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Big Bend National Park
Monsoon Rainstorms and Road Conditions

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Date: June 22, 2009

Monsoon rains started two months early at Big Bend this year. Floods typically do not affect the paved roads, with the exception of the road from Castolon to Santa Elena Canyon. This road will close when flash floods deposit debris and standing water on the roadway. The dirt roads in the park suffer periodic washouts, making them passable only to four-wheel drive vehicles or even totally closed until repairs can be made.

Please see the Daily Report for up to date closures and special vehicle requirements for the park's many dirt roads. Some have been temporarily closed, others require four wheel drive and high clearance.

As the Park Service makes repairs, road conditions and vehicle requirements can change on a daily basis.

Mid-to-late September is generally the end of the monsoon season at Big Bend.

Near the top of Emory Peak  

Did You Know?
At 7,832 feet (2,387 meters) in elevation, Emory peak is the tallest point in the Chisos Mountains, and Big Bend National Park. A strenuous nine mile roundtrip hike is required to reach the summit.

Last Updated: June 28, 2009 at 16:43 EST