Big Bend National Park trip planner

Situated where the Rio Grande River takes a big southerly dip in West Texas, Big Bend National Park covers a massive expanse of desert, woodlands, and grasslands full of rivers, limestone canyons, and high mountains. Nearly 2,000 species of plant and animal life call this place home. Despite its remoteness, the park manages to draw an average of 300,000 visitors per year. Many come for hiking on 240 km (150 mi) of trails, or scenic driving on 160 km (100 mi) of paved roads and 240 km (150 mi) of dirt roads. Backpacking, river trips, and horseback riding open the backcountry for exploration. The park, whose river forms the U.S./Mexico border, is home to whitetail and mule deer, coyotes, mountain lions, and black bears. About 450 species of birds, including vultures and peregrine falcons, have been recorded here. Take stress off the schedule by using our United States attractions planning tool.