This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here
Big Bend National Park sits in the big bend of the Rio Grande. The park shares a border with Mexico but the park is entirely within the state of Texas. The park is an interesting mix of landscapes from the canyons and riparian of the Rio Grande to the Chihuahuan Desert to the Chicos Mountains. The park has something for everyone to explore. Head south to explore Big Bend National Park.
Looking to join other national park lovers, trade advice, or see inspiring photos of the National Parks? Join the National Park Obsessed Facebook Group here.

Big Bend National Park Profile
Region | Intermountain Region |
Park Size | 801,163 acres (1,251.82 sq miles) (3,242.19 sq km) About the size of Iturup Island (Russia) |
Elevation | Highest point: 7,825 feet (2,385 m) at Emory Peak Lowest point: 1,715 feet (523 m) at the Rio Grande |
Location | Brewster County, Texas |
Nearby Cities | Marathon, Texas Terlingua, Texas |
Founding Date | Texas Canyons State Park – May 1933 Big Bend State Park – 1933 Big Bend National Park – June 12, 1944 |
Visitors | 440,091 (in 2018) |
Busy Season | November through April |
Visitor Centers | Panther Junction Visitor Center – Open Year-Round Chisos Basin Visitor Center – Open Year-Round Castolon Visitor Center – November through April Persimmon Gap Visitor Center – November through April Rio Grande Village Visitor Center – November through April |
Park Hours | Open 365 days (24 hours a day) |
Entrance Fees | 7 Day Private Vehicle Pass – $30 7 Day Motor Cycle Pass – $25 7 Day Individual Pass – $15 |
Annual Pass | American the Beautiful Pass – $80 |
Pets | Yes but best left at home. If bringing, please review the Big Bend Pet Policy. |
Big Bend National Park Climate
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | |
Average high in °F: | 62 | 68 | 75 | 84 | 89 | 95 |
Average low in °F: | 38 | 42 | 48 | 56 | 63 | 70 |
Av. precipitation in inch: | 0.69 | 0.38 | 0.31 | 0.36 | 1.51 | 1.55 |
Av. Snowfall in inch: | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Average high in °F: | 93 | 92 | 86 | 81 | 71 | 63 |
Average low in °F: | 71 | 71 | 65 | 57 | 47 | 39 |
Av. precipitation in inch: | 1.93 | 2.01 | 1.75 | 0.66 | 0.82 | 0.51 |
Av. Snowfall in inch: | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Big Bend National National Park Guide
Check out nearby National Park Service Sites (less than a 4-hour drive):
- Amistad National Recreation Area
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Fort Davis National Historic Site
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
Check out nearby National Park Service Sites (less than an 8 hour drive):
- Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
- Chamizal National Memorial
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
- Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
- Padre Island National Seashore
- Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- Waco Mammoth National Monument
- White Sands National Monument
Badlands Gear
