Big Bend National Park
Desert mountains and the Rio Grande's most remote bend.
About this area
Big Bend National Park protects over 800,000 acres where the Chisos Mountains rise from the Chihuahuan Desert along a dramatic bend in the Rio Grande. The primary visitor season runs October through April, with summer heat limiting camping to well-prepared visitors.
Park Size
801,163 acres
Highest Peak (Emory Peak)
7,825 ft
Best Time to Visit
Oct – Apr
Places to stay
Find your perfect campsite near Big Bend National Park
Things to do
Chisos Basin Hiking
Camp at nearly a mile high, surrounded by the only mountain range entirely contained within a national park.
Santa Elena Canyon
Paddle or hike alongside 1,500-foot canyon walls where the Rio Grande cuts through solid rock.
Rio Grande Hot Springs
Soak in a historic hot spring right along the riverbank, with Mexico visible on the opposite shore.
Dark Sky Stargazing
Big Bend holds some of the darkest measured skies in the Lower 48, ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.
Good to know (FAQ)
Yes — all developed and backcountry campsites require advance reservations through Recreation.gov.
Yes, though the Chisos Basin road has a length restriction — check current limits before heading up into the mountains.
Yes, a park pass is required and can be purchased online or at entrance stations; America the Beautiful annual passes are accepted.
Leashed pets are allowed on roads and in campgrounds, but not on park trails.
Stories & guides
The Best Hikes in Every U.S. Region, Backed by AllTrails
From Maine’s fog-kissed coast to Big Bend’s desert ridges, AllTrails recommends the best routes to hit in America.
Why Sailing is the Next Great American Pastime
And why the coast of Maine is the place to sail.
Road Trips That Reveal America’s Darkest Skies
We sought out the corners of the map where human-made light doesn't dominate. Follow the stars with us.