Big Bend National Park

Activities

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  Boating

  If you have the time and the inclination, you may want to consider a river trip. Seeing the park's canyons from the middle of the Rio Grande is both fascinating and gratifying.

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  Bicycling

  Lightly traveled roads and varied terrain make Big Bend a premier bicycling location. Over 100 miles of paved roads, and 160 miles of backcountry dirt roads provide challenges for riders of all types and abilities. Bicyclists must be extremely cautious and well-prepared, but bicycling allows outstanding panoramic views, unobstructed by a windshield. It also allows the bicyclist to see and hear some of the smaller wonders of Big Bend from a more intimate viewpoint.

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  Auto/Motorcycle

  Over 300 miles of roads allow access to the landscape and locations in the park, depending on the type of vehicle. The roads that can be driven on include paved road, improved dirt roads, and primitive dirt roads. Ask for more information at the Visitor Centers.

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  Camping

  The National Park Service operates three developed frontcountry campgrounds at Rio Grande Village, the Chisos Basin, and the Cottonwood campground, near Castolon. A limited number of campsites in Rio Grande Village and the Chisos Basin campgrounds are reservable; these sites are reservable for the time period from November 15 to April 15 each year. Camping is also available at primitive backcountry campsites in the Chisos Mountains and along backcountry roads. High clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicles are necessary to reach most road sites. Big Bend's unpaved roads are generally unsuitable for RVs and trailers (check current conditions with a ranger). Overnight camping in any of the primitive road sites requires a backcountry use permit, obtained in person at park visitor centers up to 24 hours in advance.

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  Climbing

  Big Bend National Park is not typically considered a climbers' destination, but it offers some scenic, challenging, and wildly varied rock climbs. Over the years, park visitors have often inquired about climbing, but there is little written. A rudimentary climber's guide is available by request at most visitor centers. Climbing in the park is unofficially discouraged because there is little written information to disseminate, the quality of rock ranges from fair to terrifying, the weather can be extremely harsh, and the approaches can be long, waterless ordeals. Bolting of any kind, electric or hand, is strictly forbidden

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  Hiking

  Big Bend National park is a hiker's paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips. Elevations range from 1,800 feet at the eastern end of Boquillas Canyon to 7,832 feet atop Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. These elevation changes produce an exceptional variety of plants, animals, and scenic vistas.

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  Picnicking

  There are scenic overlooks and exhibits available for picnicking.