The visitor center at Big Bend Ranch State Park is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily, except for December 25.
At Big Bend Ranch State Park, the entrance fee is $5 per day for individuals 13 years and older, while children under 12 enter free. You can also purchase a Texas State Parks Pass for $70 per year for unlimited visits.
Accessed via Highway 170 between Lajitas and Presidio. From Midland/Odessa: Hwy 67 > Hwy 90 > Presidio > Hwy 170. From El Paso: Hwy 20 > Fort Davis > Hwy 67 > Hwy 170. El Camino del Rio offers a scenic drive.
Parking available for cars, RVs, and motorcycles; some lots rutted, require high clearance or 4WD. Overnight parking permitted with camping fees. Daily visitation fee applies.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Big Bend Ranch State Park spans over 300,000 acres in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas. With dramatic canyons, desert plains, and panoramic mountain views, it offers over 238 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Its remote location ensures serenity and world-class stargazing opportunities.
- Area (mi²)
- 486
- Annual visitors
- 50 000
- Established year
- 1991
Top 3 Facts about Big Bend Ranch State Park
The park’s terrain includes the Solitario, a dome that uplifted around 35 million years ago, exposing rocks that began as ocean sediment over 500 million years ago, and were folded and faulted into ancient mountains around 300 million years ago. The elevation ranges from 2,300 feet to 5,135 feet.
The park includes spectacular canyons like Closed Canyon and Fresno Canyon carved by the Rio Grande.
Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, it’s ideal for stargazing.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Scavenger Hunts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Research trails and distances. Make reservations early for popular seasons.
Pack Appropriately
Bring water, sun protection, layers, map, GPS, and first-aid kit.
Respect Wildlife
Observe from a distance. No feeding or approaching animals like bighorn sheep and birds.
Stay Informed
Check for road conditions, weather alerts, and park updates online or with staff.
Seasons
Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Great for birdwatching and hiking. Popular—book early.
Hot (100°F+); early mornings/evenings are best. Fewer crowds, but caution needed for heat.
Cooler temps, beautiful desert foliage, less crowded. Great for hiking and stargazing.
Daytime 50–70°F, great for hiking. Clear skies for astronomy. Prepare for cold nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Big Bend Ranch State Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Big Bend Ranch State Park is Presidio, which is about 3.5 miles away. Other nearby towns include Terlingua and Redford, but Presidio is the nearest city. El Paso, a larger city, is approximately 4 hours away or 257 miles.
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The Closed Canyon trail is a great option, with a 1.5-mile round trip hike to a stunning high-walled canyon that kids can walk through. It offers an exciting experience, especially if you go a couple of hours before sunset to see the sunlight beams. This trail is easier to access than some of the other options and provides a unique and enjoyable experience.
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No, dogs are not allowed on all trails. Only two short trails, the Closed Canyon Trail and the Hoodoos Trail, permit leashed dogs.
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You can park an RV, camper, or motorhome here, but there are hardly any hookups. The roads can be rough, and some sites are far apart. Various sizes of RVs can fit, but the roads may be challenging.
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Hike the Hoodoos Trail or Closed Canyon Trail for unique geological features and scenic views. Explore the Rio Grande by floating, fishing, or hiking along its banks. Enjoy stargazing in the evening as the park is an International Dark Sky Park. Consider a 4X4 tour or horseback riding to explore the rugged terrain and high desert setting.
