Best Time 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 closest town 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 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.
How many days do you need at Big Bend?
With three days to spend in the park, you can explore the major roads more thoroughly and still have time for hiking.
Does Big Bend get crowded?
Big Bend is open year-round.
November – April is the busy season in the park . The spring months see the most crowds as well as the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Spring Break {mid-March}. For more information on the park’s operating hours and seasons, click here.
When can you see the Milky Way in Big Bend?
The Big Bend is a great place to see the Milky Way. Summer is the best time of year to see the Milky Way in the northern hemisphere .
What cities are near Big Bend Texas?
- Terlingua, TX. 50.3 mi / 1 hour 41 mins.
- Lajitas, TX. 61.9 mi / 1 hour 53 mins.
- Marathon, TX. 88.0 mi / 2 hours 13 mins.
- Alpine, TX. 119 mi / 2 hours 41 mins.
Is it safe to go to Big Bend National Park?
If you are planning a trip to Big Bend National Park you might be wondering if it is safe. Big Bend National Park is a safe destination for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers . A recent study from a law firm found that Big Bend had only 16 deaths among 4.4 million visitors from 2007 to 2018.
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.
How do you tour Big Bend?
- Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company, LLC , Terlingua, TX 79852 469-607-9869.
- Big Bend River Tours , FM 170 near the junction of FM 170 and TX 118. 800-545-4240, local 371-3033.
- Go Big Bend, Terlingua, TX 79852 432-386-5635.
Can you swim at Big Bend National Park?
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 is the difference between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch?
Big Bend National Park is nearly three times the size of Big Bend Ranch and more developed , with paved, RV-friendly roadways, big campgrounds, and a hotel and restaurant. The only paved road in the state park is River Road, FM 170, along the park’s southern boundary. State park campsites are primitive.
Can you kayak at Big Bend National Park?
Five spectacular river canyons in Big Bend offer incredible opportunities to kayak, canoe or raft the Rio Grande . The river is not difficult for beginning and intermediate paddlers at normal river flows, and some sections are ideal for novices.
Where is the stop between Dallas and Big Bend?
- Fort Worth. Fort Worth Texas is home to the famous stockyards. ...
- Odesa. Odesa, Texas is a small city nestled in the heart of western Texas, near Midland. ...
- Optional: Pecos. ...
- Marathon.
How many miles of hiking trails are there in Big Bend?
Big Bend is a hiker’s paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips.
Does Big Bend get cold at night?
Average Temperatures and Precipitation
At the higher mountain elevations temperatures average 5–10 degrees cooler during the day and 0-5 degrees cooler at night .
What do I need to know before going to Big Bend?
- The busiest times in Big Bend National Park are November through January and then again during Spring Break. ...
- It’s generally agreed that the best place to stay in the park is the Chisos Mountains Lodge. ...
- Pets are not allowed in Big Bend National Park.
Are reservations needed for Big Bend National Park?
Reservations are not needed to enter Big Bend National Park, but normal entrance fees will be collected at all park entrance stations.
Can you see Northern Lights in Big Bend?
15. Big Bend National Park, Texas. Big Bend is known as one of the outstanding places in North America for stargazing as it has the least light pollution of any other National Park unit in the lower 48 states, according to NPS. There are no visible lights indicating a house or even a town .
Where is the darkest place in Texas?
Devils River State Natural Area Designated as First International Dark Sky Sanctuary in Texas, Sixth in World. DEL RIO— Devils River State Natural Area has been designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), making it the only Dark Sky Sanctuary in Texas.
What should I pack for Big Bend?
- Hiking Backpack. A hike without a backpack is just a long walk. ...
- Sleeping Bag. ...
- Hiking Shoes. ...
- Socks. ...
- Base Layers. ...
- Camp Chair. ...
- Water Bottle or Hydration Reservoir. ...
- Flashlight or Headlamp.
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.
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.
Are there rattlesnakes 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.
Can you cross the border in Big Bend National Park?
There is no other legal access to Mexico within Big Bend National Park. Proper documentation is required to cross. U.S. and Canadian citizens can cross with a valid passport .
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.
