The Castolon area includes most of the western side of the park accessible by the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the Old Maverick Road. Below you will find short descriptions of some of the highlights of this part of Big Bend, as a beginning for your own explorations.

Elevation
2,169 feet (661m)

Services and Facilities
The visitor center located in the Historic District is open seasonally. The historic La Harmonia Store, in the same building, offers a full ranger of supplies, and is open year-round. The Cottonwood Campground is located nearby, and offers a quiet camping experience (no generators are allowed in this campground). Picinic tables can be found at the Castolon store, the Cottonwood Campground, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead.

What to do
The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive anchors this part of the park, and provides access to numerous hikes and scenic overlooks. The Castolon Historic District provides a glimpse into the complex past of the Big Bend through exhibits and historic adobe buildings. At the end of the paved road is Santa Elena Canyon, one of the most famous of the landmarks of the Big Bend; a short trail leads into the canyon.