Home - VisitBigBend

Welcome

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:32:42 +0000

Welcome to the Visit Big Bend information and resource website.

The Big Bend is named for the vast curve of the Rio Grande in remote southwest Texas. It is a wildly beautiful natural region, with a complex and fascinating history. Over one million acres of public land including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park offer hiking, camping, river running, horse riding, mountain bicycling, jeep touring and abundant sightseeing opportunities on paved and improved roads. Accommodations run the range from convenient and comfortable to resort luxury.

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Current Weather Conditions

Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Live Weather Conditions for the Big Bend Area and Communities.

Worth a Thousand Words

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:50:47 +0000

There are some views you just can't take in all at once. Like a dazzling sunset or breathtaking field of wildflowers—you just can't appreciate such beauty in the moment, a moment that is often over before you realize it, the forms and colors of that marvelous vista already fading in your memory. Perhaps it was with the goal of preserving such scenes that the first camera was invented, a goal that you may still share when you visit a place as beautiful as Big Bend and the surrounding area. Why not take a look through our new and improved photo galleries to see what amazing sights have been preserved by astounded visitors and appreciative locals? When you see the mountains, plains, flora, and fauna displayed in those images, you'll be glad the gallery contributors took their camera along.

Birding in Big Bend

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:17:50 +0000

Among the many activities available in Big Bend National Park that highlight the region's diversity of wildlife, birding can be enjoyable and promising. Big Bend engulfs a vast area, bounded by the the rushing Rio Grande valley to the south, containing high peaks in the Chisos Mountains, and boasting both desert and forest climates between the two. It embodies the very diversity that makes America great, providing countless opportunities to spot more than 450 birds in one area.

Your Big Year is Here

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:47:48 +0000

What are your new year's resolutions for 2012? Did you keep your resolutions for 2011? While the top resolutions each year include losing weight, learning something new, traveling, or getting out of debt, here's a new challenge you can take on this year: spot all the bird species in Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend Video Collections

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:23:22 +0000

Big Bend has some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, if not the entire US. Our big sky country rivals any other state and our night skies are as dark as anywhere for excellent star gazing. The beautiful light and great scenery make for a photographer’s paradise.

Trails and Wildlife

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:56:17 +0000

There are many things you may love to do in Big Bend National Park in the heat of summer, but running or jogging is probably not one of them. With 90+ degree temperatures, there simply is no such thing as a nice July run in West Texas. With the dry weather we've had this year, you have truly hostile workout conditions. That all changes this time of year, though, as temperatures drop and the sun gives us a break for a few months. What a great time to get out on some trails in Big Bend!

Volunteers Needed!

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:57:10 +0000

Do you enjoy rafting, canoeing, swimming, or simply gazing out over the majestic Rio Grande? Do you feel nature should be pure, clean, and free from human trash and pollution? Would you like to help make Big Bend better and more pleasing for wildlife and visitors alike? If you're nodding your head or saying "yes" as you read these questions, then you're a perfect candidate for the second annual River Cleanup Day this November 12.

Construction Underway!

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:46:19 +0000

There's been only a very little bit of internet chatter about the proposed Boquillas border crossing, which will connect Boquillas del Carmen on the Mexican side with the visitors' center on the U.S. side. Now, we bring you the exciting news that the construction of the crossing is underway!

The Softer Side of Big Bend

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:40:05 +0000

If you think that Big Bend is only all about roughnecks trekking out into the wilderness to prove just how tough you are, you're missing out on an awful lot. Aside from the camping, hiking, and being one with nature, there is a completely different side to this national park that you may very well enjoy even more. For now, we'll call it the softer side of Big Bend — the artsy side.

Where to Stay?

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 23:45:20 +0000

Planning a vacation means making a lot of decisions all at the same time. You have to settle on a destination, secure lodging, plan meals and activities, mark out a traveling route, buy supplies, figure out what to pack—and all this while keeping a close eye on your budget. But if you're preparing for a vacation to Big Bend, we can make some of those decisions a little easier. All you have to do is check out Where to Stay.

New Maps of Big Bend

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:30:28 +0000

The USGS (US Geological Survey) has released a new geological map for the Big Bend National Park area. Nature and rock enthusiasts, as well as historians and geologists will likely jump at this opportunity to explore the preserved geology found in the Chisos Mountains and Chihuahua Desert. Are you among them?

Don’t Waste a Drop

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:09:03 +0000

Last week we talked about making sure you bring enough water on camping and hiking trips and ways you can more easily carry that water on your back. However, in the Daily Report, we are asked to conserve water, due to the continuing danger of fires. How can one conserve water, even in an area where water is hard to come by? Let’s look at a couple of useful suggestions.

How to Be a Camel

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:51:28 +0000

There may be more than enough water in the northeast, thank to Irene, but if you plan on trekking around Big Bend, you’ll likely need to carry your own water with you. How much water does one need to take along to stay hydrated? What’s the best way to carry water? Let’s take a look.

Quick, Make a Wish!

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:26:05 +0000

This weekend is supposed to be the peak time to the Perseid meteor shower in Texas. And what better place could you be than in Big Bend and the surrounding area? The mornings of August 12 and 13, just before dawn, are going to be the highlights of this light show, so don’t miss it!

Animal Sightings in Big Bend

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:37:05 +0000

A mountain lion was recently sighted in Big Bend, causing a little commotion in the process. Imagine walking into the public restrooms and finding a big cat drinking out of the toilet! If you’d run out of their screaming, then you’re not alone. That’s exactly what two park visitors did.

Big-Little Big Bend

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:24:11 +0000

Did you know that Big Bend is not the largest National Park in the US? And yet this “Small” Big Bend has some huge features that make it well worth a visit. Let’s look at a few interesting facts about big-little Big Bend. How many of these things did you already know?

American Beauty

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:22:35 +0000

This week, independence is in the air, as Forth of July celebrations ring across the country. For many dedicated Big Benders, that meant visiting our favorite National Park for some fireworks-free fun. Let’s look at some pictures and other goodies, just to remind us of how beautiful Big Bend really is.

Goldilocks and the Three Black Bears?

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:06:21 +0000

Not to scare anyone off, but black bears are a common enough sighting in the Big Bend area. This last week, park officials had an interesting run-in with some of them, and the experience could be worrisome for park biologists.

Big Bend National Park - Establishing a Link to the Past

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:59:09 +0000

Resting comfortably in Southwest Texas along the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park provides a glimpse into America’s geological and evolutionary past. Mine shafts abandoned long ago and dilapidated dwellings whisper echoes of the taming of the Wild West. Just a quick perusal of the terrain, however, informs the viewer that the land was never fully tamed. The sparse vegetation, rugged rock formations, and ancient lava flows have left many at a loss for words ever since settlers and explorers first began delving into this part of the country. How then did this seemingly incongruous section of the United States become an integral part of the National Parks System?

What Will YOU Find?

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:53:56 +0000

In the mountains, desert, and river valleys of Big Bend, you’d expect to find the usual camping and nature features, such as river rafts, tents, rocks, trees, and so on. But the truth is, what can be found in the park is next to limitless. This week, we bring you two examples of what people have found in and around Big Bend.

We Need Rain!

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:28:26 +0000

Okay, it’s a little bit of an understatement to say that West Texas has been in a dry spell lately, and one could argue that some of this year’s brush fires are good for the environment, but enough is enough. We need rain, and fast!

The Stars at Night are Big and Bright

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:06:04 +0000

Lately, more and more people are turning to star gazing as a hobby and as a recreational activity. Is this a reaction to increased light pollution given off by cities that seem to become busier by the day? Or is it simply a desire to engage in a peaceful pursuit that is as awe-inspiring as it is relaxing? Whatever the reason, one would be hard pressed to find a more suitable location from which to view the cosmos than in Big Bend and the surrounding area.

The Gateway to Big Bend!

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:00:07 +0000

Visiting the Bid Bend area any time soon? Try out Marathon, the town that brags at being “your gateway to Big Bend!” Sounds great, right? Let’s take a closer look at just what there is to do in and around Marathon.

Souvenirs from the Past

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:12:15 +0000

There are many good reasons to go to Big Bend National Park. Among the most common are to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature, spend quality time with family and friend, relax and forget about the troubles of life in civilization, or to take yourself to the extreme with awesome hiking, climbing, and dirt biking. But a less talked about reason for coming down to the park this summer involves the prehistoric past.

The Good and the Hopeful

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 04:45:05 +0000

This was a week of both happy and sad moments in Big Bend. Former President George W. Bush rode with Lance Armstrong and several wounded warriors around trails of the park, all for charity. It's great that we get the publicity, as several papers and news programs did pieces on the ride. You can read one of those reports here.

Hiking the Rancherías Canyon

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:06:19 +0000

Big Bend National Park maintains the distinction of being the largest tract of public land in the state of Texas. Encompassing 1,200 square miles of terrain in the untamed Chihuahuan Desert, one might expect Big Bend to be a drab, interminable wasteland, but it is actually a region of contrasts. Rancherías Canyon in nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park exemplifies the diversity of the area quite well.

Recreation on the Rio Grande

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:36:21 +0000

Gazing out at the barren, baked landscape of the southwestern Texas desert, visitors to the Big Bend region may not expect a thriving population of plants and animals to be nestled inside the cracks and crevices of the volcanic rock that comprise much of the terrain. A closer inspection of the area quickly reveals that this is not the case, as interesting flora and fauna are discovered, vegetation and wildlife that survive the arid heat of the day and the deadly cold of the desert night. Many of the organisms that call Big Bend home owe their sustenance to the Rio Grande, the river that winds its way through this rocky domain. In fact, Big Bend National Park and the surrounding areas that share the moniker obtained their nickname from the large U-turn that the Rio Grande takes there. It is the Rio Grande itself that offers visitors to Big Bend a wide variety of activities that are certain to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Boquillas Border Crossing?

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 01:57:06 +0000

In the happy, peaceful, carefree world before 9-11, there was a border crossing in Big Bend National Park, specifically at Boquillas. The Mexican locals had long used this convenient gateway to the United States to sell handmade items to park visitors and to buy food, while Americans could use the crossing to safely pass into Mexico. The multicultural feel of Big Bend was evident through free trade and a mixing of ideas, items, and languages. In May of 2002, that crossing was closed by Homeland Security, and stayed that way since. But will that be changing soon?

Car vs. Zone Camping

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:01:07 +0000

What kind of camper are you—a car camper or a zone camper? What's the difference, and why should you care? Let's see a few pointers.

Planning a Family Trip to Big Bend

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 04:59:16 +0000

Vacationing together really brings family members closer to one another by offering shared experiences that tighten the bonds and are simply fun for everyone. Of course, the usual haunts such as Disneyworld, Myrtle Beach, and Washington, D.C. are fine, but when planning a family trip, why not step outside of the norm and consider something a little more off the beaten path? Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas definitely fits the bill of a road less traveled and is the perfect place for the entire family to get back to nature and explore a land that is simultaneously unforgiving and unexpectedly gorgeous. In Big Bend, the glitz and glare of neon signs are left far behind in lieu of a rugged serenity that can only be experienced in this region of the United States. It is a place where the entire family is reminded that Mother Nature still rules supreme and that mankind is merely a very tiny piece of a much larger puzzle.

Nutrition on the Trail

social@visitbigbend.com (Abe Connally) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:13:22 +0000

Hiking in Big Bend National Park certainly has its thrills—the breathtaking scenery, the adventure and challenge of the hike, being one with nature, spending time with friends or family. But one thing you may not be looking forward to so much is being away from your kitchen, or the local McDonalds. Dehydrated rations make you feel like you’d rather eat dirt? Here are some nutrition ideas for your next hike.