At over 801,000 acres, Big Bend National
Park is one of the Americas largest National Parks. Travelers looking
for outdoor adventures are certain to find it in these 1,200 square
miles of Chihuahuan Desert. It is a vast expanse that encompasses not
only of great tracks of open desert, but the Rio Grande, various ponds
and streams, numerous canyons and gorges, and the entire Chisos Mountain
range.
The wonderful variety of wild plants and animals that are found in the
park are a major attraction. There are few better spots in Texas for
wildlife observation. Bird watchers will be in heaven thanks to the
jaw-dropping 450 species of birds that can be seen in the park. The
Elf Owl, Peregrine Falcon and Road Runner call this park home, as well
as the Mexican Duck, the Lucifer Humming bird and the Colima Warbler,
which is found only in the Chinos Mountains. The park even offers bird
watching vacation tours in the form of official Big Bend Birding Expeditions.
Birds aren’t the only aerial stars at Big Bend National Park,
though; it is the only place in the United States where one can see
the endangered Mexican Long Nosed bat, one of 20 species of bats found
here. It should come as no surprise then that Big Bend hosts more types
of birds and bats (and, incidentally, cactus) than any other U.S. Park.
Other park animals include deer, coyotes, foxes, javelinas, black bears
and pumas, as well as more than 60 varieties of reptiles and amphibians,
40 species of fish and 36,000 species of insect.
Visitors to Big Bend can experience the park in many ways. There are
several visitors’ centers throughout the park, all of which are
wheelchair accessible and offer presentations or exhibits. 260 miles
of road, both paved and dirt, make scenic driving a great way to see
the sights. There are countless backpacking and hiking trails, as well
as opportunities for camping (all of which require a permit). Hardy
visitors can hike and camp in the backcountry of the somewhat forbidding
yet ruggedly beautiful Chisos Mountains. The Rio Grand and the parks
many canyon rapids provide boating, rafting and kayaking opportunities
for all skill levels. Fishing is permitted, though numerous rules must
be followed. Kids will have plenty to keep them occupied thanks to a
Junior Ranger Program that offers fun and educational activities for
the park’s younger visitors.
Spring is the most popular season to visit
the park due to the harsher weather in the summer and winter. If you
wish to stay in any of the nearby resorts during this time then you
should make your reservations early. All necessary safety measures should be
taken when visiting the park’s wilderness areas, as many contain
predatory animals and dangerous terrain.
