BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
Several years ago during a cross-country trip, I had the opportunity to visit Big Bend National Park, which is located in the southwestern corner of Texas. As national parks go, Big Bend is relatively unknown, attracting fewer than 341,000 visitors per year. One of my most vivid memories of the trip was the drive south into the park, in which I had an opportunity to observe the rugged wilderness of both desert and mountain scenery. As a longtime resident of South Florida who is used to seeing lots of vehicle traffic, I remember particularly the feeling of isolation driving from south from I-10 into the interior of this 801,000-acre park -- during the last two hours of our trip, I believe we only saw two or three other cars.
courtesy of the National Park Service
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Situated on the boundary with Mexico, Big Bend shares a 118-mile border with the States of Coahuila and Chihuahua along the Rio Grande. Along this southern boundary of the park, the river's southeasterly flow makes a sharp turn to the northeast, forming the "big bend." The park has national significance as the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. It was established as a national park in 1944 and designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1976.
Even during the summer months when temperatures along the river can reach well over 100 degrees, you'll still be able to get out on the trails by going up into the mountains, where it can be 15-20 degrees cooler. These variations in climate contribute to an exceptional diversity in plant and animal habitat. More than 1200 species of plants make their home in the park and wildlife includes 11 species of amphibians, 56 species of reptiles, 40 species of fish, 75 species of mammals, and about 3600 species of insects. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, featuring 450 species, more than any other national park in the United States.
Visiting the Park
The park is relatively uncrowded much of the year. Visitation is highest in March and April, and the park is especially crowded during spring break, which is usually the second and third week in March. All lodging and campsites are usually full during these periods. I visited the park during the month of June, which was the hottest time of year. I have been told that October is a great time to visit the park -- few visitors, cooler temperatures, and usually the best month for viewing wildflowers.
courtesy of the National Park Service
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Activities
Big Bend is a great park to explore by car and on foot. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive will give you a taste of the Chihuahuan Desert and will lead you to the Rio Grande, with scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way. Be sure to take the 1.7-mile (round trip) walk into Santa Elena Canyon, one of Big Bend's most scenic spots. The Chisos Basin Drive also offers some worthwhile hiking opportunities, including the Window Trail (5 miles round trip) and the Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles round trip). All in all, more than 150 miles of dirt roads and about 200 miles of hiking trails wind through the park, providing great opportunities for hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, and other backcountry adventures.
Birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and float trips are also popular park activities. Commercial float trips on the Rio Grande are available through outfitters just outside the park. If you visit the park, be sure to check on the schedule of ranger talks, guided walks, and evening programs held throughout the year. If you are planning an October visit, you might have the opportunity to enjoy the International Good Neighbor Day Fiesta, which is held annually on the third Saturday of the month at Rio Grande Village in Big Bend National Park. Now in its 20th year, the celebration features food and crafts throughout the day. The Fiesta coincides with the annual "Día del Río" celebration in which communities throughout the entire Rio Grande Basin participate in activities and events focusing on the Rio Grande and its natural and cultural resources.
One final thought: Unlike a number of other national parks, the location and size of Big Bend NP do not make it particularly well suited for a quick visit, but if you have a few days, and enjoy the opportunity to hike, backpack, camp, or observe wildlife in a rugged, wilderness setting, then Big Bend is ideal.
For further information on the park, contact:
Big Bend National Park
P.O. Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
915-477-2251 (phone)
BIBEInformation@nps.gov
Other useful resources:
Alpine, TX Chamber of Commerce - provides information on area attractions, arts and crafts, accommodations, services and shopping, and events in the Big Bend area.
Big Bend Natural History Association - a non-profit organization concerned with educating the public and increase their understanding and appreciation of the Big Bend area.
Brewster County Tourist Board - includes information on camping, lodging, restaurants, shopping, and recreational activities, and events in the Texas Big Bend area.
Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute - a non-profit scientific and educational organization that gathers information on the Chihuahuan Desert Region.
Friends of Big Bend National Park - supports, promotes, and raises funds for Big Bend National Park in partnership with the National Park Service.
Virtual Park Field Trip - a guide to the geological history and features of the Big Bend National Park area. Created for the Texas A&M University Department of Geology and Geophysics.
