Beginning May 1, 2025, the Chisos Basin area, including the Chisos Mountains Lodge, will close for a major renovation project. When construction begins, the Chisos Basin Road will be closed at the bottom of the hill, making the Basin area inaccessible. However, the rest of Big Bend National Park remains OPEN, offering plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy all that this stunning park has to offer! Here’s what you need to know:
What Will Be Closed
- Chisos Basin Visitor Center, Restaurant, Lodge, and Store
- Chisos Basin Road
- Chisos Basin Campground
- Trails originating from the Basin area (e.g., Lost Mine Trail, Window Trail)
What Will Remain Open
(some highlights, see full list on the BBNP website)
Easy Trails
- Boquillas Canyon
- Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
- Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff
- Tuff Canyon
- Balanced Rock via Grapevine Hills (4WD)
Moderate Trails
- Mule Ears
- Santa Elena Canyon
- Pine Canyon (4WD)
- Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff
- Chimneys
Sights
- Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- Santa Elena Canyon Overlook
- Mule Ears Overlook
- Boquillas Hot Springs
- Boquillas Canyon Overlook
- Fossil Discovery Exhibit
- Boquillas Border Crossing
- Sotol Vista (Sunset)
Food
Inside the park, you can stop at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village, or Castolon for snacks. You can also pack drinks/snacks/food before entering the park. We recommend stopping at Cafe Venga for a grab-n-go meal or Cottonwood General Store, our local grocer. If you need a cooler, you can rent our Park Essentials Bundle.
River Activities
Enjoy rafting, canoeing, or kayaking along the Rio Grande.
What to Do Around the Area
Big Bend National Park spans over 800,000 acres, offering canyons, desert, diverse wildlife, and over 150 miles of hiking trails. Beyond the park, discover Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, and Lajitas, as well as activities like stargazing in one of the darkest skies in the U.S.
Safety Tips
Tip #1: Visit the NPS website for trail maps, safety information, and park alerts. The park recommends carrying at least 1 gallon of water per person per day.
Tip #2: Stop by Alon Gas Station to fill up your tank and Cottonwood General Store to grab water, food, and other supplies.
Tip #3: Rent our Park Essentials Rental for all the must-have gear for your day trip, so you can travel lighter to Big Bend.
Stay Up to Date
As major components of the renovation are completed over the next two years, park managers will assess which areas can be safely reopened to regular public access. During construction, shuttles or regulated entry may be introduced to ensure safe access as the project progresses. For the latest updates, visit the National Park Service's website.
After your day of exploring, return to Camp Elena, just minutes from the national park's western entrance, for a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Chisos and Christmas Mountains.
