Greetings from Big Bend National Park

I visit every year since 2010 and still have not seen everything - even after increasing to two week stays in 2019. It is hot in the summer; in 2014 I visited on July 4th and asked the ranger at Panther Junction “Where is everybody?” The answer: “Nobody comes here in the summer!”. That has changed in the last few years - visitorship is going up (maybe not in 2020). In 2018 I made the mistake of trying to hike up Mesa de Anguila in June, at midday, when it was 112 degrees. I turned around after one hour on the trail. Heed the Park’s heat warnings!

Sincerely,
Mike

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park features broad expanses of Chihuahuan Desert shrubland and grassland interspersed with smaller areas of high-elevation woodland in the Chisos Mountains. Rugged rocks and deep canyons along the Rio Grande are among the park's most striking features; wetlands and springs add to the park's biological diversity. Visitors can explore the rugged trails, seek out the colorful array of birds and wildflowers, and spread out on a blanket after dark enjoying some of the darkest night skies in the country.

State(s): Texas

Established: 1935

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More Stories

  • Greetings from Big Bend National Park

    The park rangers and all the staff are so helpful, welcoming and informative. Always makes for an amazing visit to Big Bend National Park!

  • Greetings from Big Bend National Park

    I want to use my story time to give a big shout out to the NPS and NPCA for the work they do to protect and explain our national parks. Special thank you to NPS rangers and staff for helping the public to appreciate and understand the park system, and…

  • Greetings from Big Bend National Park

    Have been going and hiking at Big Bend for over 20 years and have never had a disappointing trip. Have hiked most every trail and all have always been well maintained and safe. Entire staff has always been great. Facilities are well kept and clean.

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