Big Bend National Park

National Park · Texas, 🇺🇸 United States

Area 3,177 km²

Time zone America/Chicago

Official website nps.gov/bibe/

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Featured Lists

Ralf Kiepert / CC BY-SA 3.0

Big Bend National Park Essentials

Big Bend National Park encompasses the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande. This selection highlights the park's geological diversity, from the 1,500-foot limestone walls of Santa Elena Canyon to the volcanic peaks of the Chisos range. Key sites include the historic Castolon district, natural geothermal springs, and unique formations like the Balanced Rock. The park’s elevation spans from the river corridor to the 7,832-foot Emory Peak, preserving a complex ecosystem of desert and mountain habitats.

13 places

Vit Zdarsky / CC BY-SA 4.0

Best Peaks and Viewpoints

Big Bend National Park's landscape is defined by the dramatic contrast between the volcanic Chisos Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert. This collection highlights the park's most significant geological features, from the 7,825-foot summit of Emory Peak to the sheer limestone walls of Santa Elena Canyon. These viewpoints offer perspectives on distinctive formations like the twin Mule Ear Peaks, the narrow mountain drainage known as The Window, and panoramic vistas across the Rio Grande into Mexico.

12 places

Best Campgrounds & RV Parks

This collection spans the diverse ecosystems of Big Bend National Park, from the high-altitude Chisos Basin at 5,400 feet to the riverside groves of Rio Grande Village. It includes developed campgrounds with amenities like water and flush toilets, alongside primitive roadside sites like Terlingua Abajo and Pine Canyon that require high-clearance vehicles and permits. These locations provide direct access to key landmarks including Santa Elena Canyon, the Boquillas Port of Entry, and historic desert ranching remains.

12 places