Fly
- Details
- Published on Saturday, 04 July 2009 17:00
- Written by Mike Davidson
Flying commercially will only get you part of the way to Big Bend. However, flying in and renting a car is a convenient and enjoyable way to see Big Bend and the West Texas Mountains.
| Interactive Map Points | |
| San Antonio to Big Bend |
Flying to Big Bend
The closest commercial airport to Big Bend National Park is Midland/Odessa, 160 mi. from Marathon, 200 mi. from Big Bend N.P. east entrance and 240 mi. from Park Headquarters. As of June 1, Southwest offers six non-stops daily to Midland from Dallas, two from Houston, one each from Austin and Albuquerque. American Eagle offers non-stops from Dallas. Continental offers non-stops from Houston.
Click for driving suggestions to Big Bend from the Midland/Odessa area.
Greyhound picks up twice daily from Midland International direct to Alpine. Click for more info. The airport is 170 mi. from
The next closest commercial airport is El Paso International, an hour further from Big Bend N.P. but closer to Marfa, Presidio, and the River Road. El Paso is served by American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, United and US Airways. El Paso offers more options for visitors flying from points West. Click for driving suggestions.
Private Aviation:
Alpine has a paved municipal a
irport with FBO and 24 hour fuel. Click for more info
Lajitas has a 7500' paved strip, prior permission required call 877 LAJITAS. Click for more info
Terlingua has a dirt strip, approximately 2500 feet long. 29degrees 19' 09.92"N ; 103degrees 35' 01.25"W, elevation 2718' north end 2700' south end. RWY approx 320 x 140. Bring your own tie downs, no services.
Rent vehicle in Alpine: Alpine Auto Rent 800 894-3463
Rent vehicle in Terlingua: Far Flung Outoors 800 359-4138 ; Terlingua Auto 432 371-2223
Worth a Thousand Words
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
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
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
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
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!
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