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Mule Ears Rock Peaks/ Shutterstock Image

Mule Ears Rock Peaks/ Shutterstock Image

Is Winter A Good Time To Visit Big Bend National Park?

Matthew

A scenic driving tour through Big Bend National Park showcasing its breathtaking natural beauty.

Introduction 

Big Bend National Park flies under the radar in the remote Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas.

Soaring canyons, endless desert landscapes, and its very own mountain range make this a stunning and surprisingly diverse part of our National Park system.

Shaka Guide’s tour to Big Bend takes you to all three of the main areas of the park and shares stories about the area’s nature, history, and more.

Is Big Bend good to visit in winter?

Located in the desert, right against the border with Mexico along the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park is in a harsh climate, with little rain and extreme temperatures.

Summers can be dangerously hot, and it’s inadvisable to hike in the midday. So one of the best times to visit is the winter! 

What’s the winter weather like?

During the winter, temperatures are much cooler than the summer. Highs are in the 60s and 70s, but there might be as much as a 50-degree difference between night and day.

Cooler temperatures allow you to tackle more adventurous hikes, and the weather remains dry and sunny.

Occasionally, a cold spell will come along and there might be some snow, but this isn’t typical, and it’s usually not enough to shut everything down.           

How Many Tourists Visit Big Bend During Winter? 

Big Bend only gets about half a million visitors per year, but some of the busiest months are in the winter.

March is the busiest month of the year when schools are on spring break. 

But there’s nothing like the crowds at more famous parks like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite.

Best Winter Activities in Big Bend

Hiking a Trail

A panoramic view from a mountain peak, showcasing the vast, arid landscape of the desert below under a clear blue sky.Lost Mine Trail

The best way to take advantage of cooler temperatures in Big Bend is to take a hike.

Longer trails that would otherwise be unwise or dangerous to attempt in the summer heat are more accessible with comfortable temperatures. 

Many of the park’s most stunning hikes are up in the Chisos Mountains, where temperatures are consistently cooler than the lower desert below.

The Lost Mine Trail is one of the most popular trails, taking hikers through a pine forest and up to a stunning vista over the mountains.

Another rewarding trail that’s much easier to do in the winter is the Window Trail. The Window is a cut in the Chisos Mountains, like a wedge missing from the mountain wall.

The trail leaves from the Chisos Basin, which has a visitor center, lodge, and restaurant, and takes you past vertical mountain cliffs and desert landscapes to the Window.

Soaking in a Hot Springs 

Hot Springs Canyon/ Shutterstock Image

On the eastern side of the park is the Hot Springs Historic District, which features the remnants of a small historic resort along the banks of the Rio Grande.

One of the things you can do there is sit within the foundations of the hot springs building and soak in the springs itself.

In the heat of the summer, it’s not so alluring to sit and bathe in a hot spring. But in cooler temperatures, the springs can be a welcome and much more comfortable place to rest. 

The view is special because the hot springs are adjacent to the waters of the Rio Grande. And within plain sight on the other side of the river is the country of Mexico!

So you can be comfortably sitting in the United States with a view of Mexico just a couple dozen yards away.

Take a River Trip 

A serene canyon reflection in the calm waters of the river, showcasing nature's beauty and tranquility.Rio Grande River Through Santa Elena/ Shutterstock Image

Speaking of the Rio Grande, one of the most unique things to do in Big Bend is to take a trip on the river that creates the border between Texas and Mexico.

Local outfitter companies offer guided tours and rentals, allowing you to paddle down the river through the park’s famed canyons like Santa Elena and Boquillas canyons, reaching as much as 1500 feet tall.

Imagine paddling a kayak, with the United States on one side and Mexico on the other!

Outfitter companies offer day tours or even multi-day trips. Several companies are located in the nearby town of Terlingua.

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Tips for a Winter Visit to Big Bend 

Even though visitation to the park is relatively low, the park’s parking lots are small.

So in months like March when visitation is higher than normal, you might find busy parking lots or even waits to park in popular places like Santa Elena and Boquillas Canyons.

Getting an early start will help ensure you get a parking spot.

Also, keep in mind that there aren’t a ton of accommodations in the area. So book accommodations well in advance so you can stay close to the park.

RELATED: Best Things To Do in Big Bend National Park

Where do you stay at Big Bend National Park? 

There are several accommodation options in and near the park, but don’t expect a ton of options. This is a remote location!

There’s a park lodge up in the Chisos Basin and campgrounds throughout the park. In the nearby town of Terlingua, there are some small motels and Airbnbs.

And if you’re up for a splurge, there’s the Lajitas Golf Resort about a 25-minute drive from the park’s western entrance.

Beyond that, you’ll have to stay over 70 miles away in towns like Alpine or Marathon. 

FAQs About Big Bend

A serene river flows through a lush valley, framed by majestic mountains in the background.Shutterstock Image

What is Big Bend known for?

Big Bend is known for its soaring canyons, especially Santa Elena Canyon.

It’s also known as a confluence of three distinct ecosystems: the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rio Grande, and the Chisos Mountains.

The combination of these ecosystems makes this one of the most diverse national parks in the United States.

What is the nearest big city to Big Bend?

The nearest big city to Big Bend is El Paso, Texas, about 4.5 hours away. Midland, Texas is about 4 hours away.

Is there cell phone coverage in Big Bend National Park?

There is very little cell phone coverage in this very remote park. Your best bet for coverage is in the Chisos Basin, where there’s a lodge and visitor center.

What wildlife is there in Big Bend National Park?

With several thousand feet of elevation change within the park, Big Bend offers a unique blend of ecosystems that makes this one of the most diverse parks in America.

Hundreds of species of birds have been found in the park. Javelinas are found in lower elevations.

Black bears, elk, and even mountain lions live in the Chisos Mountains. Many species of reptiles can be found throughout. Lastly, it’s common to find farm animals roaming around.

How much does it cost to enter Big Bend?

Park entry is $30 per car, good for 7 days.

Are reservations required for Big Bend National Park?

No reservations are required to enter Big Bend National Park.

Can you enter Big Bend at night?

Yes! The park is open 24/7. In fact, one of the most amazing things you can do at Big Bend is to stargaze.

The park’s night skies have been measured as the darkest of any national park in the lower 48 states, meaning on a clear night you can expect to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

How long should I spend in Big Bend?

3 days is a great amount of time to explore the whole park at a leisurely pace. If you’re not into hiking, then 2 days will probably suffice. Consider adding one more day for a lengthy paddle tour on the Rio Grande.

Explore Big Bend with Shaka Guide

Big Bend National Park is one of the most surprising and rewarding national parks to visit.

Shaka Guide’s tour of Big Bend takes you to all of the highlights, and shares relevant cultural and historical background as well as planning tips.

And because it’s a self-guided driving tour, you can go at your own pace!

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Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Big Bend National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Big Bend National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.

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A vast canyon with steep walls, featuring a winding river flowing through its base under a clear blue sky.

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