Nestled along the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park is an out-of-the-way place that not everyone has been to, but it definitely deserves a good visit on your next Southern USA road trip.
We’ve fallen in love with Big Bend’s unique charm and find it to be an incredibly interesting landscape and ecosystem. Whether you’re an avid hiker, stargazer, or nature enthusiast, this park has something for everyone. Its remote location means fewer crowds, allowing for a truly immersive outdoor adventure.
History of Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park has an interesting history that mirrors that of the Southwest USA and Texas.
Native American Heritage
Archaeological evidence suggests humans inhabited the Big Bend area for at least 10,000 years. Native American tribes, including the Chisos and Jumanos, called this region home. They left behind rock art, pottery, and tools that offer glimpses into their daily lives.
Apache and Comanche tribes also spent considerable time living in the Big Bend area.
These tribes were skilled hunters and gatherers, adapting to the harsh desert environment which wasn’t exactly a haven for shelter and wood. They found shelter in the area’s numerous caves and crafted tools from local materials.
European Settlement
Spanish explorers first ventured into the Big Bend region in the 16th century. They encountered Native American tribes and established missions in the area. By the 19th century, American settlers began arriving in greater numbers.
Ranchers and farmers attempted to tame the rugged landscape, establishing small communities. Mining operations also sprang up, seeking to exploit the area’s mineral resources. These early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather and conflicts with Native Americans.
Establishment as a National Park
In the 1930s, Texas Canyons State Park was created, laying the groundwork for Big Bend National Park. Recognizing the area’s unique beauty and ecological importance, the U.S. Congress authorized the park’s establishment in 1935.
Big Bend officially became a national park on June 12, 1944, under Franklin D. Roosevelt. This designation protected over 800,000 acres of diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and river canyons.
Finding Your Way Around the Park
Big Bend National Park offers diverse landscapes and exciting attractions. We’ll guide you through the key areas, best times to visit, and important visitor facilities to help you make the most of your adventure.
Key Areas of the Park
The Chisos Mountains form the heart of Big Bend, offering breathtaking views and cooler temperatures. We love hiking the mountain trails for a break from the desert heat. The Rio Grande creates the park’s southern border, carving out impressive canyons like Santa Elena, Boquillas, and Mariscal.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is a must-do driving route. It winds through the western side of the park, showcasing diverse habitats and geology. We recommend stopping at the many pull-outs for short walks and interpretive displays.
The Chihuahuan Desert covers much of the park’s lower elevations. Here, we’re always amazed by the resilient plants and animals adapted to this harsh environment. You see an entirely different ecosystem than you find in the national park of the Mountain West or the Appalachia area.
Best Times to Visit Big Bend
Spring (March to April) is by far our favorite season at Big Bend. Wildflowers bloom, and temperatures are mild, perfect for outdoor activities. Fall (October to November) is another great time, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Summer can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). If you visit then, plan activities for early mornings or evenings. In many parts, there is little shade to break the hot glare of the sun. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional snow in the Chisos Mountains, creating a unique desert landscape.
Weekends and holidays tend to be busier. For a more serene experience, we suggest visiting mid-week if possible.
Visitor Centers and Ranger Stations
Panther Junction Visitor Center is the park’s main hub. We always stop here first to get updated information, pick up maps, and chat with rangers about current conditions. As with any national park, a map app might lead you to random places in the park if you just plug it in. We advise that you set your destination to the Panther Junction location.
Chisos Basin Visitor Center is our go-to spot for mountain area information and trail recommendations. It’s a great place to start if you’re planning hikes in the Chisos.
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center serves the eastern side of the park. We find it helpful for river-related activities and information about the nearby hot springs.
Persimmon Gap Visitor Center welcomes travelers entering from the north. It’s a handy stop for a quick park overview and last-minute supplies.
Tons of Nature at Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park will surprise you with the amount of animals, flowers, and birds — perhaps not what you would expect in such a desert-like landscape.
Flora: Desert to Woodlands
We love exploring Big Bend’s diverse plant communities. It is kind of the opposite of what you might see in a lush, wet place like the Everglades.
In the desert lowlands, we’re fascinated by the hardy cacti and succulents that thrive in the harsh conditions. Look out for the iconic ocotillo with its spiky red flowers and the sturdy lechuguilla agave.
As we climb into the Chisos Mountains, the scenery changes dramatically. We’re surrounded by pine-oak-juniper woodlands, a stark contrast to the desert below. Keep an eye out for the rare Big Bend bluebonnet, a stunning wildflower that’s native to the area.
Don’t miss the lush oases around springs and along the Rio Grande. Here, we find cottonwood trees and mesquite thickets that provide vital habitat for many species.
Fauna: Mammals and Birds
Big Bend is teeming with wildlife! We’ve spotted javelinas rooting around in the underbrush and mule deer grazing in the grasslands. If we’re lucky, we
might catch a glimpse of a mountain lion or a black bear in the Chisos Mountains.
The park is a birding paradise, with over 450 species recorded. We love visiting the Rio Grande Village, where we’ve seen colorful vermilion flycatchers and green kingfishers. In the Chisos, we keep our eyes peeled for the elusive Colima warbler, found nowhere else in the U.S.
Dawn and dusk are prime times for wildlife viewing. We’ve had amazing encounters with coyotes and roadrunners during these hours.
Endangered and Protected Species
Big Bend plays a crucial role in protecting several endangered species. We’re always on the lookout for the tiny Big Bend mosquitofish, found only in the park’s hot springs. The Rio Grande silvery minnow is another rare fish we hope to spot in the river.
Plant enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that Big Bend is home to several endangered cacti species. We’re careful not to disturb the bunched cory cactus or the Chisos hedgehog cactus when we come across them.
In the sky, we scan for golden eagles and peregrine falcons, both protected species that nest in the park’s cliffs. It’s a thrill to see these majestic birds soaring overhead.
Recreational Activities
Big Bend National Park offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. From scenic trails to river expeditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vast wilderness.
Hiking and Backpacking
We love exploring Big Bend’s diverse landscapes on foot. The park boasts over 150 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. The Lost Mine Trail is a favorite, offering stunning views of Juniper Canyon. For a more strenuous hike, we recommend the South Rim Trail in the Chisos Mountains.
When hiking, we always carry plenty of water and sunscreen. The desert climate can be unforgiving, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. We also keep an eye out for wildlife, including black bears and mountain lions, which occasionally roam the park.
Keep an eye out for snakes, especially on warm rocky surfaces. While there are some rattlesnakes in the park, our favorite snake is not a poisonous one — the Red Racer has a reddish pink hue that you wont’ miss, and is fun to catch a glimpse of.
Camping Options
Camping in Big Bend is an unforgettable experience. There are three go-to places that most campers will head for in and around the park:
- Chisos Basin Campground: Nestled high in the rugged Chisos Mountains, this campground offers stunning views, cooler temperatures, and
easy access to trails like the Window and Lost Mine. It’s a favorite for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, with occasional sightings of deer, javelinas, and even black bears. - Rio Grande Village Campground: Located near the banks of the Rio Grande, this spot is perfect for those who enjoy riverside views and access to kayaking or canoeing. With options for both tent and RV camping, it also provides access to nearby hot springs and birdwatching opportunities in the desert oasis.
- Terlingua Ranch: Just outside Big Bend, this private retreat combines the charm of remote desert camping with basic amenities like showers and a café. It’s a great basecamp for exploring the park by day while enjoying vast, starry skies at night.
For a more rugged adventure, we opt for backcountry camping. This requires a permit, but it’s worth it for the solitude and stargazing opportunities. We always follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park’s pristine beauty.
River Rafting and Canoeing
The Rio Grande offers white water rafting through Big Bend’s canyons. We love taking guided rafting trips through Santa Elena Canyon, where towering limestone walls create a dramatic backdrop.
For a more leisurely experience, canoeing is a great option. We paddle through Boquillas Canyon, enjoying the tranquil waters and spotting wildlife along the shores. If you fish, you can expect to have a chance to catch warm water species like catfish and bass in the area. However, the rules for fishing inside the park are stricter than outside, and vary by season, so go to the park’s website to get the latest.
It’s important to check water levels and weather conditions before embarking on any river trip. In particular, spring and early summer waters can be higher and faster than you might assume. Wear a lifejacket even if you are an experienced paddler!
