Basic Information

Chisos Mountains

NPS Photo/Blake Trester

 

From an elevation of less than 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to nearly 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains, Big Bend includes massive canyons, vast desert expanses, forested mountains, and an ever-changing river. Here you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States.

 

The National Park Service Mobile App is a great tool for planning your trip, then it can be used as a guide during your visit. You can download the maps and content from Big Bend National Park for offline use. It’s especially handy if you’re exploring remote areas or concerned about data limits. Free and available now.

Visit this webpage (updated daily) for the current list of what is open and closed, and the hours of operation.

 

Physical Address

Directions

Operating Hours & Seasons

Weather

Weather Details

Fees & Passes

Visitor Centers

Internet & Cellular Access

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

 

Peak Visitation

Big Bend's busy season is generally November through April, and the park camping and lodging is often full to capacity during 3-day holiday weekends, Thanksgiving week, the Christmas holiday season, and mid-January through mid-April. Advance reservations for camping and lodging are required. To maximize your visit, plan ahead and have a flexible itinerary during the park's busiest times.

 

Pets in the Park

Having a pet with you will limit some of your activities and explorations in the park. In addition, desert temperatures and predators are a serious threat to your pet's well being. For more information visit the pets page.

 

Visiting a Border Area

The Rio Grande serves as the international boundary between the United States and Mexico. A passport is required for entry into Mexico. For more information visit the border travel page.

 

Weather

Big Bend has mild winters and hot summers. The weather is generally sunny but come prepared for changing conditions. For more information visit the weather page.

 

Big Bend Fact Sheet

Just the Facts! How big is the big bend? How many animals live here? When was it established? How many employees? etc..

 

Local Outfitters

From guided trips, equipment rental, shuttle services, tours, horseback riding, and more, there are a variety of services available in the local area.

 

Internet and Cellular Access

Free, public WiFi is available at all park visitor centers, the Chisos Mountains Lodge, and the Rio Grande Village Store.

Cell service is very spotty throughout the entire Big Bend area. Areas with fairly reliable service include the Chisos Basin area, and near Panther Junction.

 

Visiting Sustainably

Big Bend is a fragile environment that relies on protection from all of us. Check out our Sustainability page to learn how you can be the best steward of this amazing place while you visit.

Big Bend also has a large recycling program. Learn what and where you can recyle and how we're working to reduce the impact of our landfill on the Recycling page.