This mountain desert park offers a unique look at the geological history of North America while providing numerous hiking and outdoor opportunities and some of the darkest . Write Big Bend Natural History Association, P.O. If you are staying in Marathon, you have the awesome options of the lovely 12 . Accommodations run the range from convenient and comfortable to resort luxury. In and Around Big Bend National Park. In and Around Big Bend National Park. The cutoff time provides for an 18 minute per mile pace, required in order to finish safely. More than 100 miles of paved roads throughout Big Bend National Park showcase not only gorgeous vistas, but also invite you to marvel at the geological splendor, contemplate the lives of early settlers, and observe the incredible diversity of plants and animals that call this home.Taking a scenic drive can be an ideal way to explore the park if you have limited . Take a boat unless it is really busy. Some of the rocks in Big Bend are said to be 500 million years old . Within the park boundaries, you can go from 7,825-foot Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains down to cacti-dotted Chihuahuan Desert floor and all the way to the Rio Grande carving into . You can rent a car in Alpine and make the hour drive to the park. The horse was $15 and the donkeys were $10. The creation of Big Bend National Park. Big Bend Casitas at Far Flung Outdoor Center. Big Bend National Park is named for the huge left-turn the Rio Grande makes as the river snakes its way through the Texas desert creating a natural boundary with Mexico and giving the state its distinctive bottom shape. Day Hikes. Marathon is a small town that is known as the gateway to Big Bend. Another way to enjoy the Rio Grande is in its many hot springs. Covering 801,163 acres (324,219 hectares, a bit smaller than Long Island) but with only 300-350,000 visitors a year, Big Bend is one of the largest national parks in the . The spring months of March and April are the busiest, as well as the Thanksgiving and New Year's holidays, although the park is open and visited year round. Big Bend National Park is named for the huge left-turn the Rio Grande makes as the river snakes its way through the Texas desert creating a natural boundary with Mexico and giving the state its distinctive bottom shape. The Marathon Post Park, 5 miles south of town is the site of Camp Pena Colorado, an army outpost from 1879-1896, has some of the best bird watching in the region. For more information please contact our office at 1-800-545-4240. Once a remote and seemingly inhospitable area reached only by miles of dirt roads, Big Bend has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state of Texas, visited by over 450,000 visitors each year. The Lajitas Resort, a golf resort situated between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park, is a step 100 years back into historic American West. The Ultimate Big Bend National Park Driving Tour. These exist on dirt roads and are marked by the park map. The lodge is one part Texas frontier and one part golf resort, a perfect combination for many looking to experience this Texas national park. Bordering Big Bend National Park just 40 miles to the south, it's the closest town to the Park's north entrance. LENGTH: 4 hours. The park protects more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles . 1. You can take I10 from SA or us90. This process took many years and cost the state 1.6 million dollars to purchase more than 600,000 acres. The first Ultra Run in Big Bend National Park was organized by Carroll Voss and a dedicated crew of volunteers in 2005. The hotel dates back 95 years, and it is known as a spot for laid-back luxury and . El Paso, Texas - 4.5 hours. From Big Bend hotels in Marathon it's just 42 miles (68 km) to Persimmon Gap Visitor Center at the northern park entrance. The 801,000-acre park at the U.S.-Mexican border was named after a bend in the Rio Grande River, which separates the two countries. San Antonio, Texas - 6 hours. You can find Big Bend right next to the border . Global Adventures. Four-and-a-half hours southeast of El Paso, Big Bend National Park is an adventurous West Texas destination for kayakers, hikers, and mountain bikers. Floating the Rio Grande can take you through miles of canyons up to 1,500 feet deep . Truck ride is $15 I believe. I hiked over 100 miles of Big Bend National Park, about 50 of those with Raisin, canoed Santa Elena Canyon, visited the Rio Grande hot springs (via car), and visited Mariscal Canyon. The town offers art galleries, European-inspired gardens, a historical museum, Post Park great for birdwatching or a picnic, a gas station, and a grocery store. Some choose to visit the park from Marathon, an easy 68 miles north of park headquarters. These all-inclusive trips include daily short runs, sight-seeing excursions, free time, and more. On longer trips, travelers sleep next to the river in tents. Day 4: Chisos Basin to Santa Elena Canyon. Communities offer services, amenities, and entertainment. 1. . The park provides 201 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, boating, fishing, white water rafting, and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. During Summer months this trip is offered once a day from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. There are several camping sites in Big Bend where you can reserve a space. When I say half-day, I mean that this is a hike you can do in the morning or afternoon and still have time for another short or even another half-day hike the same day. The nearest Amtrack station is in Alpine, TX and is roughly 30 minutes west of Marathon by car. Once in Marathon, you're an hour north of Big Bend National Park, but only about a ten minute drive from Fort Pea Colorado - also known as Post Park - one of the regional gems for birds and butterflies. The Gage Hotel was built in 1927 and offers lodging with a rustic touch. Marathon is an iconic part of the Big Bend experience. February 1, 2022. Inside they have a wall-mounted white buffalo named Henry. It is roughly an hour and a half (78 miles) north of the popular Chisos Basin Visitor's Center in Big Bend National Park. This mountain desert park offers a unique look at the geological history of North America while providing numerous hiking and outdoor opportunities and some of the darkest . There are also a number of outdoor companies offering trips on the Rio Grande River ranging from easy, half day 'floats' to more serious canoe-and-camp adventures lasting 3 days or more. Big Bend is home to a few remarkable communities: Marathon, Study Butte, Terlingua Ghost Town, Lajitas, and Big Bend National Park. From mile 5 to mile 10, the course runs downhill while . 50M 5:30 am - cutoff 15hrs. 30K 8:00 am. There is one option in Alpine for renting a car. Big Bend National Park headquarters is located 70 miles south of Marathon, Texas, and 108 miles from Alpine, Texas via Hwy. Welcome to the most complete online database of information for the entire Big Bend Region in Texas. Dallas, Texas - 8 hours. Other good options for your stay in the area are Terlingua Ranch Lodge and Paisano Village RV Park & Inn. Area map of Big Bend and vicinity. . Many are conveniently located near parks, shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and downtown, giving you the luxury of convenience at an affordable price. National Park half marathons, ultra marathons, trail running festivals, and extended running adventures. Adjacent to the National Park, Big Bend Ranch . . Show Prices. The only lodging inside the park is Chisos Mountain Lodge, but the limited rooms book a year or more in advance.Many people stay in Marathon (70 miles away) and day trip to the park each day, but we opted for Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa (20 miles away) for the shorter daily drive.. February 1, 2022. Lodge. The port is the only U.S. access to this humble community of around 300 villagers, who live in the most remote part of Coahuila, Mexico just across . Interactive weather map allows you to pan and zoom to get unmatched weather details in your local neighborhood or half a world away from The Weather Channel and Weather.com Stop by the Starlight in Terlingua Ghost Town for live music, a great menu and a cold beer; 631 Ivey; 432-371-2326. Cacti-strewn deserts shift to the wooded slopes of imposing mountains before again changing to spectacular river canons where greenish water flows. They are usually between 2-5 hours. Contact Information. . Box 68, Big Bend National Park, Texas 79834, or call 477-2236 for a schedule and prices. I10 is boring after Junction (not bad at all between SA and Junction though). Hours and Seasons. Big Bend Resort and Adventures: Don't let the word "resort" fool you; this . Route 385 leaves Marathon in the distance behind us, and we make our way south into Big Bend National Park an 801,000 acres park that fills the southwestern section of Texas and borders the Rio Grand and Mexico. Max speed is 80 mph from Junction so fast driving. Save. There are also camping spots all over the park that USED TO BE available on a first come first serve basis. With over 100 miles of paved roads, 150 miles of dirt roads, and about 200 miles of hiking trails the park offers nearly limitless opportunities for scenic driving, hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, wildlife observation, and stargazing. An entire mountain range to itself, dramatic stretches of the Rio Grande, and 118 miles of shared border with Mexico are just a few reasons why . With breakfast snacks of fruit and bagels and coffee, we were packed and back on the road by eight. However, sometimes a 4-5 hour hike in the morning will drain . Splendid Isolation: Big Bend. Scenic vistas, diverse wildlife, outdoor adventure, historic sites, dark skies, and border culture rank among the . Big Bend National Park is one of the largest and most remote National Parks in the lower 48 - it's also one of the best national parks for stargazing! Despite its great size and amazing sights, Big Bend is one of the nation's least visited National Parks. . Resources for Runners. Feb 26, 2010 #5. You can find Big Bend right next to the border . Located in Marathon, about 40 minutes north of . Communities offer services, amenities, and entertainment. . Big Bend became a national park on June 12, 1944. Visitors enjoy mild weather year-round, and some of the darkest night skies in the continental US. This time around, I didn't intend to make the same mistake. In addition to a full-service lodge in the Chisos Mountains at the heart of the national park, Big Bend also has three . Although a new record was set in 2005 with 500,000 visitors coming to the park, isolation is never hard to find in this vast . Course Cutoff Time. You won't find so much as a single traffic light, but you . 13 years ago. - 8:30pm. Big Bend National Park is a mix of desert and ancient limestone canyons that were formed by volcanoes long ago. Monday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. . 890 reviews. The Big Bend Ranch State Park is a fantastic place to run, and the Big Bend 50 owes it all to the volunteers, park rangers, EMS teams, ham radio operators, hotels, campgrounds, timing team, sponsors, and our great runners for making it happen, keeping everyone safe, and having fun. When it comes to landmass, there is no contest between the two parks. I drank from mud puddles, hiked through 30-40 mph winds, startled a rattlesnake, spied two bears, and . 10K 9:00 am. Big Bend National Park Hilton Hotels hotels are the perfect place for your getaway. This is a cute little camping ground not half as busy as Chisos basin (it is called cottonwood campground but on the way . Directions. 4. Many times, you can just rest an hour with a good lunch and regain the energy for another half-day hike. Smallest Target (57 mi north, 55 min, map) Marathon Post Park Pool (72 mi north, 1 hr 20 min, map) Museum of the Big Bend, Sul Ross University (98 mi north, 1 hr 40 min, map) Bolmorhea State Park (155 mi north, 2 h 40 min, map) - world's largest spring-fed swimming pool. Exact Time & Distance: Via I-20 - 7 hrs 48 mins, 535 . Tuesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Where We Stayed in Big Bend Area. 30K Elevation Map. I believe the opening scene of the film Paris, Texas was filmed in or near Hell's Half Acre. I-20 is an east-west Interstate Highway that runs from 20 miles (32 km) west of Terrell, Texas to 20 miles (32 km) east of Waco, Texas. Nestled deep in southwest Texas, this expansive, desolate park extends along the Mexican border for over 100 miles. 1 Panther Junction Big Bend National Park TX 79834. Big Bend National Park , TX 79834-0129 Phone: 432 . If you have the time and a spirit of adventure, you may want to consider a river trip. Target Marathon. Logistics prevented us from having another 50 mile event, since the return path off . Guadalupe Mountains, on the other hand, covers about 86,000 acres. Camp out along the Rio Grande. The Gage Hotel, Marathon. #3 Best Value of 7 places to stay in Big Bend National Park. Marathon offers the quickest route to many of the Park's north and eastern most features, including the magnificent Fossil Discovery Exhibit. Abandoned house at sunset in Marathon. Big Bend National Park is one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States, filled with incredible natural landscapes. Big Bend Chat offers the world all the insight to the Big Bend Region, including Big Bend National Park, Big Bend State Park, Terlingua to Balmorea, Marathon to Valentine and everything in between by Wednesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. A variety of guided outdoor activities are available. The terrain includes, of course, the . The entire race will be on pavement except for a couple short sections that run on grass. . Big Bend National Park is an American national park located in West Texas, bordering Mexico.The park has national significance as the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States, and was named after a large bend in the Rio Grande/Ro Bravo. Accommodation: La Posada Milagro. Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Big Bend National Park, TX with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather.com Post Park is a county park and Big Bend oasis, located 5 miles south of Marathon at the winding, southern end of Avenue D. Massive cottonwood trees, fed from perennial springs, shade a large lawn with picnic tables and grills, free to use. The lobby of The Gage Hotel in Marathon (Photo Credit: Cindy Barks) 2. There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. The scene shows hoodoos, steep sided ridges and barren desert. Camp out along the Rio Grande. Established in 1944 by Franklin Roosevelt, Big Bend National Park encompasses more than 800,000 acres. Nestled beside the Chihuahuan Desert and bordered by the Rio Grande is our southern-most national park and its must-sees, Big Bend. There are many possibilities including half-day floats or multi-day excursions. While there is no public transportation to Big Bend National Park, Amtrak's Sunset Unlimited and Greyhound buses stop in Alpine, Texas. These are places where hot water flows up from . The resort looks like the movie set of an old Western, and has a feeling of . Target Marathon. 50K 7:30 am. Marathon is close not only to Big Bend National Park, but also many area attractions. 100% of the proceeds go to our health center, school and fire department. 6. Big Bend National Park. Although we missed a lot of the trails and exhibits on this side of the park, we did get to hike the Santa Elena Canyon Trail and stop in at the Castolon Visitor Center. Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters), or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Phone Number. This is a brand new dinosaur discovered in 2013 in Big Bend National . Several of these can be considered half-day hikes, which I will note. A variety of guided outdoor activities are available. Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa, located 30.9 mi (49.7 km) from the heart of Big Bend National Park, is a top choice for your stay based on our traveler data. Big Bend is home to a few remarkable communities: Marathon, Study Butte, Terlingua Ghost Town, Lajitas, and Big Bend National Park. Lunch was about 10-12 dollars a piece. Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Big Bend National Park, TX with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather.com "There are few stores and restaurants and we wanted the amenities that this park has - a full hotel with shops and restaurants, a pool and a golf course.". It is 68 miles south of the town of Marathon, and 29 miles east of the town of Study Butte. You can walk to the town but again, take some transportation, if you can afford it. This is a brand new dinosaur discovered in 2013 in Big Bend National . Chisos Mountains Lodge. Trailfest. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Marathon is the closest town to Big Bend National Park's north entrance (the Persimmon Gap Entrance and Visitor Center). Us90 is the nicer drive via Uvalde, Del Rio and Marathon before going to awesome Big Bend NP. Overview. The other thing we were charged for was $3 each in Boquillas for the immigration fee. Texas then donated this land and it officially became Big Bend National Park. The Gage Hotel is in Marathon, Texas which is about 42 miles from Big Bend National Park. The Marathon 2 Marathon(M2M) is a 26.2 mile race held annually in Marathon, Texas. Covering 801,163 acres (324,219 hectares) but with only 300-350 thousand visitors a year, Big Bend is one of the largest national parks in the lower 48 states yet one of . If you have a few hours or an extra day to kill, Marathon is home to two wonderful gardens, one at the Gage Hotel and Post Park just a short walk away. If you think this might tip the budget scale to heavy, don't worry--Travelocity offers cheap Hilton Hotels . There's also a 10.5-mile hike to the tallest peak in the park, Emory Peak . Splendid Isolation: Big Bend. Find Hotels and Motels Near Marathon Big Bend National Park (mile 40) . Terlingua Ghost Town (mile 98) Post. Marathon is another interesting town in West Texas, about an hour away from Big Bend National Park. Re: Getting to Big Bend from Houston. . Population 386. Distances include 100 mi, 100K, 50 mi, 50K & half marathon. There, you'll find a replica of the skull of Bravoceratops. Mule Ears Peaks Paved Roads. Experience the back country . Marathon is about thirty minutes from one of the Big Bend Park entrances so this is a desirable location when visiting West Texas. . Jim Hines's Big Bend Birding Expedition (371-2356 . The Ultimate Big Bend National Park Travel Guide. Marfa is both mysterious and magical, known for its minimalist modern art and unexplained lights that can be seen in the distance. They may last half a day or several days. There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. 2010-02-26T06:55. There is no public transportation to, or within Big Bend National Park. With this being our last day at Big Bend National Park, we woke up early and drove to Santa Elena Canyon. The maintained public restrooms are open 24/7, and camping is allowed on the east side of the spring-fed . Houston, Texas - 9 hours. 14) Visit Marathon. Today, the . Big Bend National Park. Big Bend National Park is a land of contrasts. So from a point of convenience Big Bend National Park hotels closer to the park action are preferable. Marathon is the closest town to Big Bend National Park's north entrance (the Persimmon Gap Entrance and Visitor Center). You now need a reservation for each spot. If you prefer to do your own cooking and prefer a stand-alone casita as opposed to a hotel room, the Big Bend Casitas are a great option. It covers more than 320,000 hectares. For a unique experience during your stay in Marathon, plan a day trip to Boquillas! As of December 12, 2020, the . Boquillas Port of Entry, located along the river on the southeast side of Big Bend National Park, is a portal to a whole new world for many visitors to Big Bend. It was 50 miles, and was the first organized ultra to be held in Big Bend National Park. AARP'S Guide to Big Bend National Park A ruggedly beautiful, remote desert landscape along the Rio Grande in West Texas. 20K 8:30 am. Plan Your Visit. Marathon, Texas is located along U.S. Highway 90 in southwest Texas-or more specifically, in Big Bend Country. Explore the world with us! 3-day trail running . We had about 100 runners, and it was a huge success. But Big Bend National Park is a huge park, and to Chisos Basin in the heart of the park it's 77 miles (124 km). ProTip: If camping, you can find showers and laundry machines . This is a little hard to suggest because you can do a half-day hike and be toast for the rest of the day. Castolon Campground, Big Bend National Park: See 18 traveler reviews, 24 candid photos, and great deals for Castolon Campground, ranked #5 of 6 specialty lodging in Big Bend National Park and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. In addition to a full-service lodge in the Chisos Mountains at the heart of the national park, Big Bend also has three . PO BOX 129 BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK TEXAS 79834. Over one million acres of public land including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park offer hiking, camping, river running, horse riding, mountain bicycling, birding, jeep touring, and abundant sightseeing opportunities on paved and improved . At Kiowa, the road climbs almost 900 ft. It's a big climb, but runners will be rewarded with gorgeous views of Glacier National Park, and the prairies at its base as you climb Looking Glass Hill. On the DVD commentary, director Wim Wenders says the scene was filmed in southwestern Texas in the Big Bend area. 50K Course Open today : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. This small town of 386 residents will surprise you! Accommodations run the range from convenient and comfortable to resort luxury. With amenities like a grocery store, two gas stations, half a dozen restaurants, cafes and eateries, we've got . 7. There, you'll find a replica of the skull of Bravoceratops. Big Bend Is Nearly 10 Times Larger. Panther Junction Visitor Center is located in the center of the park. As the closest hotel to Big Bend National Park, Marathon's Gage Hotel has long offered a bit of luxury for guests heading to the rugged trails of the national park. by Pam LeBlanc, AARP, Updated August 6, 2021. The city of Marfa is an hour and a half drive from Big Bend National Park and I highly recommend combining the two in one trip. This trip is offered twice a day, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Big Bend National Park , TX 79834-0129 Phone: 432 . 1. Additionally, the Rio Grande borders the park for 118 miles . Big Bend National Park is one of the largest and most remote National Parks in the lower 48 - it's also one of the best national parks for stargazing! The highway connects Dallas and Fort Worth area to Monahans from where you will leave the freeway and drive south to Big Bend, Texas via Fort Stockton. Marathon offers the quickest route to many of the Park's north and eastern most features, including the magnificent Fossil Discovery Exhibit. An arid oasis, this Texas dusty destination may only see 350,000 to 400,000 visitors per year, but each one of them gets to experience a part of our country that few know exists. The units are perfect for families, holding up to four people; children under 17 stay free. Seeing the park's canyons from the middle of the Rio Grande can be an incredible experience. Sunday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. 118. David Hensley/Getty Images. Physical Address. See all available top hotels, or vacation rentals in Big Bend National Park. At more than 800,000 acres, Big Bend is the 15th largest park in the nation larger than massive parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite. During low water, this trip will be done in canoes. Target Marathon. Start Times - Sunday Morning 1/16/22. By PamRoad. 3. The White Buffalo, a bar within The Gage Hotel, follows suite with the rustic decor. Cacti-strewn deserts shift to the wooded slopes of imposing mountains before again changing to spectacular river canons where greenish water flows. marathon - half marathon - 10k - 5k For a few hours in a little town in the middle of West Texas, almost 500 racers bring everything they have to a race called the M2M. . This national park has many hiking options, such as the 4.8-mile hike on the Lost Mine Trail to the 13-mile hike of the South Rim.