Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

CLOSURES and Updates

Are any Places/Roads Closed Today?

Important: Christmas through New Years is one of Big Bend's busiest times. Please don't arrive to remote Big Bend without a plan or a place to stay. Travelers should expect ALL park campgrounds & lodge FULL. There is NO overflow or "boondocking" camping in Big Bend. Expect limited parking at popular trails and traffic control at popular locations. Be patient and have alternate itineraries.
Read: Advice for Busy Times

 

Facilities:

• All Park areas are OPEN
• Persimmon Gap Visitor Center is closed for remodeling and new exhibits.

Boquillas Port of Entry

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

 

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

Roads:

• Old Ore Road and Black Gap Road are 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
  • Carefully assess conditions and your abilities before attempting to cross. If water levels are too high, do NOT attempt to cross.
  • 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. Ask a ranger about the latest conditions.

 

Pardon Our Dust

Work on two large construction projects in the Chisos Basin will begin in late Spring 2025 and continue for approximately two years. Disruptions in visitor access to the Chisos Basin area of the park are expected.

Follow Along

 

Helpful Information

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  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

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  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.