Below are commonly asked questions regarding things to do in Big Bend. Please contact us, or look elsewhere on the website if your question is not answered here.

Return to the main Frequently Asked Questions Page

---

Can we ride horses in Big Bend?
How can we take a river trip?
Is there any place to swim in the park?
Can we fish in the park?
Where can I see wildlife?
Where can I ride my mountain bike? Or, do you have mountain bike trails?
Can I take my dog hiking with me?
Can we cross the border into Mexico?

Can we ride horses in Big Bend?
Horse rides are not available in the park. You can bring your own horses to the park, but you must obtain a backcountry use permit and certain restrictions apply. Stables in Study Butte and Lajitas offer guided horse trips outside of the park.
(top of page)

How can we take a river trip?
Several companies offer guided river trips ranging from one-half day to one week. You can also bring (or rent) equipment and obtain a backcountry use permit to do your own river trip. Because river levels and conditions vary, check current conditions before planning your own trip.
(top of page)

Is there any place to swim in the park?
You can soak in the ruins of the old Hot Springs bath house (near Rio Grande Village) which has a constant temperature of 105°F. Overnight camping is not allowed at Hot Springs. Alcoholic beverages and pets are also prohibited. When the Rio Grande rises above three feet in depth, the hot spring is inaccessible.

Swimming in the Rio Grande is not recommended. The river can be hazardous, even in calm-looking water. Strong undercurrents, deep holes, and shallow areas with sharp rocks and large tree limbs are common. Water-borne micro-organisms and other waste materials occur in the river and can cause serious illness. However, if you choose to enter the river, wear a life jacket. The end of the Boquillas Canyon Trail and the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead area may be suitable for wading at certain times of the year (always check river conditions first).

If you really want to swim, Balmorhea State Park (about a three-hour drive north of Big Bend) boasts the “world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool.” The huge pool has a surface area of 62,000 square feet and 22-26 million gallons of crystal-clear spring water flow into it each day. Contact Balmorhea State Park at (432) 375-2370 for more information.
(top of page)

Can we fish in the park?
You can fish in the Rio Grande—a free permit is required (see Fishing Regulations). Catfish are common. Jug fishing is not permitted, and you are not allowed to bring live bait into the park. Bait can usually be purchased at the Rio Grande Village Store.
(top of page)

Where can I see wildlife?
Much of the wildlife in the park is active at night, but dusk is a good time to look for deer, fox, and javelina. The Window View Trail in the Basin is especially good. Rio Grande Village is a good place to see coyotes and javelinas, and is good for birding throughout much of the year. Do not feed any wildlife in the park.
(top of page)

Where can I ride my mountain bike? Or, do you have mountain bike trails?
Mountain bikes are allowed on all roads in the park, but they are NOT allowed on trails or cross-country. The Old Ore Road is one of the best dirt roads for biking. There are also good mountain bike trails outside of the park around Terlingua and Lajitas. more...
(top of page)

Can I take my dog hiking with me?
No. Dogs are not allowed on trails or anywhere in the backcountry because of their interference with wildlife and because they may threaten other hikers. Dogs are allowed anywhere vehicles can go, such as roads and primitive roadside campsites. They must be on a leash or otherwise restrained at all times. They may NOT be left unattended in a campsite. We recommend that visitors also not leave their pets unattended in vehicles because of the extreme heat. more...
(top of page)

Can we cross the border into Mexico?
Due to concerns with Homeland Security and increased illegal immigration and smuggling of contraband, U.S. Customs closed all unofficial crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border in May 2002, including those adjacent to the park. Visitors may cross into Mexico ONLY at official crossings; the nearest ones are in Presidio (95 miles west) and at Del Rio (240 miles east).
(top of page)