• Sierra del Carmen

    Big Bend

    National Park Texas

Natural Features & Ecosystems

desert scene
This present-day scene shows the desert landscapes for which the park is famous; this land also holds evidence of ancient swamps and fossils.
NPS/Big Bend National Park
 
When Big Bend was chosen to become a national park it was the biological and geologic diversity here that helped sway policy makers.

The scenery found in Big Bend is unmatched elsewhere in Texas. We encourage park visitors to enjoy sunsets from scenic vistas, soak their tired bones in the hot springs, and explore Big Bend's geologic history.
  • Chihuahuan Desert Network Chihuahuan Desert Network

    Learn more about inventory and monitoring programs in Chihuahuan Desert Parks, including Big Bend. Read More

Did You Know?

Ruins of the Mariscal Mine

About the beginning of the twentieth century, D. E. Lindsey operated a small quicksilver prospect on the northern end of Mariscal Mountain in Big Bend National Park. On old maps, the location is shown as the Lindsey mine, but it is more commonly known as the Mariscal mine. More...