Big Bend National Park

Does your family have a “been there, done that” attitude when it comes to many national parks? Then Big Bend may just be the answer. This remote park is a real place to get away from it all and enjoy nature along the banks of the Rio Grande.

That massive river, the border between Texas and Mexico, marks the location of Big Bend. Picture a map of Texas and where the river (and thus the boundary) makes a big bend, well, you guessed it. This remote region is home of this little-visited park where you can get away from the crowds. With truly Texas-size proportions, the park spans over 800,000 acres–plenty of space for even those families looking for lots of elbow room.

Location: Big Bend National Park is located in far west Texas. To get here, travel from Marathon (70 miles) on US 385 to the north entrance of the park or on TX 118 from Alpine (108 miles) to the west entrance. The west entrance can be reached by taking RR 170 from Presidio to Study Butte then TX 118 to the west entrance. Want to fly in? The closest air service is Midland (230 miles) or El Paso (325 miles).

Activities: This isn’t a park for families looking for a lot of organized fun but if you are ready to make your own adventure it can be a great getaway. Enjoy a scenic drive through the huge park for an overall look at the park; the best vistas are found on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the road to the Chisos Mountain Basin. (Don’t try these two while towing a trailer, though.) You’ll also see plenty of dirt roads crisscrossing the park, but these are only recommended for those with high-clearance vehicles.

Hiking is definitely the number one activity; hikers can choose all grades of trails that span over 150 miles of the park. Guided nature walks led by naturalists are offered year around (several a day in the peak months from November through April). Check with the visitors centers for current offerings. The park also offers wildlife viewing and birdwatching trips.Several outfitters located just outside the park can offer one of the most exciting ways to view this region aboard a float trip.

Four visitors centers are located at Persimmon Gap, Panther Junction, Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village, each can provide more information about the rich archaeological history of the region as well as ecotourism activities. Hiking is definitely the number one activity; hikers can choose all grades of trails that span over 150 miles of the park.

Guided nature walks led by naturalists are offered year around (several per day in the peak months from November through April). Several outfitters located just outside the park offer Rio Grande float trip through the rugged canyons.

Much of the interest in the park includes its historic sites; the park is believed to contain an estimated 10,000 archaeological sites, although few are open to the public. The Hot Springs Historic District includes pictographs on limestone cliffs, several preserved historic buildings, and a 105 degree hot spring enjoyed by many hikers.

The history of the park also includes events during the past century. After a raid on Juárez by Pancho Villa, the US Army began an aerial border patrol with a temporary landing field at Glenn Spring. Later an airfield was established at Johnson's Ranch, a remote ranch and trading post on the Rio Grande. Another historic stop for visitors is the ghost town of Glenn Spring, which, in the early 20th century, was home of a factory that produced wax using candelilla, a perennial desert plant. Following several bloody raids, the community eventually became a ghost town and today all that remains of the community, acessible only by four wheel drive vehicle, is a cemetery and corral.

When to Go: Remember, this park is perched in the southernmost area of the US and parts of the park are right on the desert floor. Here temperatures can be griddle-like in the summer months, but in the mountains you’ll find more temperate conditions. The hottest months here are May and June, with cooling rains starting in July and continuing through October.

Winter temperatures are usually pretty comfortable but light snow can occur.

The best packing tips for this park are to come prepared (you’re not going to run out to the Wal-Mart and grab and extra layer if it does turn chilly). Be sure to bring a hat for everyone in the family, plenty of sunscreen, at least a gallon of water per person for every day you’ll be in the park, comfortable walking shoes, and any must-have items.

What to Bring: Come prepared with layers of clothing, even during summer months when evening temperatures can be cool. Rain gear is also important in case of afternoon thunderstorms. Insect repellent is a must during summer months.

Where to Stay: You’ve got several choices when it comes to accommodations in the park. Lodging is limited, though, so at peak times (Easter weekend, spring break, Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas week) be sure to book early if you are planning to stay at the lodge (and come early if you’re hoping to get a campsite). The months of August and September are usually the quietest as kids head back to school and vacationers avoid the end of summer heat.

The park is home to the Chisos Mountain Lodge, which is operated by the National Park Concessions, Inc. For information, call 915/477-2291.

Campers have several options. Developed campsites are found at Rio Grande Village (100 sites), Chisos Basin (63 sites), and Cottonwood (31 sites). Each of these sites have water and restrooms. No hookups are available. Each campsite is limited to eight campers and two vehicles. There is no advance reservation system on these sites so it’s first-come, first-served.

At Rio Grande Village, you’ll find a full service RV park with hookups. For information, call Tel. 915/477-2251.

Families who are ready to do some backcountry hiking will find primitive camping opportunities. You’ll need a backcountry permit.

For More Information:

• visit Big Bend National Park

Photo courtesy TX Dept of Economic Development, Tourism Division

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