Big Bend National Park

Remotely located in far West Texas by the border with Mexico, Big Bend National Park is an astounding 800,000-acre uncharted wilderness home to striking contrasts in topography and an impressive range of plant and animal life across three ecosystems: desert, mountain and river. See temple-like limestone canyons carved by the Rio Grande over millennia, the juxtaposition of pretty wildflowers nestled between cacti and creosote, the hand-carved petroglyphs of ancient nomadic Native American tribes and the waddling footsteps of the boar-like javelina. You might even catch a glimpse of a black bear whose presence is becoming more visible in the park thanks to conservation efforts. Breathtaking views can be found along more than 200 miles of hiking trails, and 100 miles of scenic roads, offering scenery and experiences that will charm and challenge any visitor.

Big Bend encompasses the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States, holds the entire Chisos Mountain Range and boasts the least amount of light pollution of any national park. Go backpacking or camping on a clear night and you will see almost 2,000 shining stars.