Attractions - Big Bend National Park Hotels

Attractions in Big Bend National Park

Backcountry Camping
Backpackers have many opportunities throughout the park. Open (zone) camping is available in desert areas with a backcountry permit. Designated backcountry campsites in the high Chisos Mountains are available with a backcountry permit on a first-come, first-serve basis. This permit must be obtained in person up to 24 hours in advanced of your trip. Because of the unreliability of desert springs, it is virtually impossible to plan an extended backpacking trip prior to your arrival in the park.

Bear in mind how much distance you want to cover and how much time you have. Based on that information and current conditions, personnel at park visitor centers can assist you with your trip planning. You can begin to familiarize yourself with Big Bend's trails by obtaining a "Hiker's Guide, Chisos Mountains Trails" guide, and topo maps of the park. These can be purchased at visitor centers upon arrival in the park, or they can be ordered in advance of your visit from the Big Bend Natural History Association by writing or calling.

Backcountry Backpacking
Backpackers have many opportunities throughout the park. Open (zone) camping is available in desert areas with a backcountry permit. Designated backcountry campsites in the high Chisos Mountains are available with a backcountry permit on a first-come, first-serve basis. This permit must be obtained in person up to 24 hours in advanced of your trip. Because of the unreliability of desert springs, it is virtually impossible to plan an extended backpacking trip prior to your arrival in the park.

Biking
Whether on ten speed, touring, or all terrain "mountain" bicycle, the cyclist will find a vast desert mountain area that offers abundant opportunities for solitude, challenge, and adventure. Touring along the roadways and riding the backcountry roads on a bicycle are excellent ways to see one of the best examples of the Chihuahuan Desert and its wildlife. Mountain bikes allow you to "conquer" roads which are often inaccessible to cars or 2 wheel drive.

The best season to bicycle in the park is between October and April, when daytime temperatures are pleasant and the evenings are cool. From May through October temperatures on the desert often exceed 105º F in the shade, and there isn't much shade. Nightime temperatures in winter, from November to March, often drop to 30º F or lower.

Touring
The paved roadways in Big Bend are in good condition and usually allow plenty of visibility for vehicles. Caution should be exercised on the steep, winding curves of the Chisos Mountains and the Boquillas Canyon Road, as there is poor visibility and almost no shoulder room. Bicyclists must share the roads with motor vehicles and follow the same rules of the road, be careful. Keep your bicycle in good condition and be prepared to make emergency repairs.

Boating Information
Part 3, Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and State law establish the regulations for boating in Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. These pertain to the United States side of the Rio Grande and certain other park waters. Here is a condensed version of those regulations. Full regulations may be examined at Park Headquarters. It is your obligation to be aware of the full regulations.

Boating Permit: A boat permit is required for day and overnight boating in the Big Bend National Park. A permit is also required on the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River below the park but is not required for day use. The permit is available free of charge from any Park Ranger or at the park visitor centers.

River Recreation: Big Bend National Park administers 234 miles of the Rio Grande for recreational use. Obtain a free river float permit (required for all boat use) and current river information at park headquarters or any ranger station. Be well equipped and informed before running the river. A river guide is sold at park headquarters. There are no equipment rentals in the park. Contact the park for a list of river outfitters. Because of local thunderstorms, the river can be high from July through October. The Rio Grande is a Wild and Scenic River for 191.2 miles along part of the park boundary and beyond.

Birding: There are 450 species of birds in Big Bend National Park. Big Bend is a birder's paradise. The large migration occurs here in the spring. Ask a ranger about the best birding spots during your stay in the park.