Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

CLOSURES and Updates

Due to heavy rain and flooding over the past few days, the following closures are in effect until further notice:
  • Hot Springs Road is CLOSED
  • The road between Cottonwood Campground and Santa Elena Canyon is CLOSED
  • Old Maverick Road is CLOSED
  • Old Ore Road is CLOSED
  • Dagger Flat is CLOSED
  • Most dirt roads in the park are CLOSED
  • Most backcountry drive-in campsites are CLOSED
  • After storms, debris and standing water may be present in low-lying areas along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the road between Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village.
  • 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 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

 
rough road ahead
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

Last updated: July 20, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129

Phone:

432-477-2251

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