Thank you for your interest Big Bend. Regardless of your job title or responsibilities, living and working in this area can be a unique, challenging, but extremely rewarding experience.
Big Bend is a spectacular and very remote national park, situated on the US-Mexico border. Encompassing 800,000 acres, Big Bend, along with Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, represents the finest and most extensive expanse of Chihuahuan desert and mountain topography in the United States. This is a land of dramatic contrasts—of lofty, wooded peaks and river-swept floodplains—dominated by great expanses of Chihuahuan Desert, containing spectacular geologic features and other impressive landforms.
Big Bend NP is beloved as one of the few large public lands in Texas. Major activities include camping, backpacking, hiking, birdwatching, river trips, enjoying the spring cactus bloom, exploring along backcountry roads, and simply "getting away from it all." Average visitation is 500,000 and growing!
Open year round, Big Bend is primarily a winter park. The main visitor season runs from November through April. The climate is generally dry and pleasant with beautiful, mild winters (40-70 degrees F.) and hot summers (90-110+ degrees F.). Visitor facilities include five visitor centers, post office, two gas stations, three camper stores, three NPS campgrounds, concession-operated lodge, restaurant and RV park.). A port of entry provides pedestrian access to the small village of Boquillas, Mexico.
Elevation in the park varies from 7825 to 1850 ft.
Cellular phone service is generally spotty throughout the park. Satellite radio and television, as well as DSL internet service, are available for purchase.
Employee house at Panther Jct.
The Big Bend Community
Although remote, Big Bend has an active residential community. The park community consists of ~250 people, including employees of NPS, Concession, Border Patrol, School, and their families living in 4 housing areas; Panther Junction (PJ), Chisos Basin, Castolon, and Rio Grande Village (RGV).
"Daycare and School Information:
The San Vicente Independent School District (SVISD) and SVISD Early Learning Center (ELC), are located in Panther Junction and serve those that live in Big Bend National Park. SVISD ELC, is a state-accredited daycare facility for children ages 18 months to 4 years of age. Daycare services are currently free of charge (subject to change). The SVISD elementary school, located in Panther Junction, is a Texas Education Agency, A-Rated, elementary school (K-8). Terlingua (30 miles) has a state-accredited high school, rich in academics, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities for students in grades 9-12. For more information about the Daycare and Schooling, contact School Superintendent Jessi Milam, jmilam@svisd.com Office: (432) 244-3131.
Alpine, TX (100 miles, has a four-year university with in-person and online graduate programs.
The park's employee association, Casa Grande, provides a variety of social events, potlucks, and community get togethers throughout the year. As isolated as we are, there is always a lot going on and lots of things to do. For people who love the outdoors and exploring, hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing, Big Bend is a magical place.
Panther Junction
Elevation 3,800 feet
Panther Junction (PJ) the primary housing area for most park employees. It contains park HQ, the main visitor center, maintenance, and other administrative facilities. There is a US Post Office, a gas station and convenience store, San Vicente School (K-8) is located here. There is a community lending library, combination lighted tennis, basketball, and volleyball court, fitness room, and baseball field.
Rio Grande Village
Elevation 1,850'
Rio Grande Village (RGV), is located on the eastern side of the park, approximately 25 minutes from park headquarters. It is situated on the international border across from the Mexican village of Boquillas. Facilities include a visitor center/ranger station, convenience store with fuel, laundry, showers, a NPS run U.S. Customs Port of Entry, structural fire station, the largest campground in the park, and horse corral. The area has several well-known prominent features including Boquillas Canyon and the historic Hot Springs.
Chisos Basin
Elevation 5,401'
The scenic Chisos Basin lies in the wooded Chisos Mountains, 10 miles from park headquarters. There is a restaurant, bar, visitor center, a large concession operated gift store, convenience store, cabins, lodging, and campgrounds. Many of the park's most popular day and overnight hikes begin in the Chisos Basin.
Castolon
Elevation 2,169'
Castolon is located approximately 50 minutes’ drive southwest of park headquarters. It is a very historic area, and situated on the international border across from the Mexican village of Santa Elena. Facilities include a visitor center/ranger station, small convenience store, and campground. The area contains several prominent features, including many historic ruins, hiking trails, remote backcountry roads, and magnificent Santa Elena Canyon.
Big Bend NP is in far West Texas!
Getting Around
Terlingua (a small town 30 miles west from PJ) has a state-accredited high school (no bus service), lodging, restaurants, hardware store, small grocery and gift stores, churches and a bank. Lajitas has limited shopping, lodging, restaurants, golf course and churches.
Alpine, Texas (100 miles north from Panther Junction) has most necessities, including supermarkets, variety of stores, a hospital, pharmacies, churches, a movie theater, and a university. The nearest larger cities are Midland/Odessa (225 miles) and El Paso (325 miles).
It is important to have a reliable vehicle in Big Bend. There is NO commercial transportation available in the park or to the park. Amtrak, Greyhound bus lines, and chartered planes are available in Alpine and Fort Stockton. The nearest commercial airlines are at Midland International Airport in Midland/Odessa, El Paso International Airport, and Del Rio Airport. Rental cars may be available in nearby towns, but supply is limited.
Major park roads are paved and are open and in good condition year round. In Southwest Texas, there are two major road hazards -- wildlife crossings and small creeks and washes -- which cannot be crossed for short periods of time after a heavy rain.
Many residents prefer to NOT drive long distances at night, due to increased wildlife activity along roadsides (mule deer, javelina, jackrabbits, etc.) and the remote nature of the area.
