Operating Hours & Seasons
The park is open 24 hours daily, all year. The Panther Junction Visitor Center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but may be closed on Christmas Day. The entrance stations and other visitor centers have variable seasons and hours. The park is relatively uncrowded much of the year. Visitation is highest in March and April. The park is extremely crowded during spring break, which is usually the second and third week in March. Easter weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, and the week between Christmas and New Year"s Day are also very busy. All lodging and campsites are usually full during these periods. Visitation is lowest in August and September. Pets on leashes are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas and along road sides, but not on ANY park trails. You are not allowed to leave your pet unattended in vehicles if it creates a danger to the animal, or if the animal becomes a public nuisance.
Local Partners & Information Resources
Big Bend Natural History Association
Friends of Big Bend National Park
Visit Big Bend . Com
Alpine, Texas Chamber of Commerce
Marathon, Texas Chamber of Commerce
Getting There
Plane
The nearest airports served by major airlines are located in Midland/Odessa, Texas and El Paso, Texas. Rental cars are available at both airports.
Car
Three paved roads lead to the park: 1) U.S. 385 from Marathon, TX to the north entrance, 2) State Route 118 from Alpine, TX to the west entrance, 3) Ranch Road 170 from Presidio to Study Butte, and then State Route 118 to the west entrance. Big Bend National Park headquarters is located 70 miles south of Marathon, TX and 108 miles from Alpine, TX via Hwy. 118.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to or from the park. Amtrak serves Alpine, TX, 108 miles to the north. Bus service is available to Alpine and Marathon. The nearest airports are in Midland, TX (230 miles to the northeast), and El Paso, TX (325 miles to the northwest).
Getting Around
Most visitors use private vehicles to get around inside Big Bend National Park. There is no public transportation available within the park. The best way to enjoy the park is by hiking along one of over 201 miles of trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Many trails are rocky, often steep, and rugged. Numerous day hikes are available, providing excellent opportunities to experience the Chihuahuan desert or the Chisos Mountains.