Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Closures and Updates

The following weather-related road closures are in effect:

• Old Ore Road is closed until further notice due to unsafe conditions from past flash flooding events.
• Black Gap Road is closed until further notice due to unsafe conditions from past flash flooding events .
• To view weather forecasts for Big Bend and Brewster County, please go to this page of our website.

TEMPORARY CLOSURE ORDER - UPDATE

Pursuant to the authority outlined in 36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1), which provides that the Superintendent may "Designate areas for a specific use or activity, or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity," the following areas are temporarily restricted or closed:

This closure order is effective August 10, 2026, and will remain in effect until further notice. This closure is in furtherance of the Department of Homeland Security infrastructure project as authorized under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), Pub. L. No. 104-208, Div. C., Title I, § 102(a), 110 Stat. 3009-546 (1996) (codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1103 note). It is intended to mitigate risk associated with an active, large scale construction project, and it applies to all vehicle traffic. The effectiveness of this closure will be assessed on an on-going basis. Notice will be provided of any additional closures, or the lifting of this closure.

Due to ongoing construction, Big Bend National Park is temporarily closing the following areas for any public access :
• From the Santa Elena Boat Launch, eastern parking lot edge down to the end of the construction (clearing work).
• From the southern road edge (marked by the white “fog” line) down to the high-water mark of the river.
The closure will be enacted on 12:00 am on August 12, 2026 and be in effect until further notice.
The intention of this closure is to limit hazard exposure to visitors and responders from construction equipment and road work.

By order of the Superintendent of Big Bend National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5:
• From the Santa Elena Boat Launch, eastern parking lot edge ( 29.15329, -103.57845) down to the end of the construction (clearing work).
• From the southern road edge (marked by the white “fog” line) down to the high-water mark of the river.
Notice of closure will be posted and the area will be monitored to ensure compliance.
This designation will remain in place until further notice, pending future review by the Superintendent’s office

 

Facilities:

• The Restaurant is CLOSED. A Food Truck is available outside the main Lodge building.
  • Food Truck OPEN Daily 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, closed 10:00-11:00 am
• Visitor Centers:
  • Panther Junction VC OPEN Daily 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Chisos Basin VC OPEN Daily 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, closed for lunch
  • Persimmon Gap VC CLOSED for the summer
  • Rio Grande Village VC CLOSED for the summer
  • Castolon VC CLOSED for the summer
• Cottonwood Campground CLOSED for the summer, will open November 1.

Boquillas Port of Entry

• OPEN Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
  • 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Learn more about visiting Boquillas, Mexico

 

Do not attempt Big Bend's primitive dirt roads with an inappropriate vehicle.

Roads:

• Old Ore Road and Black Gap Road are extremely rough and only suitable for the most rugged of vehicles. Never leave the pavement without full 4x4 capability with good tires, good spare, jack, and water. No cars, minivans, or RVs.
• Travel on primitive dirt roads requires High Clearance AND true Four-Wheel Drive. These roads are NOT passable to passenger cars, minivans, motorhomes, and tiny crossover SUVs.

 

Hiking Trails

• Santa Elena Canyon Trail
  • Carefully assess conditions and your abilities before attempting to cross. If water levels are too high, do NOT attempt to cross.
  • To access the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, hikers must first cross the bed of Terlingua Creek, and climb a short but steep bank. Conditions change constantly at this location. Depending upon recent rainfall, Terlingua Creek may be dry sand, thick mud, or flowing water. Ask a ranger about the latest conditions.

 

Helpful Information

Big Bend Weather

Current Conditions

Current weather, river levels, webcam view, visibility, and air quality readings.

Park Facilities

Operating Hours & Seasons

Hours and seasons for Big Bend facilities

Visitor Guide

The Big Bend Paisano Visitor Guide

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Big Bend News Releases

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Big Bend Park Rangers

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