Big Bend National Park
801,163
Acres
463K/year
Annual Visitors
$30
Entry Fee
October through April
Best Time to Visit
National Park Service
National Park
Big Bend was established on June 12, 1944, named for the 90-degree bend the Rio Grande makes along its southern boundary with Mexico. The park covers 801,163 acres in the Chihuahuan Desert of southwest Texas, holding three distinct ecosystems: desert, river, and the forested Chisos Mountains rising to 7,832 feet.
What Big Bend Is Known For
Santa Elena Canyon
Chisos Mountains
Hot springs on the Rio Grande
Dark skies
Top Activities
Hiking
Stargazing
River trips
Scenic drives
Birdwatching
Our Complete Big Bend Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip. Trails, timing, tips, and the spots most visitors miss.
Our Big Bend Articles
Educational Resources
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Spring
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Fall
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Plan Your Visit
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