National Park Guide

Big Bend National Park

Texas, US

A vast wilderness where the Rio Grande carves through ancient desert mountains in remote West Texas.

801,163

Acres

Trails

1944

Established

450,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

$30 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF), 4 hours

Best Months

October, November, March

Highlights

Santa Elena Canyon
Emory Peak summit hike
Window Trail sunset views
Hot springs along the Rio Grande
International border crossing to Boquillas del Carmen

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Big Bend National Park

Emory Peak Trail

Strenuous

10.5 miles round trip

2,500 ft gain

Lost Mine Trail

Moderate

4.8 miles round trip

1,100 ft gain

Santa Elena Canyon Trail

Easy

1.6 miles round trip

80 ft gain

Window Trail

Easy

5.6 miles round trip

800 ft gain

South Rim Trail

Strenuous

12.0 miles round trip

2,000 ft gain

About Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park encompasses over 800,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert, rugged mountain terrain, and lush riverside habitats along the Rio Grande. The park features the Chisos Mountains rising to over 7,800 feet, dramatic river canyons including Santa Elena and Boquillas, and incredible biological diversity with over 1,200 plant species. Its remote location in far West Texas makes it one of the least visited yet most rewarding national parks.

In-Depth Guide

Big Bend Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Big Bend National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Texas's remote desert wilderness.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

3 options near Big Bend National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa

$$$

Luxury 4-star resort between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park featuring world-class golf, full-service spa, equestrian center, and Old West themed rooms.

30 min drive$250-500/night

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Paisano Village RV Park & Inn

Rustic-themed accommodations near Study Butte with complimentary WiFi and free parking, offering an authentic West Texas experience just minutes from Big Bend.

25 min drive$140-220/night

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Big Bend Station

Charming 2-star property in Terlingua with an on-site restaurant, free WiFi and parking, providing a convenient basecamp for Big Bend exploration.

20 min drive$100-180/night

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Compare Big Bend National Park

See how Big Bend National Park stacks up against other national parks

Big Bend National Park vs Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Choose Big Bend for sheer variety with desert, river, and mountain ecosystems. Choose Guadalupe Mountains for challenging peak hikes, fall foliage, and the most solitary experience.

See full comparison