Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

CLOSURES and Updates

Are any Places/Roads Closed Today?

• The road between the Santa Elena boat launch area and Santa Elena Canyon has standing water and debris. High clearance is required. Do NOT drive off the pavement onto the road shoulders - you may get stuck in the mud.
• River Road East is closed from the pavement near Rio Grande Village to the junction with Glenn Springs Road.
• Glenn Springs Road is closed from the paved road east of Panther Junction to the junction with River Road East
• All unpaved roads have areas of mud, standing water, or washouts due to recent rains. High clearance, four-wheel dirive vehicle required. Check at a visitor center before traveling on any unpaved road.

 

Facilities:

• All Park areas are OPEN

Boquillas Port of Entry

• OPEN Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
  9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The following are CLOSED for the summer season (May-Oct):

• Rio Grande Village Visitor Center

• Persimmon Gap Visitor Center

• Castolon Visitor Center

• Cottonwood Campground

 

Do not attempt Big Bend's primitive dirt roads with an inappropriate vehicle.

Roads:

• All park roads are currently OPEN except the road between the Santa Elena boat launch area and Santa Elena Canyon, River Road East, and Glenn Springs Road (see above for more information).

• Old Ore Road is extremely rough and only suitable for the most rugged of vehicles. Never leave the pavement without full 4x4 capability with good tires, good spare, jack, and water. No cars, minivans, or RVs.

• Travel on primitive dirt roads requires High Clearance AND true Four-Wheel Drive. These roads are NOT passable to passenger cars, minivans, motorhomes, and tiny crossover SUVs.

 

Hiking Trails

• Santa Elena Canyon Trail:
• To access the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, hikers must first cross the bed of Terlingua Creek, and climb a short but steep bank. Conditions change constantly at this location. Depending upon recent rainfall, Terlingua Creek may be dry sand, thick mud, or flowing water. Carefully assess conditions and your abilities before attempting to cross. If water levels are too high, do NOT attempt to cross.

 

Helpful Information

• 

  Big Bend Weather

  Current Conditions

  Current weather, river levels, webcam view, visibility, and air quality readings.

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  Park Facilities

  Operating Hours & Seasons

  Hours and seasons for Big Bend facilities

• 

  Visitor Guide

  The Big Bend Paisano Visitor Guide

  Read all about it! Get the latest issue of the official visitor's guide to Big Bend National Park.

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  What's New?

  Big Bend News Releases

  Stay informed about events and happenings at Big Bend National Park.

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  Join A Ranger

  Big Bend Park Rangers

  Join a Ranger on a conducted activity, distance learning event, and through social media.

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  Webcam

  Live View From Park Headquarters

  The view from Park Headquarters is always changing, and always spectacular.