• Sierra del Carmen

    Big Bend

    National Park Texas

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  • PANTHER JUNCTION VISITOR CENTER TEMPORARY CLOSURE

    The Panther Junction Visitor Center will be closed Tuesday May 28 and Wednesday May 29 for needed maintenance. Information, backcountry permits, and entrance fee payments can be taken care of at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center.

Directions

"Half the pleasure of a visit to Big Bend National Park, as in certain other affairs, lies in the advance upon the object of our desire."—Edward Abbey
 
State map showing highway routes to and from Big Bend National Park.

Highway routes to and from Big Bend National Park.

While the isolation of Big Bend National Park is a draw for many visitors, it also means your trip must be well prepared and carefully planned. Big Bend National Park is located in southwest Texas, a considerable distance from cities and transportation hubs. There is no public transportation to, or in Big Bend National Park.
 
Area map showing highway routes to and from Big Bend National Park.

Area map of Big Bend and vicinity.

Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters).

Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, oil, food, and water for your trip. The park has four camp stores, but supply and selection can be limited. There are also small stores in the communities outside the park. The last major shopping areas (grocery and hardware stores) are Alpine, Fort Stockton, and Del Rio.

Did You Know?

Black Bear

Extirpated by hunting in the 1930s, the black bear returned naturally to Big Bend National Park in the late 1980s. Today the Chisos Mountains are home to a population of 12-15 black bear. More...