Big Bend National Park

At the Rio Grande's great bend on the US–Mexico border, the Chisos Mountains, Santa Elena Canyon and the Chihuahuan Desert share the frame beneath some of the darkest skies in the US.

Big Bend National Park lies in southwest Texas and takes its name from the huge bend the Rio Grande makes along the US–Mexico border. Covering about 3,200 km², it spans three major landscapes—the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande—and is one of the least visited and wildest national parks in the US, as well as a certified Gold-tier International Dark Sky Park. The park divides into three areas: the Chisos Mountains in the center (Chisos Basin, Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail and Emory Peak), which stay relatively cool even in summer; the west, where Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive heads south past overlooks and volcanic landscapes to Santa Elena Canyon, extending to the ghost town of Terlingua and the River Road through Big Bend Ranch State Park; and the east, with Rio Grande Village, the hot springs and Boquillas Canyon, where visitors with a passport can take a boat across to a small Mexican village. The best time to visit is November–April; March spring break is crowded, so book campsites and lodging in advance. From May to September the lowlands often exceed 40°C and are suitable only for early-morning activities. Access is very difficult: the nearest major airports are in El Paso (about a 5-hour drive) and Midland (about 4 hours), a car is essential, and gas stations in the park are few, so fill up before entering. Admission is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Cell service in the park is very weak, so download offline maps in advance. Plan on 3–4 days.

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