Big Bend National Park

Current alerts

• InformationBoquillas Crossing Port of Entry is open Friday-Monday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

  Until further notice, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry will be open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. It will not change to winter hours at this time.

• InformationBig Bend is a NO DRONE Zone

  The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.

• InformationBringing a Pet to Big Bend?

  Bringing your pet to Big Bend National Park will limit some of your park explorations and opportunities. Pets are not allowed on park trails, in the backcountry, or on the river. Pets are allowed only where vehicles can go. Pets may not be left unattended

  More information

Location

29.2982, -103.2298

Key trails & viewpoints

• List of Hiking Trails in Big Bend

  Hiking trails

• See the Rio Grande

  The Rio Grande is accessible from a number of places in Big Bend National Park, and a variety of hiking trails provide even further opportunities to get up close and personal with our watery border with Mexico.

• Hike the Lost Mine Trail

  The Lost Mine Trail climbs to the side of Lost Mine Peak, offering spectacular views of Juniper Canyon and the Northeast Rim of the Chisos.

• Hike Into Santa Elena Canyon

  60 minutes

  The trail begins at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon, and is one of the prettiest short trails in the park. The trail crosses Terlingua Creek, takes you to the river’s edge inside the canyon and continues farther winding among large boulders until it ends abruptly where the canyon wall meets the river.

Hours & fees

• Entrance - Private Vehicle — $30.00

  Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.

• Entrance - Per Person — $15.00

  Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days.

• Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — $200.00

  Companies conducting business in the park are required to obtain a commercial use authorization. The only exception is companies travelling in a 26-person capacity or greater vehicle; such vehicles are charged a flat fee of $200 (commercial use authorization not required).

• Entrance - Non-commercial Groups — $30.00

  Organized groups such as Scouts, clubs, etc. that do not qualify for an academic fee waiver are charged as follows: $30 per non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 15 or less. $15 per person traveling in a non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more. Fees will not exceed the commercial rate for the same sized vehicle. Youth 15 and younger are free. Individuals or families with a valid annual or lifetime pass may use their pass for themselves and up to 3 others.

• Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — $100.00

  This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/management/cua.htm

• Commercial Entrance - Sedan — $25.00

  These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. For sedan with 1 to 6 seats, the fee is $30 + $15 per client. This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required.

• Entrance - Motorcycle — $25.00

  Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 1 private, non-commercial motorcycle with up to 2 total passengers.

Activities

• Auto and ATV
• Scenic Driving
• Astronomy
• Stargazing
• Biking
• Camping
• Backcountry Camping
• Food
• Guided Tours
• Self-Guided Tours - Walking
• Self-Guided Tours - Auto
• Hiking
• Backcountry Hiking
• Front-Country Hiking
• Paddling
• Canoeing
• Canoe or Kayak Camping
• Kayaking
• Junior Ranger Program
• Wildlife Watching
• Birdwatching
• Park Film
• Shopping
• Bookstore and Park Store