Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip.
There are no electric vehicle charging stations in Big Bend National Park. The closest EV charging station is 130 miles away in Fort Stockton.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Big Bend National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Per Person: $15. Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $200.
When is the best time to visit Big Bend?
Peak season is October – April. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Big Bend is in the Chihuahuan Desert. Sunshine is abundant year-round. Spring (March) is typically warm and pleasant and is the park's busiest season. Summer heat begins in May. It is extremely HOT. Temperatures vary greatly between the desert which is usually well above 100 degrees F by late morning, and the Chisos Mountains, which can be 10-15 degrees cooler.
Can you camp in Big Bend National Park?
Yes — about 150 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Big Bend National Park?
El Paso, TX is the nearest major city. Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip.
What are the best hikes in Big Bend?
Popular trails include Lost Mine Trail (4.8 mi), Santa Elena Canyon Trail (1.6 mi), Chisos Basin Loop (5.0 mi), Boquillas Canyon Trail (1.4 mi). The park has roughly 150 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.