Where Is Big Bend National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Big Bend Location

Chihuahuan Desert, Texas

, United States
Nearest city Alpine Coordinates 29°15′0′′N 103°15′0′′WCoordinates: 29°15′0′′N 103°15′0′′W Area 801,163 acres (3,242.19 km

2

)

What is the closest city to Big Bend National Park?

Terlingua is the closest town and offers a large variety of services and entertainment for travelers. But, if you want a big city with all its amenities,

El Paso

is the closest one to Big Bend National Park.

Is Big Bend bigger than Yellowstone?

Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada – 3,372,402 acres. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Alaska – 3,283,246 acres.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho – 2,219,791 acres

.

What is Big Bend National Park known for?

Often referred to as Texas' Gift to the Nation, Big Bend is famous for its

natural resources and recreational opportunities

, the park is also rich in cultural history. Native peoples lived in and/or passed through this area for thousands of years. Their presence is evidenced by pictographs and archeological sites.

Why is Terlingua a ghost town?

The Chisos Mining Company, which employed virtually all of Terlingua directly or indirectly, filed for bankruptcy in 1942.

After WWII, Terlingua's population declined so sharply that it became a ghost town.

What towns are around Big Bend?

Big Bend is home to a few remarkable communities:

Marathon, Study Butte, Terlingua Ghost Town, Lajitas, and Big Bend National Park

. Communities offer services, amenities, and entertainment. Accommodations run the range from convenient and comfortable to resort luxury.

Is Big Bend worth the trip?


Yes, Big Bend National Park in Texas is beautiful and definitely worth visiting

. That's the short answer. Big Bend National Park is America's fifteenth largest national park, boasting 801,163 acres of protected land, making it the largest protected portion of the Chihuahuan desert in the United States.

Can you drive through Big Bend National Park?

Driving to Big Bend •

Highway 118 or Highway 385

The scenery along Highway 118 is also quite different from that on Highway 385. Big Bend State Park is also beautiful to drive through so another option is to drive Highway 170 to Presidio and connect with Highway 67 north (or vice-versa).

What is the best time of year to visit Big Bend National Park?


Fall and spring

are the best times to visit Big Bend National Park. Temperatures are mild during the day and cool at night. March is one of the busiest months in the park, because of the great weather conditions and the influx of spring break travelers.

What is the biggest state park in the US?


Adirondack Park

is the largest state park, and the largest publicly protected area of any kind in the lower 48 states. At six million acres, it's bigger than two Central American countries, and bigger than two nations of former Yugoslavia.

What is the oldest state park in the US?

History. The title of oldest state park in the United States is claimed by

Niagara Falls State Park in New York

, established in 1885.

What national park makes the most money?

  • Number of visitors in 2013: 14,289,121.
  • Visitor spending: $335,634.
  • Park income: $150,833.
  • Jobs created: 3,657.

Can you swim in the Rio Grande at Big Bend?

Swimming in the Rio Grande is

NOT recommended

, as undercurrents, deep holes, sharp objects, micro-organisms, and other hazards exist. Three hours north of the park is Balmorhea State Park, which offers excellent swimming opportunities in the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool!

What airport is closest to Big Bend National Park?

The most accessible commercial airport to Big Bend is

El Paso International

. It is the preferred entry airport for visitors coming from the West and also the more convenient entry point to Marfa, Presidio, and the River Road.

How do you explore Big Bend?

  1. Hiking. Trek along the lowest elevations in the park near the Rio Grande, following the Boquillas Canyon Trail for 1.6 miles round-trip. …
  2. Backpacking. …
  3. Kayaking/Rafting. …
  4. Biking. …
  5. Horseback Riding.

Why is Terlingua famous?

Terlingua became famous for

its annual chili cook-off

and in 1967 was deemed the “Chili Capitol of the World” by the Chili Appreciation Society.

Who owns Terlingua?

Terlingua, Texas Country United States State Texas County Brewster Area

Is Terlingua Texas haunted?

Terlingua, Texas


In the 1940's, the mines dried up and the companies left, rendering the area a ghost town

. In rating ghost towns, Terlingua is a 10/10, although it is no longer completely abandoned and has recently been revived.

What are three different areas of Big Bend?

Big Bend National Park – General Information

Three major canyons fall within the park boundary;

Santa Elena, Marsical and Boquillas

, between which the river flows through desert land that is wild and largely unreachable.

How far is Alpine to Big Bend National Park?

Alpine is 30 miles east of Marathon, and

80 miles

north of the western entrance to Big Bend National Park.

How many national parks are in Texas?

How many national parks are there in Texas? There are

two national parks

in Texas, Big Bend, and the Guadalupe Mountains. However, Texas has 14 protected areas that fall under the National Park Service. These include parks, historic sites, preserves, and the like.

Can I carry a gun in Big Bend National Park?


The new law allows for the carrying (in plain-view) of firearms in compliance with existing Federal and state firearms regulations

. Although the new law allows for open-carry within the park, the following federal regulations remain unchanged and will continue to be strictly enforced throughout Big Bend National Park.

What is the best entrance to Big Bend National Park?

There are two main paved-road approaches to Big Bend NP and they are Presidio and Marathon. We entered via Presidio and departed via Marathon. Nothing against Marathon, but the

Presidio Rio Grande River Road through Big Bend State Park

was best for us.

Do you need a passport to go to Big Bend National Park?

You can visit Boquillas, Mexico via the port of entry on the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park. In order to cross the border,

you must possess a valid US Passport

, US and Canadian citizens can also present a valid Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License, Trusted Traveler Program Card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST).

Are there bears at Big Bend National Park?


There are approximately 30-40 black bears living in Big Bend

. However, as with most creatures in a desert environment, fluctuations in their numbers can occur from time to time.

How long does it take to drive across Big Bend?

8 answers. Traveling down to the entrance of Big Bend National Park is a drive of approximately

1.5 hours

. over a year ago. The trip took about 1 and 1/2 hr drive.

Are there snakes in Big Bend National Park?


There are 31 species of snakes found in Big Bend National Park, including 4 species of rattlesnakes

. There are also three additional snakes listed as hypothetical (no confirmed sightings). After summer rains snakes may be more active. Keep in mind that all , including snakes, are protected in the park.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.