We are continually working to upgrade facilities for accessibility and to improve park access for all visitors. While not all facilities are fully accessible, park rangers are happy to assist any visitor with special needs.
If you have comments or suggestions about facilities, services, or programs, please let us know. For more information, call Big Bend National Park at 432-477-2251 (voice) or 432-477-2370 (TDD) or write to: Superintendent, Big Bend National Park P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, Texas 79834.
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Panther Junction Visitor Center
Has reserved parking and is accessible by ramp. The restrooms, exhibit area, bookstore, information desk, and drinking fountain are wheelchair-accessible. A large relief map of the park is available and can be touched. A TDD is available on request. Rangers are on duty to answer questions and assist visitors.
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Chisos Basin Visitor Center
Has reserved parking and is accessible by ramp. The exhibits, restrooms, and drinking fountain are wheelchair-accessible. Information is available in a variety of formats including audio and visual. Exhibits are available in English and Spanish.
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Persimmon Gap Visitor Center
Has reserved parking and is accessible by ramp. Exhibits, bookstore, restrooms, and drinking fountain are wheelchair-accessible. Also features a touch exhibit with animal furs, fossils, and plants.
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Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
Has reserved parking and is accessible by ramp. A large relief map of the area is touchable. The exhibit area, bookstore, and restrooms are designed for wheelchair-accessibility.
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Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Has reserved parking and is accessible by ramp. The exhibits and vault toilet are wheelchair-accessible.
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at Castolon has wheelchair-accessible vault toilets. Two campsites are accessible with a flat paved surfaces, and paved pathway to the nearby accessible vault toilet. Most other campsites are very level and useable by people in wheelchairs.
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site #37 is fully accessible for wheelchair users. The adjoining restroom is also accessible. Other sites near the accessible restroom are flat and smooth and may be suitable for wheelchairs or individuals with mobility challenges.
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site #14 is fully accessible. The adjoining restroom is also accessible. Other sites near the accessible restroom are flat and smooth and may be suitable for wheelchairs or individuals with mobility challenges..
Picnic Areas
- Dugout Wells Picnic Area has accessible tables and an accessible vault toilet.
- The Chisos Basin has a accessible picnic area opposite from the Basin Visitor Center.
- The Fossil Discovery Exhibit has a shaded, accessible picnic area.
- the Daniels Ranch picnic area near the Rio Grande Village campground is a flat, grassy picnic spot that may be accessible to wheelchairs or individuals with mobility challenges.
- The picnic area at Cottonwood Campground has accessible tables and an accessible vault toilet nearby.
Trails
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Panther Path, a short, self-guiding nature trail at Panther Junction, is accessible to wheelchairs. Chihuahuan Desert plants are labeled with trail signs.
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Window View Trail, a 0.3 mile self-guiding trail in the Chisos Basin is fully accessible to wheelchairs, and provides outstanding views of the window formation and the Chisos Mountains.
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Rio Grande Village Nature Trail Boardwalk (the first 0.25 mile of the trail), is wheelchair accessible. It is a short, wide dirt trail that leads to a boardwalk. This area is an excellent place for observing birds and aquatic plants and animals.
Vault Toilets
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There are accessible vault toilets at Daniels Ranch near Rio Grande Village campground, at the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center, and at the Sotol Vista overlook on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Vault toilets at the Boquillas Canyon, Santa Elena Canyon, and Hot Springs trailhead areas are accessible, although rugged terrain precludes wheelchairs on the trails.
Programs
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Rio Grande Village Amphitheater is wheelchair-accessible. Rangers frequently present evening programs in winter and spring.
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Chisos Basin Amphitheater is accessible by a dirt ramp, although some grades are steep due to rugged terrain. The amphitheater itself is designed for wheelchair use. Rangers present evening programs there on a periodic basis year-round.
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Panther Junction Theater is fully accessible.
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Panther Junction Community Room is fully accessible for scheduled events.
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Nature Walks presented on the Window View Trail are accessible. Most other guided walks are not wheelchair-accessible due to rough terrain.
Check weekly activity schedules for information regarding the accessibility of other ranger-led activities.
Scenic Overlooks
Concession Facilities
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Chisos Mountains Lodge, gift shop, and restaurant are wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available adjacent to the main lodge building. Some guest rooms are wheelchair-accessible, and some are equipped with visual fire alarms for hearing-impaired guests.
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Rio Grande Village Store is fully accessible, as are shower facilities and laundry. The restrooms are equipped with grab bars, but are not fully accessible.
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Chisos Basin Store and the Camp Store at Castolon are wheelchair-accessible.
Contact Aramark at 432-477-2291 for more information about concession facilities.
Outfitters
The following rafting companies offer float trips for disabled visitors. Please contact them in advance.
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Big Bend River Tours 1-800-545-4240
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Desert Sports (432) 371-2727
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Far Flung Outdoor Center 1-800-839-7238
Entrance Fees and Passes
The Access Pass is a free lifetime entrance permit to all federal parks, monuments, and recreation areas. It also provides a 50% reduction of camping fees. The Access Pass is issued to United States residents who are permanently disabled. Access passes may be obtained at park service visitor centers or online. For more information see the passes page.
