Cenizo, or Big Bend Silverleaf blossoms after summer rains.
Photo: NPS
About
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...
Location
1 Panther Junction
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle$30.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$200.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$30.00
Hours
wednesdayAll Day
mondayAll Day
thursdayAll Day
sunday
Activities
Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingCampingBackcountry CampingFoodGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingPaddlingCanoeingCanoe or Kayak Camping
Directions
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.
Get directions →Weather
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.