Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Closures and Updates

The following weather-related road closures are in effect:

• The paved road between Cottonwood Campground and Santa Elena Canyon is closed until further notice due to unsafe conditions from recent flash flooding events.
• 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.

 

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

Read all about it! Get the latest issue of the official visitor's guide to Big Bend National Park.

What's New?

Big Bend News Releases

Stay informed about events and happenings at Big Bend National Park.

Join A Ranger

Big Bend Park Rangers

Join a Ranger on a conducted activity, distance learning event, and through social media.

Webcam

Live View From Park Headquarters

The view from Park Headquarters is always changing, and always spectacular.