Big Bend Ranch State Park: What to Know Before You Go

Big Bend Ranch State Park stretches along the Rio Grande in far west Texas. It has 238 miles of multiuse trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The park is also an International Dark Sky Park, which means light pollution is very low and stargazing is excellent. A small entrance fee applies for adults; children 12 and under are free. Reservations are strongly recommended.

The interior roads are unpaved and rough. Many require a high-clearance vehicle; some require four-wheel drive. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F and feel much hotter in direct sunlight. Bring more water than you think you need. The park has two main entrances — near Terlingua to the east and near Presidio to the west. There is also a paved airstrip for private aircraft. TPWD's website has current fees, maps, and reservation links.