Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

CLOSURES and Updates

Are any Places/Roads Closed Today?

 

Parking lots will be full for spring break.

Facilities:

• All Park Facilities are Open
• March and April are the busiest months in Big Bend.
  • Spring Break 2024 News Release
  • Advice for Busy Times

 

Do not attempt Big Bend's primitive dirt roads with an inappropriate vehicle.

Roads:

• Old Ore Road is extremely rough and only suitable for the most rugged of vehicles. Never leave the pavement without full 4x4 capability with good tires, good spare, jack, and water. No cars, minivans, or RVs.
• Travel on primitive dirt roads requires High Clearance AND true Four-Wheel Drive. These roads are NOT passable to passenger cars, minivans, motorhomes, and tiny crossover SUVs.

 

Hiking Trails

• Santa Elena Canyon Trail:
  To access the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, hikers must first cross the bed of Terlingua Creek, and climb a short but steep bank. Conditions change constantly at this location. Depending upon recent rainfall, Terlingua Creek may be dry sand, thick mud, or flowing water. Carefully assess conditions and your abilities before attempting to cross. If water levels are too high, do NOT attempt to cross.

 

Current Status 3-15-24 of the Terlingua Creek Crossing at Santa Elena Canyon. This is subject to change with any area precipitation. Carefully assess your abilities before attempting to cross the creek and climb the sandy bank.

NPS

 

• Temporary Trail Closure to Protect Nesting Falcons
  From February 1st through May 31st, a portion of the East Rim Trail in the Chisos Mountains will be closed to protect nesting falcons. The closure includes East Rim backpacking campsites ER-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. More info and map

 

Helpful Information

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  Big Bend Weather

  Current Conditions

  Current weather, river levels, webcam view, visibility, and air quality readings.

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  Park Facilities

  Operating Hours & Seasons

  Hours and seasons for Big Bend facilities

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  Visitor Guide

  The Big Bend Paisano Visitor Guide

  Read all about it! Get the latest issue of the official visitor's guide to Big Bend National Park.

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  What's New?

  Big Bend News Releases

  Stay informed about events and happenings at Big Bend National Park.

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  Join A Ranger

  Big Bend Park Rangers

  Join a Ranger on a conducted activity, distance learning event, and through social media.

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  Webcam

  Live View From Park Headquarters

  The view from Park Headquarters is always changing, and always spectacular.