Big Bend National Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Big Bend National Park, located in the stunning region of Brewster County, Texas, is a true haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This awe-inspiring national park boasts a wide range of breathtaking landscapes, from rugged mountains and deep canyons to serene rivers and vast desert expanses. Spanning over 800,000 acres, Big Bend offers endless opportunities for exploration and unforgettable experiences.

One of the most iconic features of Big Bend National Park is its namesake, the mighty Rio Grande. This majestic river winds through the park, providing visitors with the chance to embark on unforgettable river adventures. Whether you choose to take a leisurely float down the tranquil waters or brave the thrilling rapids, the Rio Grande promises an exhilarating experience surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

For those who prefer to stay on land, Big Bend National Park offers an extensive network of hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience. From leisurely strolls along the peaceful nature trails to challenging treks through the rugged mountain ranges, there is a trail for every adventurer. As you explore the park on foot, you'll encounter an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including the elusive mountain lions and black bears that call this place home.

Big Bend National Park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 450 species of birds recorded in the area. Grab your binoculars and head to one of the designated birding spots, where you'll have the chance to observe a dazzling array of colorful feathered creatures, including the magnificent roadrunner and the iconic golden eagle.

As the sun sets over the vast desert landscape, don't miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking night sky that blankets Big Bend National Park. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, this remote location offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Marvel at the countless stars that light up the night sky, and if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of a shooting star streaking across the horizon.

Alternative names: Area: 1193.54 mi²Visitors per year: 463.8 thous. (2019)Elevation: 5679 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 29°17'30"N, 103°13'48"W

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TexasUnited States

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Big Bend National Park Top Attractions

Big Bend National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Big Bend National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Emory Peak, Daniels Farm House, Trans-Pecos Volcanic Field, Hot Springs. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Park • Mountain
Emory Peak
Emory Peak, located in Big Bend National Park, is the highest peak in the Chisos Mountains and the highest in Brewster County. The peak is named for William H. Emory, the chief surveyor of the U.S. Boundary Survey team of 1852.
29°11'9"N • 102°58'19"W
Daniels Farm House
The Daniels Farm House represents one of the last vestiges of West Texas pioneer farming in Big Bend National Park, Texas. Most of the small-scale farms in the Big Bend area quickly fell into ruin after the park was established in 1944.
Volcano
Trans-Pecos Volcanic Field
The Trans-Pecos Volcanic Field is a volcanic field located in western Texas in the counties of Brewster, Jeff Davis, Presidio, and extends into northern Mexican states of Chihuahua and Coahuila. It is the southernmost volcanic field to be documented and recorded in the continental United States.

29°10'39"N • 102°59'56"W
Hot Springs
Hot Springs, also known as Boquillas Hot Springs, and Langford Hot Springs is a former thermal spring resort in what is now Big Bend National Park in Texas. Hot Springs was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Interesting neighbourhood • Neighbourhood
Mariscal Mine
The Mariscal Mine, also known as the Lindsey Mine and the Ellis Mine, was a source of cinnabar ore that was refined at the Texas site into mercury. The mine is located in what is now Big Bend National Park.
29°12'56"N • 103°32'6"W
Luna Jacal
The Luna Jacal or Luna's Jacal was the residence of Gilberto Luna, a Mexican pioneer farmer in the area of Texas that would become Big Bend National Park.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Chisos Mountains
The Chisos Mountains, also known as the Chisos, are a mountain range located in the Big Bend area of the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, United States.
29°11'24"N • 102°56'49"W
Boquillas Port of Entry
The Boquillas Port of Entry is a port of entry into the United States from the Mexican town of Boquillas del Carmen to Big Bend National Park.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Chalk Mountains
The Chalk Mountains are a mountain range in Brewster County, Texas.
Mountain pass • Nature
Persimmon Gap
Persimmon Gap is a mountain pass located in Big Bend National Park in Texas. It is traversed by U.S. Highway 385.
Neighbourhood
Homer Wilson Ranch
The Homer Wilson Ranch, also known as the Blue Creek Ranch, was one of the largest ranches in the early twentieth century in what would become Big Bend National Park in the U.S. state of Texas.