Getting Here and Around

Big Bend is 39 mi south of Marathon, off U.S. 385; 81 mi south of Alpine, off Route 118; and 69 mi east of Presidio, off Route 170. The nearest airport is in Midland, three-and-a-half hours north of the park. The bus takes you as far as Marathon, and the train as far as Alpine.

Paved park roads have twists and turns, some very extreme in higher elevations; if you have an RV longer than 24 feet or a trailer longer than 20 feet, you should avoid the Chisos Basin Road into higher elevations in Big Bend's central portion. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are needed for many of the backcountry roads. At parking areas take valuables with you.