Parks

There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...

Map showing location of park.

A New Plant Species Has Been Discovered in Big Bend National Park

2025-02-24

While hiking in Big Bend National Park, two park employees encountered a tiny plant that they didn’t recognize. Further investigation has now revealed that it is a species previously unknown to science.

Temporary Trail Closures to Protect Nesting Falcons

2025-01-16

Beginning February 1st and continuing through May 31st, the National Park Service will temporarily close a portion of the East Rim Trail in the Chisos Mountains to protect nesting falcons.

Fatality on Emory Peak

2024-11-29

On Wednesday, November 27, a group of hikers reported a seriously injured visitor at the summit of Emory Peak. A Park Ranger was airlifted by helicopter to the scene and located the body of a 35-year-old man from Florence, TX. Cause of death was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Temporary Closures for Herbicide Applications

2024-11-05

From November 11 to November 12, a team will be cutting down and applying herbicide to invasive salt cedars (Tamarix spp.) in the Hot Springs area. During this time, visitors may encounter a temporary closure along the river from Gravel Pit to Hot Springs Canyon. Work is not expected to affect visitor access to the historic Hot Springs.

View of rugged limestone cliffs and the Rio Grande.

Visitor Fatality on Marufo Vega Trail

2024-10-28

On Monday, October 28, after an aerial and ground search by NPS rangers and U.S. Border Patrol supported by helicopters from the TX Department of Public Safety and U.S. Customs Air and Marine Operations, searchers located the body of a 24-year-old hiker along the Marufo Vega Trail.