National Park Series: Big Bend National Park
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Welcome back to our national park blog series at Military Living Publications. We are walking through some of the United States best domestic travel destinations, one national park at a time. Today, we are headed to Big Bend National Park.
Don't Miss our First National Park Blog
For basic information about our national parks, instructions on how to get your FREE annual or lifetime pass for active duty military and veterans, and details about visiting Grand Canyon National Park, read our first blog in the series, here!
Big Bend National Park
In Southwest Texas, all the way at the border of the Lone Star State and the country of Mexico, sits Big Bend National Park. This park is known for being a remote and diverse landscape - with ecological features including mountains, desert, and canyons.
The entire Chisos Mountain Range is contained within the park and the highest point soars to 7,825 feet above sea level at Emory Peak. The park is situated in the Chihuahuan Desert, a dry region covering a quarter of a million square miles in Mexico and the United States. The Rio Grande is another defining feature of the park; this river follows the southern border of the US and Mexico, and has cut canyons into the glorious mountains dotted along the national park for centuries.
The open road into Big Bend National Park toward the North entrance. Photo by Alex Alley.
When to Visit Big Bend National Park
As a majority of the park sits in low-lying desert in Southwestern Texas, the National Park Service advises against visiting in the hot months of June, July, and August. If you do plan your trip for these summer months, be sure to get started on hikes early, spend time in the mountains, and steer clear of the much hotter desert landscape.
The best season for visiting the park is in late fall through early spring, and the most popular months are in the winter. This is when you can expect all of the visitor centers to be open, the outdoor recreation activities to be most operational, and surrounding areas open and ready for business.
Where to Stay in Big Bend National Park
A unique part of Big Bend National Park is the central location of it's campgrounds and lodge. Many national parks have campgrounds that require long drives to access the most popular trails, but the Chisos Basin Campground is situated in the middle of the Chisos mountains, and forms the trail head for the most popular mountain hiking trails in the park. There are two additional developed campgrounds in other popular parts of the park, and permits for backcountry camping for a less developed experience. By camping in the park, you will get to enjoy its status as an International Dark Sky Park - making it easy to see features like the Milky Way on a clear evening. If you opt to camp, be aware that the park is home to a population of about 30-40 Mexican Black Bears, and numerous mountain lions and elk. Be prepared to practice bear safety and know what to do if you spot some of this wildlife around your campground.
If you'd like to opt for a developed experience in Big Bend, the Chisos Mountain Lodge sits at 5,400 feet of elevation, in walking distance of the Chisos Basin Campground. It is the only lodge in the National Park, and conveniently located near the most popular areas of the park. If you'd like to stay at this lodge, plan out your trip in advance - the rooms fill up early. Note: The lodge will be closed for about two years starting in May of 2026 for renovations.
A popular place to stay outside of the park is in the ghost town of Terlingua, Texas. It is an abandoned mining town with unique accommodations for visitors, including restaurants, historic landmarks, and an annual Chili Cook Off event. Right outside of the National Park, visitors can hike all day, and enjoy restaurants and a town to explore in the evenings.
A panoramic view toward the Window Trail from the Chisos Basin Campground. Photo by Alex Alley.
What to Do in Big Bend National Park
Hikes
Big Bend offers hikes in three unique terrains - mountains, desert, and canyon rivers. Before you choose your hike, you should review recommendations from the National Park Service for seasonality. If you are headed to the park in the summer months, you'll want to only hike in the mountains, stay out of the low lying desert and canyons, and finish your hikes in the morning (this will mean an early wake up call!).
For a moderate mountain hike with amazing views, check out the 5-mile out-and-back Lost Mine Trail. Just a short drive from the main campground and lodge in the Chisos Basin. You can hike as far up or as little as you'd like with excellent views all along the way.
For a longer mountain adventure, set out on the South Rim. This trip can be a 12-mile loop along the rim of the Chisos Mountains, or a 14.5-mile loop if you add on the tallest peak in the park - Emory Peak. This is a strenuous hike that includes rock scrambling at Emory Peak.
Check out the Big Bend National Park Website for a full list of hikes, recommendations, and seasonal openings.
Kayaking
Perhaps one of the most rewarding activities in the park is a river trip through the Santa Elena Canyon. Depending on the water levels and flow rate, there are two directions through the canyon that can take between 1-3 days. Visit the National Park Website before the start of your trip to get updates on the water levels and guidance from park rangers.
Wildlife Viewing
As a remote National Park, Big Bend has abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing. With the widely spread desert landscape, a lot of the wildlife is concentrated in areas with water, meaning when you are in these areas, you are likely to stumble upon more wildlife.
Birdwatching is one of the most popular activities in the park, especially in areas such as the Chisos Basin Campground and Rio Grande Village, where water sources attract wildlife. Pick up a birding guide from the park store and don't forget your set of binoculars! Black bears and deer are very commonly spotted from the Chisos Basin Campground and on the Window Trail. Families of black bears are often seen at a distance - climbing up the mountains from the campground in the basin.
To Plan Your Visit
At Big Bend National Park, you will find a remote and serene landscape for lovers of wilderness, and so much more to do than what we have mentioned here. For safety information, current closures, navigation, and even more activities, visit the Big Bend National Park Website.
If you are a current subscriber, you can find information such as military lodging, RV camping sites, and Space-A flights near Big Bend National Park with access to militaryliving.com.
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This article is written by Alex Alley, part of the Military Living Publications staff. Alex and her husband enjoy camping, hiking, trail running, and of course, visiting our national parks. She visited Big Bend National Park during the summer, camped at the Chisos Basin Campground, and saw 12 black bears during their two days in the park.
