Big bend

Quick Facts | Top Experiences | Best time to Visit | Guides

Big Bend National Park, which many consider to be Texas‘ last frontier, is one of the most remote National Parks in the lower 48. With the Rio Grande and Canyons, Chihuahuan Desert, and Chisos Mountains, you essentially have three completely different ecosystems all within one park.

Big Bend Quick Facts

Native Lands: Jumanos, Chiso, Coahuiltecan, Mescalero Apache, Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa. (Native Land Digital)

Founded: June 12, 1944

Annual Visitors: 561,459 visitors in 2024.

Size: 800,000 acres

Location: Texas

Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

Notable Fact: Big Bend is the only US National Park that contains an entire mountain range (the Chisos Mountains) within its boundaries.

Top Experiences in Big Bend

Hike the Lost Mine Trail
Canoe down the Rio Grande
Soak in the Hot Springs
Get tacos for lunch in Boquillas, Mexico
Hike the Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Hike the South Rim Trail – the trail that inspired the founders to create Big Bend National Park
View the Milky Way Galaxy

Best Time to Visit Big Bend

The best season to visit Big Bend National Park is November through April. Temperatures are cool to mild in the desert, so the park is accessible without as much concern for heat exhaustion. Keep in mind temperatures are about 20 degrees lower in Chisos Basin than in the rest of the park.