National park · Texas

Big Bend National Park

A million acres of Chihuahuan Desert wrapped in the Rio Grande's namesake big bend, with archaeological sites stretching back nearly 10,000 years and some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48.

Entrance
$30 private vehicle
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Big Bend National Park
Established
June 12, 1944
Region
Desert Southwest
Big Bend National Park
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The Big Bend National Park patch

The real park boundary. Scout checks whether your phone is inside this line.

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History

Big Bend National Park is significant for its rich cultural history, with archaeological sites dating back nearly 10,000 years. It serves as a vital protected area for Chihuahuan Desert ecology and is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

Key events

  1. June 20, 1935Big Bend National Park authorized by Congress.
  2. June 12, 1944Big Bend National Park officially established along a 118-mile stretch of the Rio Grande in west Texas.
  3. The area was inhabited by the Chisos Indians, a nomadic group associated with the Conchos Indians, before European exploration began around 1535.
  4. 1976Designated an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Trails

  • Lost Mine Trail 4.8 mi · Moderate
  • Santa Elena Canyon Trail 1.6 mi · Easy
  • Window Trail 5.6 mi · Easy
  • South Rim Loop 12 mi · Hard
  • Hot Springs Trail 0.5 mi · Easy

Plan your visit

Hours · Big Bend National Park

Open 24 hours, every day

Big Bend National Park is always open. You can enter and exit at any time of the day or night. Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year.

Entrance fees

  • Private Vehicle $30
  • Per Person $15
  • Non-commercial Groups $30
  • Motorcycle $25

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Spring. Wildflower blooms, mild 50-80°F temps, bird migration
  • Fall. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, comfortable hiking
  • Winter. Pleasant daytime temps, uncrowded, clear skies for stargazing
  • Summer. Very hot (100°F+), best for early morning hikes and river activities

Wildlife

Black bearsMountain lionsJavelinasRoadrunnersGolden eaglesMexican spotted owlsMule deerCoatimundis
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