Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Big Bend National Park
Q:How can we take a river trip?
A:Several companies offer guided river trips ranging from one-half day to one week. You can also bring (or rent) equipment and obtain a back country use permit to do your own river trip. Because river levels and conditions vary, check current conditions before planning your own trip.
Q:When is the busy season in Big Bend?
A:Spring is the busiest season at Big Bend National Park - during March and April and sometimes into May when the Texas colleges and universities are on spring break. Thanksgiving and Christmas can be extremely busy, also. Plan ahead and make lodging reservations early if you plan to visit Big Bend during any holiday period.
Q:What are the temperature variances at Big Bend National Park?
A:It can get as hot as 115-120° F along the river during late May and June. However, the temperatures will normally be in the range of 88-110° F during the hottest time of the year—the lower end of that range being in the Basin, the hotter temperatures along the river.
The winter months (December, January, and February) can bring cold weather, dropping temperatures down into the thirties, and occasionally bringing snow. However, interspersed with these cold spells are spells of very comfortable, warm weather (70s or 80s and even higher sometimes, down on the river). The nights, however, are commonly freezing or below—in the 20s or teens down on the river.
Q:When do the wildflowers bloom?
A:Generally, desert plants bloom in the spring, while plants in the Chisos Mountains bloom in the late summer, during the rainy season. March and April are probably the best time to see the park in bloom, but flowers can be seen almost throughout the year. Every year is different, depending on rainfall levels. Big Bend does not always look like the pictures on postcards. It is very difficult to predict when the best weeks will be.
Q: Is there lodging inside Big Bend Park?
A:There is one in-park lodging option, Chisos Mountain Lodge. However there are several options at the parks entrance to choose from.
Q:What is the recommended stay duration?
A:Minimalist (3-4 days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 2 Day
Hiking/Exploring: 1-2 Days
Adventurist (6-7 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 3 Days
Hiking/Exploring: 2 Days
Attractions (Museums/History/Culture): ½ Day - 1 Day
Activities/Special Programs: ½ Day - 1 Day
Notes: Big Bend is BIG! There are four distinct regions of the park that each deserve a visit if you want to truly get the full 'Big Bend experience.' Driving around this vast park will 2 full days on it's own (much more if you explore some of the more off-the-beaten-path roads). There are also too many great hiking opportunities not to take advantage of a few. You should definitely not miss the Chisos Mountains Basin and the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which was engineered to take you past many of the parks geological and scenic highlights. Big Bend is also full of hiking opportunities with more than 150 miles of trails available. Other memorable Big Bend activities that shouldn't be missed include many informative Ranger-led programs, horseback riding through the desert, a river trip down the Rio Grande, and a visit to the old-west town of Lajitas just west of the park – take advantage of Lajitas world-class golf course while you are there! Also don't forget to set aside some of your nighttime hours for staring at the skies! Big Bend is one of the best spots in the US for stargazing opportunities!
Q:Why is the park named Big Bend?
A:Big Bend is named for the huge left turn the Rio Grande makes while flowing through the Texas desert creating the boundary with Mexico and giving the state its distinctive bottom shape.
Q:Are you allowed to fish in the park?
A:Free permits are issued for fishing the Rio Grande from the visitor's center.
Q:What types of weather conditions should I expect?
A:Big Bend's climate is temperate with summers being very hot, especially in the lower desert and along the river, and occasional cold fronts in the winter that may drop temperatures below freezing.
Q:What are the entrance fees for Big Bend National Park?
A:
Vehicle: $30.00 for 7 Days
Motorcycles: $25.00 for 7 days
Individuals: $12.00 for 7 Days
Q:Is there cellular and WiFi service?
A:
Cellular service is very limited in Big Bend National Park, Most areas of the park have no cell reception. A few areas have fairly reliable service that includes near Panther Junction and the Chisos Basin area. Please do not rely on having cell service while in the park. At the Panther Junction Visitor Center and the Rio Grande Village Store, free public WiFi is available.
Q:Are pets allowed inside of the park?
A:
In Big Bend National Park pets are not allowed on any off-trail area, hiking areas, rivers, visitor centers, off-road, buildings or backcountry areas. You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
