Once a remote and seemingly inhospitable area reached only by miles of dirt road, Big Bend has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state of Texas, visited by an average of 300,000 visitors each year. Scenic vistas, diverse wildlife, historical sites, and the border culture all rank among the features visitors enjoy in Big Bend, but the primary reason many visitors give for visiting the park is the opportunity for outdoor recreation.

There are as many ways to enjoy Big Bend as there are people who visit. The diversity of recreational options here offers something for almost everyone. People come to the park seeking escape, entertainment, and exercise. Some come for multi-day treks, while others prefer to relax. Some visit to test their limits; others come to recharge their batteries. Some visit the park solo to reclaim inner peace, while others come to bond with family and friends. Some bring bicycles and kayaks, some bring lawn chairs and novels. Talk to any of these visitors, however, and you’ll find they have one thing in common: they all found the type of recreation they were looking for in Big Bend National Park.