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
Alternative Trailheads
Access high Chisos trails, like Emory Peak and South Rim, via Blue Creek or Juniper Canyon. Keep in mind these trailheads add significant distance.
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
Difficult Trails
Emory Peak, South Rim (via Blue Creek or Juniper Canyon)
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.
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.
