Big Bend National Park, National park in Brewster County, Texas, United States.
Description
Big Bend National Park is a protected area in Brewster County, Texas, along the border with Mexico. The site covers 324,000 hectares and includes desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and deep canyons carved by the Rio Grande.
History
The area became a national park on June 12, 1942, to protect rock art sites and traces of early settler communities. Indigenous peoples had used this region for thousands of years as a travel corridor and living space before that.
Culture
The name comes from the sharp curve where the Rio Grande flows north and then turns sharply southeast through the desert. Visitors today can see traditional river crossings and traces of trade routes that connected communities on both sides of the water.
Practical
Four campgrounds offer overnight options for visitors with different needs and equipment. A network of 241 kilometers (150 miles) of trails leads through different elevations and vegetation zones.
Did you know?
The area holds International Dark Sky Park certification and allows observation of over 2,000 stars on clear nights. The low light pollution makes it one of the darkest places in the continental United States.
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Emory Peak
5.3 km
Aguja Formation
24.9 km
Javelina Formation
15.5 km
Hot Springs
25.8 km
Luna Jacal
27.9 km
Mariscal Mine
18.3 km
Homer Wilson Ranch
12 km
Boquillas Canyon
35.7 km
Daniels Farm House
28 km
Rancho Estelle
33.3 km
Sotol Vista Overlook
12.9 km
Panther Junction Visitor Center
9.7 km
Panther Junction Mission 66 Historic District
9.7 km
Castolon Historic District
28.7 km
Castolon Ranger Station
28.8 km
Dugout Wells
11.4 km
Chisos Basin Visitor Center
5.3 km
Maverick Entrance Sign
25.6 km
Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook
12.1 km
Alvino House
28.8 km
Castolon Store
28.7 km
Rio Grande Village Campground Amphitheater
29.3 km
Recreation Building
28.7 km
Boquillas Canyon Overlook
32.3 km
Langford Hot Springs
26 km
Livingston House
25.7 km
Hot Springs Store
25.8 km
Tuff Canyon
26 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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