Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

CLOSURES and Updates

Due to heavy rain and flooding events in July, the following closures are in effect until further notice:

• The paved road between the River Access/Boat Ramp and Santa Elena Canyon Overlook is CLOSED.
• The following dirt roads are CLOSED: Hot Springs Road, Old Ore Road, Black Gap Road, and River Road West. Old Maverick Road is open, but 4x4 is currently needed.
• Many backcountry drive-in campsites are CLOSED. Check at Panther Junction Visitor Center to find out which campsites are open.
• Please exercise extreme caution when driving any road in the park. Do not drive into low water crossings if water is flowing across the road.
• To view weather forecasts for Big Bend and Brewster County, please go to this page of our website.

 

Facilities:

• The Lodge Restaurant is closed. A food truck is available outside the main Lodge building.
  • Food truck Open Daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Panther Junction Gas Station Store is closed for a remodel
• Visitor Centers:
  • Panther Junction VC Open Daily 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Chisos Basin VC Open Daily 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Closed for lunch (12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
• Cottonwood Campground is CLOSED for summer.

Boquillas Port of Entry

• OPEN Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
  • 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Learn more about visiting Boquillas, Mexico

 

Do not attempt Big Bend's primitive dirt roads with an inappropriate vehicle.

Roads:

• Old Ore Road and Black Gap Road are extremely rough and only suitable for the most rugged of vehicles. Never leave the pavement without full 4x4 capability with good tires, good spare, jack, and water. No cars, minivans, or RVs.
• Travel on primitive dirt roads requires High Clearance AND true Four-Wheel Drive. These roads are NOT passable to passenger cars, minivans, motorhomes, and tiny crossover SUVs.

 

Hiking Trails

• Santa Elena Canyon Trail
  • Carefully assess conditions and your abilities before attempting to cross. If water levels are too high, do NOT attempt to cross.
  • To access the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, hikers must first cross the bed of Terlingua Creek, and climb a short but steep bank. Conditions change constantly at this location. Depending upon recent rainfall, Terlingua Creek may be dry sand, thick mud, or flowing water. Ask a ranger about the latest conditions.

 

Pardon Our Dust

Work on two large construction projects in the Chisos Basin will begin in Fall 2025 and continue for approximately two years. Disruptions in visitor access to the Chisos Basin area of the park are expected.

Follow Along

 

Helpful Information

• 

  Big Bend Weather

  Current Conditions

  Current weather, river levels, webcam view, visibility, and air quality readings.

• 

  Park Facilities

  Operating Hours & Seasons

  Hours and seasons for Big Bend facilities

• 

  Visitor Guide

  The Big Bend Paisano Visitor Guide

  Read all about it! Get the latest issue of the official visitor's guide to Big Bend National Park.

• 

  What's New?

  Big Bend News Releases

  Stay informed about events and happenings at Big Bend National Park.

• 

  Join A Ranger

  Big Bend Park Rangers

  Join a Ranger on a conducted activity, distance learning event, and through social media.

• 

  Webcam

  Live View From Park Headquarters

  The view from Park Headquarters is always changing, and always spectacular.