By Robin Thornley
The natural beauty of Big Bend National Park draws thousands of visitors annually, despite its location in a remote section of West Texas. The vast 800,000-acre park gets its name from the long, sweeping bend in the Rio Grande, the river that defines the park's southern perimeter and marks the U.S.-
Mexico border. Big Bend is really three parks in one. The river and northern banks of the Rio Grande make up one region. The Chisos Mountains---the southernmost mountain range in the U.S. and the only range completely contained in a national park---is the second. The third is a vast swath of Chihuahuan Desert, North America's largest desert. Given the rugged countryside and remote location, be aware of weather conditions, and pack sufficient supplies of food, water and gasoline.
Getting There
The park is located in a remote part of West Texas, 40 miles from the nearest town of Marathon---population 600---and 250 miles east of the closest major airport, which is in El Paso. It is 370 miles west of San Antonio. Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains stop in Alpine, Texas, 80 miles from the park, but there is no public transportation to the park, making private transportation essential.
When to Go
Spring is the busiest time of the year, perhaps because of the abundant wildflowers that bloom in the park and the generally pleasant weather. Early spring temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, and the humidity is low. Temperatures begin to climb in late spring and can reach 100-plus degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are mild with occasional night freezes, and higher elevations can be chilly. The area also is a cauldron for spectacular spring and summer thunderstorms that move out of the Big Bend into Central Texas with lightning shows and flash floods.
Three Parks in One
The elevation in the park rises from 1,800 feet on the cliffs overlooking the Rio Grande on the southern boundary of the park to 7,800 feet in the Chisos Mountains. In addition to the river and the mountains, the third distinct ecosystem in the park is the Chihuahua desert. Artifacts from 9,000 years ago have been found in the park, and more recent history can be found in the turn-of-the-century ranch buildings that dot the area.
Accommodations
About 350,000 visitors come to the park every year, and many of them choose to camp or stay at Chisos Mountain Lodge within the park. Hotel accommodations are distant and few. There is a small store in the park, but visitors should stock up on food supplies, gas and water in the nearby small towns of Alpine (80 miles away) or Marathon (40 miles from the park entrance). Larger stores are located in Del Rio (140 miles) and Fort Stockton (110 miles).
Big Bend Neighbors
People are few and far between in West Texas, but the park is just one of several natural attractions that draw visitors. The neighboring 300,000-acre Big Bend State Park is just west of the national park, and several of the small towns in the area---like Marathon and Alpine---offer a unique view of West Texas history and settlement. They have attracted artists whose galleries have opened in old storefronts.
Resources
About the Author:
Robin Thornley has been a successful writer for more than 25 years, penning articles for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She specializes in a variety of topics, including business, politics, lifestyle trends, travel and cuisine. She also is the author of two guidebooks.
