Big Bend National Park Photos, Videos and Information
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The speed is 45 mph in most parts of the park. Paved roads within Big Bend National Park are in good condition and look like the one in this photo. Photo by David Mark

Big Bend Travel Info & Links:

Big Bend National Park, located in the far southwestern corner of Texas, is in a rugged and remote part of the state. While there are some limitations on available services, there is also much to be discovered. 

Transportation to the park is primarily by auto or truck. Many persons from out of state will fly in to the Midland/Odessa airport, and then rent a car. Typically visitors to the park will stay in hotels or motels in one of the following small towns outside the park's boundaries which include: 
Monahans, Fort Stockton, Alpine, Marathon, or Terlingua, Texas. 
For a good idea of what visitor experiences have been like, please review the following tripadvisor.com reviews:
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Fort Stockton: 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g55856-Fort_Stockton_Texas-Hotels.html

Alpine:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g30158-Alpine_Texas-Hotels.html 

Marathon:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g56228-Marathon_Texas-Hotels.html

Terlingua:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g56758-Terlingua_Texas-Hotels.html

Of course many visitors choose to stay in one of the 72 rooms located at The Chisos Mountains Lodge, located in the Chisos Basin which are within the park's boundaries. For more information please go here: 
http://www.chisosmountainslodge.com/ 

Misc. Travel Information About the Park: (as of 7-2022)

Entrance Fees - $30 per non commercial vehicle - $25 for single motorcycle - $15 per person for entry on foot or bicycle - All permits valid for seven days.
Big Bend Annual Pass - $55
Senior Annual Pass - $20 (62 or older U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents)
Senior Lifetime Pass - $80

ATM's - 3 within the park at Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village & Panther Junction

Camping - Visitors can stay in the park up to 14 consecutive nights with a limit of 28 total nights in the park in one calendar year. Additional permits/fees apply. 
For more information/reservations for camping in the park go here: Pay showers and laundry facilities (24 hour access) are available at the Rio Grande Village Store with 23 hour per day access- closed for 1 hour at 9 am for cleaning.

WIFI - Free - Available at Panther Junction Visitor Center, the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, the Rio Grande Village Store and the Chisos Mountain Lodge.

Gas Stations:  2 locations - Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village Service Stations

Phones: - (1) public pay phones - Chisos Mountain Lodge
(Sporadic cell phone service throughout the park)

Post Office - Panther Junction Headquarters Monday thru Friday - (limited hours)

Drones - Launching, Landing, or Operating an Unmanned Aircraft is Prohibited in the Big Bend National Park

Pets - Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads, or on the river. Pets can only go where your vehicle can go. Kennels are available in Alpine if desired. 

Wildlife - Within the boundaries of Big Bend National Park are numerous species of animals/reptiles & insects including black bears, mountain lions, javelinas, coyotes, foxes, rattlesnakes, scorpions and spiders. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, exercise caution, especially when hiking or camping, and respect their territory which you are entering as a visitor.

 The park recommends the following if you encounter a wild predator: 

* Do not run, but back away to get out of range of the perceived threat

* If you feel threatened, try to look large, waive your arms, throw rocks or sticks

* If attacked, fight back

* Watch children closely, and never let them run ahead or lag behind

* Report bear or mountain lion sightings or encounters to a park ranger as soon as possible and remember to:

* Never leave food or trash unattended
* Never feed wildlife
* Never approach wildlife, and always keep a safe distance

Many thanks to the National Park Service/ Big Bend National Park Visitor Guide, for some of the information provided on this page. 



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