{"id":42404,"date":"2019-01-31T05:00:55","date_gmt":"2019-01-31T13:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=42404"},"modified":"2025-01-13T16:47:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T00:47:14","slug":"how-to-explore-big-bend-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-explore-big-bend-national-park","title":{"rendered":"How to Explore Big Bend National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solitude is practically guaranteed at Big Bend National Park, as are dark nights bursting with desert-kissed stars. On the northern edge of the arid Chihuahuan Desert in southwest Texas, the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend provide a diverse oasis in a land of tremendous contrasts. Up on 7,825-foot Emory Peak, mountain lions stalk javelina through aspen and Douglas fir, while below cacti dominate the undulating desert terrain that seems to sprawl to the edge of the earth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need a break from winter? Here\u2019s what our guide to one of the most remote national parks in the country will cover:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why-visit\">Why Visit Big Bend National Park?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-sites\">Top Sites in Big Bend National Park<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-outdoor\">Top Outdoor Activities in Big Bend National Park<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"why-visit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Visit Big Bend National Park?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are few places in the U.S. like Big Bend\u2014rich with history, offering solitude in a landscape that can, at times, resemble the moon. As an added bonus, being so close to the Mexican border provides the chance to learn about America\u2019s neighbors to the south. So whether you\u2019re a hiker, cyclist, kayaker or simply want to get away from it all, Big Bend has something for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_42417\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42417\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-42417\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/BIG_072517_65510.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"Following rainfall, the desert comes alive with color as sagebrush and ocotillo bloom with the Chisos Mountains in the background.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-42417\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Following rainfall, the desert comes alive with color as sagebrush and ocotillo bloom with the Chisos Mountains in the background.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With more than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/learn\/management\/park_sizes.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">800,000 acres to explore<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Big Bend National Park is larger than Yosemite or Great Smoky Mountains, but sees a fraction of the visitors of those big-name parks. Though Big Bend in 2017 received a record<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/irma.nps.gov\/Stats\/Reports\/Park\/BIBE\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">440,276 visitors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it is still one of the most remote and least-visited national parks in the country.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"top-sites\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Top Sites in Big Bend National Park<\/b><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chisos Mountains<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Chisos-Mountains\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mountain system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is visible from many points within the park, jutting high above the desert and covering about 40 square miles. Its highest point, Emory Peak, is accessed via the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7004493\/emory-peak-trail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emory Peak Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the best way to explore the Chisos <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/upload\/Chisos-Mountains-Backcountry-Camping-Guide-reduced-size.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is on foot<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. There are 42 designated campsites dotted around various points in the backcountry. The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7009918\/northeast-rim-trail\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Northeast Rim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7009944\/southeast-rim-trail\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southeast Rim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offer expansive views of the desert below. As you climb in elevation, the terrain transitions from high desert to an alpine environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Santa Elena Canyon<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the Rio Grande, vertical cliffs rise 1,500 feet<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/secyn.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in this canyon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, best viewed from a kayak or raft. From the put-in at Lajitas (a village outside the park) you\u2019ll get views of the desert and riparian areas as you float downstream 13 miles until, for the last seven miles of the float, you enter the canyon and encounter whitewater culminating with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/secyn.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class IV rapid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For a shorter trip, consider launching at the Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead to paddle upstream a few miles before gently floating down back to the beginning. From the trailhead, you can hike to the mouth of the canyon or lounge around on the beach when the water is low, a 1.7-mile round-trip amble. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Langford Hot Springs<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two miles down a bumpy gravel road, you\u2019ll find a soothing bath located in the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/learn\/historyculture\/hotsprings.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hot Springs Historic District<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In the early 1900s, the area was settled by J.O. Langford who heard the 105-degree water could cure &#8220;stomach trouble, rheumatism, [and] all sorts of skin diseases.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He opened a resort, even with a nearby post office, all of which has since shut down with only skeletons of the buildings that remain. From the parking area, hike a quarter mile to the spring\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/soakinthesprings.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nestled on the edge of the Rio Grande<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, just yards from Mexico.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boquillas, Mexico<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just across the border in Mexico is the diminutive<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/visiting-boquillas.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">town of Boquillas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, population around 300. Getting there requires going through the National Park Service\u2019s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/border_travel.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with your U.S. passport, then taking a boat across the Rio Grande piloted by Mexican locals for a $5 fee\u2014or you can wade across on your own when the water is low. From there, hitch a ride on a burro for another fee or walk a half mile to the town. Be sure to check in with Mexican authorities once arriving, then you can peruse the local crafts for sale, kick back with fresh tacos and have a cerveza at one of the two restaurants in town.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off the Beaten Path<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Primitive Dirt Roads<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of Big Bend\u2019s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/primitive-dirt-roads.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">backcountry roads<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> require high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles while others are accessible to motorhomes. The distinction is in the name\u2014primitive roads cross washes and bedrock for an experience that\u2019ll test the most capable vehicles, but improved dirt roads are tamer. Although anyone driving down Big Bend\u2019s little-patrolled backcountry roads should<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/bc_road-safety.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be well prepared<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in case of an emergency. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the 51-mile River Road from the Rio Grande Village to Castolon, crossing boulder-strewn washes. It takes a day to navigate the road due to the rough conditions, but can be turned into a multiday excursion as there are several campsites dotted along the route. Nearby is 16-mile<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/learn\/historyculture\/glsp.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glenn Springs Road<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that skirts the edge of the Chisos Mountains, through a desert spring rich with history, while<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/upload\/Black-Gap-Road-poster.jpg\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black Gap Road<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is so rough you\u2019ll need four-wheel-drive for various points on the 8.5-mile path. Any vehicle should be able to access the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/improved-dirt-roads.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dagger Flat Auto Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a 14-mile round-trip drive through a forest of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/learn\/nature\/desertsucculents.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">giant dagger yuccas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secluded Campsites<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big Bend\u2019s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/roadsidecamps.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">roadside campsites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have no running water, shade or other amenities, but solitude is guaranteed\u2014you\u2019ll only have to share the site with javelinas and other desert critters. While some of these campsites can be accessible for most vehicles, some are recommended to have four-wheel drive and high clearance. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your overlanding adventure rig is built to go off-grid for extended periods, you can set up camp for up to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/bc_usepermits.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14 consecutive nights<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and you\u2019ll likely see only a few other people throughout your stay. The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/campsites_grapevinehills.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grapevine Hills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> campsites are along an improved road, accessed by most vehicles, with stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. Take your four-wheel-drive rig 5.3 miles down Juniper Canyon Road to access the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/campsite_robbersroost.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Robbers Roost<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> campsites, where you can stargaze deep in the backcountry.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"top-outdoor\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Top Outdoor Activities in Big Bend National Park<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/day_hikes.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">150 miles of hiking trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will take you into the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/day_hikes.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depths of Big Bend<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, along the curve in the Rio Grande (the park\u2019s namesake) or through the surrounding desert and mountains. Even during the winter, guides offer trips down the river with jaw-dropping views of vertical canyons hugging the water\u2019s edge. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Hiking<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/adventures\/trips\/namer\/texas-hiking.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trek along<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the lowest elevations in the park near the Rio Grande, following the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7009904\/boquillas-canyon-trail\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boquillas Canyon Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for 1.6 miles round-trip. This easy path offers amazing views of the river from the top of a bluff before it meanders to the water\u2019s edge near the opening of the steep-sloped canyon. Farther into the desert interior, check out an old homestead at the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7009941\/sam-nail-ranch-trail-a-quick-loop-through-the-beautiful-homestead-and-oasis-at-s\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sam Nail Ranch<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> nestled in an oasis, an easy 0.3-mile round-trip. At 4.8 miles, the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7009909\/chimneys-trail\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chimneys Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> winds through the desert to volcanic dike formations containing Native American rock art. Up around 7,000 feet, hike 5.25 miles to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7004493\/emory-peak-trail\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emory Peak<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The last quarter mile involves steep climbs, the final leg requiring a brief, 25-foot scramble on an exposed rock face\u2014culminating in 360-degree views from the park\u2019s highest point.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-42413\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/BIG_072517_44873.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"A hiker walks among cactus, yucca and stone in Big Bend National Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Backpacking<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A combination of five backcountry trails, the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7019684\/outer-mountain-loop\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outer Mountain Loop<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> takes you 30 miles through Big Bend\u2019s diverse terrain ranging from desert to the woodlands of the Chisos Mountains. This trip takes around three days, so be sure to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/bc_outermountainloop.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bring enough water<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as springs and creeks can be unreliable. You\u2019ll need to reserve backcountry campsites, all of which have food storage lockers\u2014Big Bend is black bear country. For a shorter trip, hike the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7009945\/southwest-rim-trail\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Rim Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a 12-mile overnight around the edge of the mountain range. Along the rim you\u2019ll have unobstructed views stretching for miles into Mexico. Due to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/learn\/news\/big-bend-national-park-reinstates-temporary-closures-for-peregrine-falcons.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peregrine falcon nesting season<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, parts of the trail are closed from February to May.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Kayaking\/Rafting<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/river-trips.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Floating the Rio Grande<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a perfect way to experience the wonder of this region. Along the river\u2019s riparian zone, towering cottonwoods provide shade for an array of wildlife like beavers and great blue herons that seek refuge along the banks. There are plenty of options for kayaking or rafting trips, which can be half a day or multi-day adventures. Floating the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/secyn.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Santa Elena<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/rigr\/planyourvisit\/mariscal_cyn.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mariscal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/rigr\/planyourvisit\/boq_cyn.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boquillas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> canyons offer stunning views of the towering canyons around the Rio Grande with opportunities for navigating whitewater.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For up to a 10-day trip, float down the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/rigr\/planyourvisit\/lower_cyns.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower Canyons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you\u2019ll find solitude and Class IV rapids. However, between the canyons, the gentler waters meander past beautiful views where you might not see another boater for days. Several outfitters near the park provide <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/outfitters.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guided multiday trips<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> down the river.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Biking<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 160 miles of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/biking.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">backcountry dirt roads<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and over 100 miles of paved roads provide cyclists with plenty of options to choose from. Take your road bike through one of the most scenic drives in the park, 35 miles one way on the Maxwell Scenic Drive from Panther Junction to Castolon. Along the way you\u2019ll get great views of the park, although the trip can be challenging with plenty of steep hills. Opt for your mountain bike along the unpaved<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/improved-dirt-roads.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old Maverick Road<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for 14 miles one way. Cross over washouts through the brushy desert, hiding historical points of interest like old homesteads, before ending at Santa Elena Canyon.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Horseback Riding<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big Bend\u2019s miles of rustic backcountry roads provide a perfect place for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/learn\/management\/stock_use.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">horseback riding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Grazing in the park isn\u2019t allowed, so bring plenty of feed for your animals\u2014water should be considered, too. There are a few stables near the park that offer day trips or multiday adventures, and usually no experience is required to enjoy a ride on the trails around Big Bend.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"how-to\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Plan Your Trip<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several options for a comfortable stay at Big Bend\u2019s frontcountry campsites. Tenting in a campground gives you many comforts like access to water and bathrooms, yet provides a sense of the wilderness that surrounds you. For those who want all the comforts of home, there are plenty of rooms in the park\u2019s lodges.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Where to Stay<\/b><\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chisos Mountains Lodge<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lodge is located at the base of the Chisos Mountains <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/lodging.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">at around 5,400 feet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, providing cooler temperatures in the summer. Open year-round, there are 72 rooms available with different housing options. The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chisosmountainslodge.com\/casa-grande-rooms\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Casa Grande<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chisosmountainslodge.com\/rio-grande-motel-rooms\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rio Grande Motel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rooms offer basic amenities. The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chisosmountainslodge.com\/emory-peak-lodge-rooms\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emory Peak Lodge<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has eight rooms while the five<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chisosmountainslodge.com\/roosevelt-stone-cottages\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roosevelt Stone Cottages<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provide all the comforts of home. There\u2019s also a restaurant and convenience store open early so you can fill up on snacks and water before trekking to the nearby mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Campgrounds<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three frontcountry campgrounds available at Big Bend. The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/basin_campground.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chisos Basin Campground<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can accommodate 60 tents and campers, although it\u2019s recommended only for RVs less than 24 feet and trailers under 20 feet. Here, some of the best hiking in the park is only steps away. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/cottonwood_campground.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cottonwood Campground<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a smaller, 24-site area with picnic tables and places to refill water. The largest in the park, the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/rgv_campground.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rio Grande Village Campground<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is along the banks of the river with 100 sites, within walking distance to showers and a store. While none of these sites have hook-ups for campers, the 25-site<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/rgv_hookups.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">concession-operated RV park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> near the Rio Grande Village does.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Permits<\/b><\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Backcountry<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/bc_usepermits.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">backcountry use permit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is required for camping in the backcountry, which extends to roadside camping and backpacking, as well as floating the river for either day use or overnight trips. Pick up a permit in person at one of the visitor centers during business hours at a cost of $12 for overnight trips (free for stock or day use).<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_42412\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42412\" class=\"size-full wp-image-42412\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/Big-Bend-NPS-photo-Rio-Grande.jpg?resize=1000%2C662\" alt=\"With towering canyon walls overhead, a group of boaters navigate the calm waters of the Rio Grande.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"662\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-42412\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A\u00a0 group of boaters navigate the calm waters of the Rio Grande.\u00a0(Photo Credit: NPS\/<i>Jennette Jurado)<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack your passport if you plan to\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/visiting-boquillas.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cross into Mexico<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to visit the town of Boquillas through the National Park Service\u2019s Port of Entry. While U.S. currency is accepted by the locals, it\u2019s recommended to bring smaller bills.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How to Get there<\/b><\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airports<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The closest airport is 235 miles from the park headquarters in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flymaf.com\/147\/Airlines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Midland\/Odessa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or in <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.elpasointernationalairport.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">El Paso<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, about 330 miles away. There are bus services to Alpine, still 100 miles away from Big Bend. The best options are renting a car or making the drive in your own vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visitor Centers<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/accessibility.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">five visitor centers in Big Bend<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, although only the Chisos Basin and Panther Junction visitor centers are open year-round, while the others close from May to October. Begin your trip at Panther Junction, where you can secure backcountry or river-use permits and fill up on water.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuel and Food<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to the park\u2019s remoteness, amenities are limited.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/goodsandservices.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuel is available<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> within Big Bend at Panther Junction and the Rio Grande Village, where you can also fill up on necessities and provisions. You\u2019ll find a convenience store at the Rio Grande Village and the Chisos Mountains Lodge, but other amenities must be bought outside the park\u2014Terlingua is the closest town, 30 miles from the park\u2019s headquarters.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Weather in Big Bend<\/b><\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changing Conditions<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bibe\/planyourvisit\/weather.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weather in Big Bend<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can change on a whim, especially when factoring in elevation changes. At the lowest reaches near the Rio Grande, temperatures can average 20 degrees warmer than up in the Chisos Mountains. Winter is typically mild with plenty of sun, with average highs in January at 61 with lows around 38\u2014snow is normally rare. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy to find a respite from the harshness of winter in Big Bend, which means New Years can be one of the busiest times at the park. Fall and spring are pleasant, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 50s and 60s. During the summer, when temperatures can climb above 100 degrees, you\u2019ll find much more solitude\u2014escape the heat at elevation under the cover of the canopy. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recreating in the Desert<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the rainy season at Big Bend, from May to September, severe thunderstorms and flash floods can be common. So, it\u2019s best to be aware of where you\u2019re camping at night, especially deep in the backcountry at lower elevations where rising water can leave you stranded.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_42420\" style=\"width: 960px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42420\" class=\"size-full wp-image-42420\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/BIG_040918_84672-e1546887126973.jpg?resize=950%2C713\" alt=\"A group of hikers walks through a narrow canyon in Big Bend. \" width=\"950\" height=\"713\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-42420\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">High temps and quick-moving thunderstorms make it important to be prepared before entering the Big Bend backcountry.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the summer, it can be brutally hot with dangerous conditions, and water can be scarce in certain areas So, it\u2019s essential to carry at least one gallon of water per person per day in the summer and a little less in the cooler months. Try to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/hot-weather-hiking.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">avoid the warmest parts of the day<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while hiking, instead opting for shady areas. Loose, breathable clothing helps your body to regulate its temperature. In the winter, pack for warm days and cold nights\u2014base layers and a 20-degree sleeping bag are a must.<\/span><\/p>\n<span class=\"cb-button cb-grey cb-normal cb-center\"><a href=\"\/adventures\/trips\/namer\/texas-hiking.html\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow\">See REI Trips to Big Bend National Park<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" role=\"presentation\"><path d=\"M16 12a.997.997 0 0 0-.288-.702l-5.005-5.005a1 1 0 0 0-1.414 1.414L13.585 12 9.29 16.295a1 1 0 0 0 1.417 1.412l4.98-4.98A.997.997 0 0 0 16 12z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/span>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Solitude is practically guaranteed at Big Bend National Park, as are dark nights bursting with desert-kissed stars. On the northern edge of the arid Chihuahuan Desert in southwest Texas, the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend provide a diverse oasis in a land of tremendous contrasts. Up on 7,825-foot Emory Peak, mountain lions stalk javelina through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":42415,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[1724,588,707,1456,113,349,656,1542,239],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-42404","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-big-bend-national-park","tag-camping","tag-hiking","tag-national-park-visitor-guide","tag-national-park","tag-paddling","tag-public-lands","tag-south","tag-texas"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-explore-big-bend-national-park","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"How to Explore Big Bend National Park","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-explore-big-bend-national-park","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-explore-big-bend-national-park"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/Butler_112215_001-e1546885793772.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/Butler_112215_001-e1546885793772.jpg?fit=2600%2C978"},"articleSection":"Travel","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Beckindale"}],"creator":["Beckindale"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["big bend national park","camping","hiking","national park visitor guide","national parks","paddling","public lands","south","texas"],"dateCreated":"2019-01-31T13:00:55Z","datePublished":"2019-01-31T13:00:55Z","dateModified":"2025-01-14T00:47:14Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"How to Explore Big Bend National Park\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/how-to-explore-big-bend-national-park\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/how-to-explore-big-bend-national-park\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/01\\\/Butler_112215_001-e1546885793772.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/01\\\/Butler_112215_001-e1546885793772.jpg?fit=2600%2C978\"},\"articleSection\":\"Travel\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Beckindale\"}],\"creator\":[\"Beckindale\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"big bend national park\",\"camping\",\"hiking\",\"national park visitor guide\",\"national parks\",\"paddling\",\"public lands\",\"south\",\"texas\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2019-01-31T13:00:55Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-01-31T13:00:55Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-14T00:47:14Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/Butler_112215_001-e1546885793772.jpg?fit=2600%2C978","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42404","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42404"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42404\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":198792,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42404\/revisions\/198792"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42404"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42404"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42404"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=42404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}