News Release

Big Bend National Park is Modifying River Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

News Release Date: March 20, 2020

Contact: NPS Public Affairs

Contact: Tom VandenBerg

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS – Today the National Park Service (NPS) is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote public safety. As of Monday, March 23rd, all river operations in Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River are closed until further notice.

This change is consistent with operation suspensions regionwide, within National Park Service units located within Department of Interior Regions 6, 7, and 8, including Big Bend National Park (TX), Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River (TX), Canyonlands National Park (UT), Dinosaur National Monument (CO), Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (AZ/UT), and Grand Canyon National Park (AZ).

The National Park Service is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is the number one park priority. Operation changes that are already in place at Big Bend National Park include closure of all visitor centers and contact stations, cessation of guided ranger programs, closure of group campsites, closure of the Boquillas, Mexico Port of Entry, and operating the lodge restaurant as take-out service only. Regular updates on operations will be provided on the Big Bend website and social media channels.

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.  

In addition, Texas Governor Abbott on March 19 ordered that “every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.” While Big Bend National Park remains open, the NPS urges visitors to avoid congregating in large groups, for their safety and the safety of other visitors, as well as park staff. 

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.   

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.