Big Bend National Park
Location:
Texas
Size:
801,163 acres
Peak Season:
Late Fall to Early Spring
Closest Airport:
Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF) – 3.5 hrs
Topography:
Desert, Canyon, River
Recreational Opportunities:
Hiking – Trails like Lost Mine, Emory Peak, and Santa Elena Canyon.
River Rafting – Paddle through the canyons of the Rio Grande.
Wildlife Viewing – Roadrunners, javelinas, and even black bears inhabit the park.
Stargazing – One of the darkest night skies in the U.S.
Hot Springs – Relax in the natural hot springs along the Rio Grande.
Points Of Interest:
Santa Elena Canyon: A dramatic canyon carved by the Rio Grande River, offering a short hike with breathtaking views.
The Window Trail: A popular trail that leads to a rock formation resembling a window, providing panoramic desert views.
Chisos Mountains: A mountain range within the park, offering cooler temperatures and diverse wildlife.
Rio Grande Village: A historic area of the park, perfect for birdwatching and exploring the desert landscape.
Top 5 Hikes:
South Rim Trail
Lost Mine Trail
Emory Peak Trail
The Window Trail
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
Camping:
Chisos Basin Campground (frontcountry)
Cottonwood Campground (frontcountry)
Rio Grande Village Campground (frontcountry & group sites)
Backcountry camping (designated primitive sites & river camping)