š 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...
š¤ 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.
š 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
Cenizo, or Big Bend Silverleaf blossoms after summer rains.
Credit: NPS
Century Plants bloom only once in their long lives.
Credit: NPS / C. Negele
Big Bend is home to over 450 species of birds!
Credit: NPS
Volcanic features abound near Castolon
Credit: NPS / B. Trester
Big Bend is a prime example of Chihuahuan Desert
Credit: NPS
Santa Elena Canyon
Credit: NPS / B. Trester
Big Bend is a place of expansive views
Credit: NPS
The Rio Grande serves as the park's southern boundary
Credit: NPS
When ocotillo bloom, they transform the desert
Credit: NPS / B. Trester
The balanced rock is a popular day hiking destination.
Credit: NPS
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Feb 18
Sunny
High: 82.8Ā°F | Low: 60.3Ā°F
Humidity: 20%
Wind: 18.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.5
Sunrise: 07:29 AM
Sunset: 06:45 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 55.2Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Feb 19
Sunny
High: 74.5Ā°F | Low: 45Ā°F
Humidity: 18%
Wind: 17.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.6
Sunrise: 07:28 AM
Sunset: 06:45 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (3%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 46.8Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Feb 20
Sunny
High: 75Ā°F | Low: 48.6Ā°F
Humidity: 22%
Wind: 12.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.5
Sunrise: 07:27 AM
Sunset: 06:46 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (7%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 45.3Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (2)
Wind Advisory issued February 17 at 8:44PM MST until February 18 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Effective: Feb 17, 2026 10:44pm
Expires: Feb 18, 2026 1:30pm
* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE...Lea County, Davis Mountains, and Davis Mountains Foothills.
* WHEN...From 10 AM MST /11 AM CST/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM CST/ Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds may blow around unsecured objects.
Red Flag Warning issued February 17 at 8:36PM CST until February 18 at 8:00PM CST by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Effective: Feb 17, 2026 9:36pm
Expires: Feb 18, 2026 1:00pm
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING
FOR 20 FOOT WINDS OF 20 MPH OR GREATER, RELATIVE HUMIDITY AT OR
BELOW 15 PERCENT, AND VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER ACROSS GAINES COUNTY,
THE SOUTHEAST NEW MEXICO PLAINS, UPPER TRANS PECOS, VAN HORN
CORRIDOR, DAVIS MOUNTAINS, AND MARFA PLATEAU...
* WINDS...Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent.
* RFTI...6 or critical.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
* SEVERITY...
FUELS (ERC)...50th-69th percentile...3 (out of 5).
WEATHER...Near Critical...2 (out of 5).
FIRE ENVIRONMENT...5 (out of 10).
Park Alerts
Park Events
Tuff Stuff
Join Ranger Chris for a canyon walk to discover signs of ancient volcanoes and learn about Big Bendās geology.
Date: Dec 8, 2025 12:00am to Dec 8, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Design a Dino
Come explore the world of paleoart: How paleontologists and artists come together to imagine how prehistoric critters looked and lived millions of years ago and get the chance to create your own dinosaur! Program will involve a short walk through the fossil exhibit. Materials provided. 0.25 mile walk. Dress for the weather.
Location: Meet at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, eight miles north of Panther Junction Visitor Center on Hwy 385.
Date: Dec 9, 2025 12:00am to Dec 9, 2025 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. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. 1 mile walk.Ā
Location: Meet at the trailhead for the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.
Date: Dec 10, 2025 12:00am to Dec 10, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Remember the Alamo: The Tree That Made Texas
Come learn about the Cottonwood Tree! A very important tree for the people, plants and animals of the Big Bend Region.Ā
Date: Dec 11, 2025 12:00am to Dec 11, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Intro to the Chihuahuan Desert
Learn about the plants, animals, and people that make up North America's largest hot desert.
Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 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 youād like) and wear warm clothing. Meet at the Panther Junction Visitor Center and wait for the ranger to walk you around to the back of the building. Wheelchair accessible.
Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 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.Ā Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. 1 mile.Ā 60-90 minutes.Ā
Location: Park in the Rio Grande Village Amphitheater parking lot. Walk around the back loop of the campground to the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.
Date: Dec 17, 2025 12:00am to Dec 17, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Design a Dino
Come explore the world of paleoart: How paleontologistsĀ andĀ artists come together to imagine how prehistoric critters lookedĀ and lived millions of yearsĀ ago, and get the chance to create your own! Program will involveĀ aĀ short walk through the fossil exhibit. Materials provided. Meet at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, eight miles north of Panther Junction Visitor Center.Ā Dress for the weather, water is recommended.Ā Ā Ā¼-mile walk.Ā Ā
Location: Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Date: Dec 18, 2025 12:00am to Dec 18, 2025 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. 45 minutes.
Location: Chisos Basin Campground at the Lower Window Trailhead
Date: Dec 19, 2025 12:00am to Dec 19, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
From Sea to Desert
As dusk settles over the desert, explore the ancient depths of the Western Interior Seaway, witness the indelible footprint of indigenous peoples, and journey from frontier days to modern life in Big Bend National Park. Rio Grande Village Amphitheater. Wheelchair accessible.
Location: Rio Grande Village Amphitheater
Date: Dec 20, 2025 12:00am to Dec 20, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
š Physical Address:
1 Panther Junction
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
š¤ Mailing Address:
PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129
š Voice Phone: 432-477-2251
āļø Email: bibe_info@nps.gov