Big Bend National Park - Plan Your Visit

Local Partners & Information Resources

Big Bend Natural History Association

Friends of Big Bend National Park

Visit Big Bend . Com

Alpine, Texas Chamber of Commerce

Marathon, Texas Chamber of Commerce

Getting There

Plane
The nearest airports served by major airlines are located in Midland/Odessa, Texas and El Paso, Texas. Rental cars are available at both airports.

Car
Three paved roads lead to the park: 1) U.S. 385 from Marathon, TX to the north entrance, 2) State Route 118 from Alpine, TX to the west entrance, 3) Ranch Road 170 from Presidio to Study Butte, and then State Route 118 to the west entrance. Big Bend National Park headquarters is located 70 miles south of Marathon, TX and 108 miles from Alpine, TX via Hwy. 118.

Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to or from the park. Amtrak serves Alpine, TX, 108 miles to the north. Bus service is available to Alpine and Marathon. The nearest airports are in Midland, TX (230 miles to the northeast), and El Paso, TX (325 miles to the northwest).

Getting Around

Most visitors use private vehicles to get around inside Big Bend National Park. There is no public transportation available within the park. The best way to enjoy the park is by hiking along one of over 201 miles of trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Many trails are rocky, often steep, and rugged. Numerous day hikes are available, providing excellent opportunities to experience the Chihuahuan desert or the Chisos Mountains.