Basic Information

Physical Address

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
1 Panther Junction
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834

Directions

Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip.

Directions Details

Operating Hours & Seasons

All Park Hours

• Every Day:Open 24 hours

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Weather

Variable -- February-April: High temperatures range from mid-70sF (23C) to low-90sF (32C) with lows from the mid-30sF (2C) to mid-50sF (12C). Cold fronts can bring freezing weather with rain or snow. -- May-August: Temperatures are hot and the weather can be stormy. Temperatures over 100F (more than 38C) degrees. -- September-January:Temperatures are cooler. The weather can turn cold any time during these months.

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fee (Standard Entrance Pass)

Type	Dates	Cost
Private Vehicle	Year-round	$30.00

Visitor Centers

Internet & Cellular Access

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

Hot Springs Canyon

NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou

 

The Paisano
The official visitor guide of Big Bend National Park & Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Includes visit planning information, feature articles, and map insets.

 

Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River Defined

The National Park Service at the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River preserves and protects free-flowing and natural and scenic conditions of the river and its immediate environment for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. For more information visit the wild and scenic river page.

 

Convenience Stores, Gasoline, and Lodging

Commercial services are available in Big Bend National Park including, the Chisos Mountains Lodge, and camper stores located at Rio Grande Village, Castolon, Panther Junction and the Chisos Basin. For more information visit the goods and services page.

 

Water Quality & River Users

The quality of water in the Rio Grande through the Big Bend region is highly variable. Big Bend National Park staff sample the water for bacterial levels on a monthly basis at several locations within the park. For more information visit the water quality page.

 

River Safety

By giving forethought to your actions, you can have a safe, exciting, and rewarding experience while floating the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River. For more information visit the river safety page.

 

Weather

The “rainy season” extends from mid-July through early October and can result in locally heavy thunderstorms and flash floods. Rapid river rises can be dangerous if unprepared. For more information visit the weather page.