Big Bend National Park is located in southwestern Texas along the Texas-Mexico border. With more than 1000 species of plants and 450 species of birds, Big Bend is one of the dream destinations to visit. The park is the land of venomous creatures so when you explore the park be careful on every footstep.
Big Bend was established as a national park in June of 1935. It has more than 800,000 acres of desert and mountains, from sharp and spiny plants to venomous animals. Big Band is home to javelinas tarantulas, rattlesnakes, coyotes, barberry sheep, and mountain lions. The park is one of the best places for camping. You can take a break from busy city life.
The park is sunny and hot most of the time, But in the late summer and spring, Big bend is the best place to spend your holidays. It offers adventurous opportunities for bikers and hikers.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park:
Spring is the best and pleasant season to visit Big Bend, with temperatures that range from the 50°F to 90°F. It is also the peak season, as the park’s top spring-break destination. During summer the temperatures rise above 100°F, but the mornings and evenings are pleasant weather.
Expenses To Visit Big Bend National Park:
- A 7-day pass for one private, a non-commercial vehicle with 15 passenger capacity or less cost $30.
- 7 days pass for one non-commercial motorcycle cost $25.
- 7 days pass for one individual, bicyclists, and pedestrians cost $15.
- The annual pass cost $55.
- non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 15 or less cost $30.
- It cost $15 per person in a non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more
Camping Fee:
- The has three developed front-country campgrounds Rio Grande Village Campground, Chisos Basin Campground, and Cottonwood Campground. It costs $16 per night per site.
- The park has reservation campgrounds Rio Grande Village, Chisos Basin, and Cottonwood campgrounds which you need to reserve up to 6 months in advance
- Backcountry campsites cost $10 per night.
Things to Do in Big Bend National Park:
Hike to Santa Elena Canyon:
Santa Elena Canyon is a 1.7-mile hike along the river. You would love to walk along the edge of the river giving you a beautiful experience. Santa Elena Canyon is a short trail. You cannot hike if there are floods. The trail ends with a breathtaking view and also giving you perfect pictures for your Instagram.
Get Into The Hot Spring:
Soaking in natural hot springs is one of the best things to do in Big Bend. It is a 105-degree natural hot spring. You can watch the sunset and enjoy your bath. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit. You can even go for a swim in the Rio Grande.
Biking:
Big Band is a mountain biker’s favorite destination, with 160 miles of backcountry roads and low-traffic paved roads giving you an adventurous experience. Big Bend offers many opportunities for bike travelers.
Explore The Ghost Town of Terlingua:
Terlingua is a ghost town in west Texas nearly to the Mexican border. There is also an old graveyard.
View Sunset from The Window Trail:
If you’re staying at Chisos Basin, the sunset at Window View Trail is a must-see. The Window View Trail is a 0.3-mile loop, even wheelchair-accessible.
Stargazing:
Stargazing in at Big Bend is one of the best activities. Big Bend has the least amount of light pollution of any national park unit in the lower 48. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way.
How to Reach Big Bend National Park:
There is no public transportation to Big Bend you can fly to Big Bend and rent a car or drive your own vehicle . There are several highways lead to the park. Options include Highway 118 from Alpine to Study Butte; Highway 170 from Presidio to Study Butte; and Highway 90 and Highway 385 to Marathon. There are two main routes to come into Big Bend from San Antonio. I-10 takes a northerly route to Fort Stockton.