Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a land of borders. Situated on the boundary with Mexico along the Rio Grande, it is a place where countries and cultures meet. It is also a place that merges natural environments, from desert to mountains. It is a place where south meets north and east meets west, creating a great diversity of plants and animals. The park covers over 801,000 acres of west Texas in the place where the Rio Grande makes a sharp turn - the Big Bend.
Driving Directions
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).
For Visitors...
The things to do at Big Bend National Park are bike riding, boating, climbing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, water sports and wildlife viewing. Visitors taking a west Texas vacation can find camping spots or lodging facilities here. There's a picnic area, a store to get groceries and eating places.Find other west Texas area lakes and vacation ideas or return to the home page.