Park cover

Big Bend NP

  • Texas

photo: Carol M. Highsmith

Why go there?

Big Bend National Park is a place of big skies, big views, and big adventures. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail offers visitors the chance to experience the park's 1500-foot-high stone walls up close. For those looking to relax, the 105-degree hot springs are the perfect place to soak away your cares. And don't miss the Fossil Discovery Center, where you can see a giant pterosaur, the largest flyer ever. Birdwatching is also a popular activity at Rio Grande Village, and sunset seekers will want to hike to Window View for one of the best views in the park. Finally, don't forget to canoe along the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon for an unforgettable experience.

Half dome

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See some highlights

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    29°10'56.73"N, 102°57'41.11"W

    Big Bend NP

    • Texas

    Big Bend is remote, hot and stunning!

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    Ari and Jessi Adler

    • International Dark Sky Park

    • Hiking

    • Camping

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    29°19'16.1"N, 103°12'37.1"W

    Big Bend NP

    • Texas

    Protect Wildlife and Yourself!

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    Big Bend Conservancy

    • 4 wheel driving

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    29°19'16.1"N, 103°12'37.1"W

    Big Bend NP

    • Texas

    Explore the Park

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    Big Bend Conservancy

    • Hiking

    • Trails

    • Special events

    • Mountains

    • Canoeing & kayaking

    • Historic sites

    • Scenic driving

    • 4 wheel driving

    • Backcountry access

    • Backcountry camping

    • Bird and wildlife viewing

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    29°19'16.1"N, 103°12'37.1"W

    Big Bend NP

    • Texas

    Protect the Park, Know the Rules!

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    Big Bend Conservancy

    • Backcountry camping

    • Backcountry access

    • Hiking

    • 4 wheel driving

    • Conservation

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    29°19'40.03"N, 103°12'21.29"W

    Big Bend NP

    • Texas

    Be prepared and be amazed!

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    Big Bend Conservancy

    • Hiking

    • Camping

    • Trails

    • 4 wheel driving

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    29°19'40.86"N, 103°12'21.53"W

    Big Bend NP

    • Texas

    Amazing Hikes and Dark Skies in Big Bend

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    Parks Channel Programs

    • Hiking

    • Ranger programs

    • Scenic driving

    • International Dark Sky Park

    • Stargazing

    • Canoeing & kayaking

    • Biking

    • Bird and wildlife viewing

    • Wildlife viewing

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    29°19'40.86"N, 103°12'21.53"W

    Big Bend NP

    • Texas

    Big Bend NP: How to Visit & What to See

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    Megatherium Club

    • Mountains

    • Hiking

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    29°19'16.11"N, 103°12'37.09"W

    Big Bend NP

    • Texas

    Big Bend National Park is Being Robbed

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    National Park Diaries

    • Conservation