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Big Bend National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: Texas

Visit Official Park Website

šŸ“˜ Park Overview

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...

šŸŒ¤ Weather Information

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.

šŸš— 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.

Images

Blooming Cenizo

Cenizo, or Big Bend Silverleaf blossoms after summer rains.

Credit: NPS

Century Plant Agave

Century Plants bloom only once in their long lives.

Credit: NPS / C. Negele

Vermilion Flycatcher

Big Bend is home to over 450 species of birds!

Credit: NPS

Fascinating Geology

Volcanic features abound near Castolon

Credit: NPS / B. Trester

Desert Scenery

Big Bend is a prime example of Chihuahuan Desert

Credit: NPS

Santa Elena Canyon

Santa Elena Canyon

Credit: NPS / B. Trester

View from the South Rim of the Chisos

Big Bend is a place of expansive views

Credit: NPS

Rio Grande Scene

The Rio Grande serves as the park's southern boundary

Credit: NPS

Blooming Ocotillo

When ocotillo bloom, they transform the desert

Credit: NPS / B. Trester

Balanced Rock

The balanced rock is a popular day hiking destination.

Credit: NPS

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Admits one non-commercial motorcycle; valid for 7 days.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days.
$15.00
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).
$200.00
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.
$30.00
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
$100.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. For sedan with 1 to 6 seats, the fee is $30 + $15 per client. This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required.
$25.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
Big Bend National Park Annual Pass Covers entrance fees to Big Bend National Park. Pass is available at Big Bend National Park entrance stations or any visitor center. Good for one year from purchase date. Pass is non-transferable.
$55.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Wednesday, Jun 10

Sunny

Sunny

High: 99.1Ā°F | Low: 75.9Ā°F

Humidity: 40%

Wind: 15.2 mph

Rain Chance: 1%

UV Index: 13

Sunrise: 06:52 AM

Sunset: 08:51 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (15%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 74.7Ā°F

Cloud Cover: 1%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Jun 11

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 98.1Ā°F | Low: 78.2Ā°F

Humidity: 40%

Wind: 13 mph

Rain Chance: 57%

UV Index: 13

Sunrise: 06:52 AM

Sunset: 08:52 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (8%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 75.2Ā°F

Cloud Cover: 57%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Jun 12

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 93.8Ā°F | Low: 78.1Ā°F

Humidity: 46%

Wind: 21.5 mph

Rain Chance: 17%

UV Index: 10.7

Sunrise: 06:52 AM

Sunset: 08:52 PM

Moon: New Moon (3%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 73.4Ā°F

Cloud Cover: 17%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Big Bend is a NO DRONE Zone Information
The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.
Road Closures Park Closure
The road between Castolon and Santa Elena Canyon may have mud and shallow water on the roadway. Ā Please slow down, drive with caution, and if there is any doubt about your vehicleā€™s ability to handle the conditions encountered, do not proceed! Ā Black Gap Road remains closed due to 2025 flood damage. Please check current conditions at a visitor center before traveling any dirt roads in the park.
Bringing a Pet to Big Bend? Information
Bringing your pet to Big Bend National Park will limit some of your park explorations and opportunities. Pets are not allowed on park trails, in the backcountry, or on the river. Pets are allowed only where vehicles can go. Pets may not be left unattended

More Info

Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is open Friday-Monday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Information
Until further notice, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry will be open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. It will not change to winter hours at this time.
Pardon Our Dust: Chisos Basin Improvement Projects to Begin May 1, 2026 Information
Work on two large construction projects in the Chisos Basin will begin in May 2026 and continue for approximately two years. Major disruptions in visitor access to the Chisos Basin are expected during this time. Big Bend National Park will remain OPEN.

More Info

Park Telephone System Problems Information
Big Bend National Parkā€™s telephone system has had a malfunction in the voice mail system. Effective Monday, April 20, the parkā€™s automated answering system and voicemail recording system will become inoperable. If you have an emergency, dial 911. If you know your partyā€™s phone number, you should be able to dial directly, but you will not be able to leave a message. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to resolve the problem.
ROAD CLOSURE: Road between Castolon and Santa Elena Canyon Information
The last 8 miles of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, from Castolon to Santa Elena Canyon, are currently closed due to flooding. Please use caution when traveling in the area, as debris may be present in low-lying areas along roadways. Do not drive through flooded roads. Updates will be provided as conditions change.
Critical Water Shortage in Chisos Basin Information
Temporary Lodge Closure: The Chisos Basin is experiencing a critical water shortage following the failure of the Oak Spring pumps. Pump repairs are being expedited, with no timeline for restoration. The Lodge is closed until further notice. The Camp Store and Food Truck are open with reduced hours. The Basin Campground is open, but water is turned off. Drinking water is available at Panther Junction. Public restrooms in the Basin are closed and porta potties are in place. A charcoal fire ban is in place.

Park Events

Where the Water Was

Join Ranger Luke for a walk along the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail to learn about the ecology and history of the once mighty Rio Grande. Meet at the trailhead for the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.Ā  Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. 1 mile.Ā 

Location: Rio Grande Village Nature Trailhead

Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Jan 1, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Coffee with a Ranger

Got questions? Ideas? Thoughts about the park? Join a Park Ranger for a casual chat over a cup of coffee in the Chisos Basin Campground at the lower Window Trailhead. Coffee and mugs generously provided by the Big Bend Conservancy. Wheelchair accessible.

Location: Chisos Basin Campground at the lower Window Trailhead

Date: Jan 2, 2026 12:00am to Jan 2, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sunset Tour of the Chisos

Join Ranger Simon at end the day for a short hike where youā€™ll learn about the biology, geology, and history of the Chisos Basin. Meet at the Window View Trailhead. Wheelchair accessible. 0.3 mile.

Location: Window View Trailhead

Date: Jan 2, 2026 12:00am to Jan 2, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Stars Over Big Bend

Join Big Bend Rangers to observe and learn about the wonders of our solar system, galaxy, and universe! Telescopes will be available for viewing. Bring a camp chair (if youā€™d like) and wear warm clothing. Park at Panther Junction Visitor Center and wait for a ranger to walk you to the back of the building. Wheelchair accessible.

Location: Panther Junction Visitor Center

Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Where the Water Was

Join Ranger Luke for a walk along the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail to learn about the ecology and history of the once mighty Rio Grande. Meet at the trailhead for the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. 1 mile.

Location: Rio Grande Village Nature Trailhead

Date: Jan 4, 2026 12:00am to Jan 4, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sounds of Big Bend

Join Ranger Chris for a Nature Journaling Workshop and learn about the soundscapes of Big Bend. At the end of the program, learn how to create a sound map and use your sense of hearing to connect with the park. Meet at the Chisos BasinĀ Amphitheater. Wheelchair accessible.Ā 

Location: Chisos Basin Amphitheater

Date: Jan 4, 2026 12:00am to Jan 4, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Travel Back in Time

Join Ranger Nowell for a fun, hands-on Junior Ranger program exploring Big Bendā€™s ancient oceans, dinosaurs, and giant flying reptiles. Discover how fossils form, meet creatures from millions of years ago, and learn how to protect these incredible treasures. Meet at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit.

Location: Fossil Discovery Exhibit

Date: Jan 5, 2026 12:00am to Jan 5, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Whose Hole Is It?

Have you ever found a hole in the desert and wondered, ā€œWhat made that?ā€ Weā€™ll tell you! Come explore what lies beneath the surface and learn about the ways desert life has adapted to surviving the extremes of Big Bend country. Meet at the Rio Grande Village Amphitheater. Wheelchair accessible.

Location: Rio Grande Village Amphitheater

Date: Jan 5, 2026 12:00am to Jan 5, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

More Than a Boundary

Take a walk with Ranger Skyeler and explore how a river that divides two nations also ties together ecosystems and communities. Learn how wildlife relies on this desert lifeline and how its waters have supported human life throughout history. Meet at the trailhead for theĀ Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.Ā Bring water and sunscreen. 1 mile.

Location: Rio Grande Village Nature Trailhead

Date: Jan 6, 2026 12:00am to Jan 6, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Tuff Stuff

Join Ranger Chris for a canyon walk to discover signs of ancient volcanoes and learn about Big Bendā€™s geology. Meet at the Tuff Canyon Trailhead on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Bring water and sturdy shoes. 1-mile walk.Ā 

Location: Meet at the Tuff Canyon parking lot.

Date: Jan 7, 2026 12:00am to Jan 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

šŸ“ Physical Address:
1 Panther Junction
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834

šŸ¤ Mailing Address:
PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129

šŸ“ž Voice Phone: 432-477-2251

āœ‰ļø Email: bibe_info@nps.gov

Park Location

šŸ‘ Fun Fact
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