When to Go

There is never a bad time to make a Big Bend foray—except during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break. During these holidays, competition for rooms at the Chisos Mountains Lodge and campsites is fierce—with reservations for campsites and rooms needed up to a year in advance.

Depending on the season, Big Bend sizzles or drizzles, steams up collars or chills fingertips. Many shun the park in the summer, because temperatures skyrocket (up to 120°F), and the Rio Grande lowers.

In winter, temperatures rarely dip below 30°F. During those few times the mercury takes a dive, visitors might be rewarded with a rare snowfall.

The mountains routinely are 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the park, while the sweltering stretches of Rio Grande are 5 to 10 degrees warmer.