Big Bend National Park-Everything You Need To Know

Big Bend National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Texas. This landscape covers an immense area of 800,000 acres. The presence of various terrains, from Chisos Mountain to Chihuahuan Desert, opens the door to various fun activities. You can relish the taste of hiking on the mountains. There are 150 miles of hiking trails, and you can choose your trail according to your skill and interest.

The elevation range of the park is about 1,800 feet above sea level in the Chisos Basin to 8,000 feet at Emory Peak. Emory Peak is the highest elevation. Big Bend is famous for the longest fossilized dinosaur trackway in the world. In 2022, it was recorded as the 37th most visited National Park in the USA.

How to Get There 

Major Highways

• Interstate 10 from Houston, San Antonio, or Austin
• Interstate 20 from Dallas and Midland-Odessa
• State Highway 90 via Del Rio

Nearest Airport

The nearest airport is in Midland-Odessa, which is 235 miles away from the park headquarters.

Food and Accommodation 

The Chisos Mountain Lodge 

The Chisos Mountain Lodge will provide you with different accommodation options, like hotel units, motel rooms, and Roosevelt Stone Cottage. Their service is praiseworthy, and the view around the lodge is pleasant. The mountain view from the balcony is breathtaking.

The Chisos Mountain Lodge Restaurant 

There is only one lodge and, of course, one restaurant. They will give you everything for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They even offer sandwich packs for hiking or if you just want to carry something before you start your visit in the morning. The food is good, and the price is reasonable.

Campgrounds

• Chisos Basin Campground
• Rio Grande Village Campground
• Cottonwood Campground
• Rio Grande Village RV Park

Best Places for Photography

• Chisos Mountain Lodge
• Basin Road
• Big Bend Tunnel near Rio Grande Overlook
• Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
• Santa Elena Canyon

Best Time to Visit

Winter 

Big Bend belongs to the desert and mountains. So, considering the temperature, winter is the best time to visit Big Bend National Park. From November to February, the temperature is mild, and the days are dry and sunny. Sometimes the temperature can fluctuate and become very cold, and light snow can be found. The air is cold in the valley of Rio Grande, and the air is warm at the higher elevation of Chisos Basin. During the winter vacation, the park becomes fuller, so I recommend making your reservation in advance.

Spring

 I also prefer spring to visit Big Bend National Park, as the days are not very hot like summer, and the nights are not very cold like winter. The average temperature of Big Bend in March is estimated at 75°F. It is quite comfortable for outdoor activities. Spring is again a busy season in the park due to spring vacation. College-going kids and families are found to enjoy their vacation at this time. In early April, you will find bluebonnet flowers.

Summer 

Summer is very hot in Big Bend National Park. The temperature rises to 100°F during the day. The morning and evening are much better than the day, which remains at the lower 70s°F. The temperature is cooler at the elevation of Chisos Mountain. The precipitation range is also low, and sometimes there is a possibility of flash floods.

Things to do in Big Bend National Park

Hike Santa Elena Canyon 

It’s a 1.7-mile round trip from the edge of Rio Grande River to Santa Elena Canyon. There are 1,500 feet high walls around the river. When the water level is low, the canyon is visible even from the far end of the trail.

Camping  

Big Bend National Park is known as the National Dark Sky Park. The fresh air and twinkling stars will give you a divine vibe. Camping will also give you the opportunity to watch some wildlife. The Cottonwood Campground will provide you with the chance to see the birds. January to April is the peak season in the park. So, make your reservation accordingly.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive 

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive starts from Panther Junction Road and ends at Santa Elena Canyon. This is a 30-mile-long road and will give you the most spectacular experience in Big Bend. Various landscapes, the overlook, and hiking trails will make the drive outstanding. The Mule Ear Spring Trail will lead you to the view of a wonderful desert spring.

Visiting Fossil Discovery Exhibit 

The exhibit will reveal the ancient life of Big Bend around 130 million years of geological time. It is located at Persimmon Gap Entrance Road, which is 8 miles north of Panther Junction. You can learn about the changes in flora and fauna. Fossils and artworks are found there for exhibition as well. Families with kids will be fascinated by the fossil-themed climbing structure.

Enjoying the View of Emory Peak 

This is the highest peak of Big Bend National Park, which is 7,625 feet high. It’s a strenuous and adventurous hike. You need to be experienced in hiking to enjoy this tough one. However, if you manage to reach 2,522 feet through a 10.4-mile round trip, the view is incredible there.

Soaking in the Hot Spring 

Relaxing in the historic hot spring is a popular activity in Big Bend. You can enjoy the warm water with a beautiful surrounding view. If the water feels too hot, you can cool down in the natural tub of the Rio Grande River, which is situated on the edge. The hiking trail to the spring is an easy and short trail of 0.5 miles round trip.

Canoe Trip on the Rio Grande River 

If you are not a hiking person but want to enjoy the scenic view of the Rio Grande River surroundings along with Santa Elena Canyon, a canoe trip is the best option for you. Rio Grande is one of the largest rivers in North America. The soothing sound and stillness of the water can give you a divine feel. You can also experience wildlife such as kingfishers, turtles, and beavers. You can plan your tour from one day to multiple days.

Hiking in different trails 

There are different hiking trails available for hikers ranging from day-long easy walks to strenuous backpacking. Here are some popular hiking trails:

• Chisos Basin Loop Trail
• Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
• Boquilla Canyon Trail
• Lost Mine Trail
• Window Trail
• South Rim Trail

Final Words 

Big Bend National Park is less visited compared to other popular national parks. So, the parking lot and other reservations are expected to be less busy, but when planning your trip, keep in mind the vacation times. Vacation time is the peak time in the park, so make your reservations accordingly.

Hiking experts can take full advantage of their skills, as there are various hiking trails and most are available for visitors. A family trip will also be incredible, as there are different spots and activities to enjoy. The temperature is high in summer, which is why I suggest planning your trip in winter or spring.