Chisos Mountains
Big Bend National Park, TX
Considered the heart of Big Bend National Park, this mountain range cuts about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Punta de la Sierra to Panther Junction, where you’ll find the park’s visitor center. Unlike the surrounding landscapes, the Chisos are forested with ponderosa pines and other hardy trees, and they comprise the only mountain range standing within a single US national park.
The basics
Your visit will likely begin at the Panther Junction Visitor Center at the north end of Big Bend National Park (and the Chisos Mountains). From there, you can drive along Basin Junction Road through parts of the mountain range to the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, next to the Chisos Mountain Lodge and the Chisos Basin Trailhead. Here, you'll find the main campsites and a network of hiking trails ranging from short walks to multi-day round trips.
Things to know before you go
- All visitors must have an entrance pass
- The park doesn’t accept cash.
- The road into the mountain is paved.
- The Chisos Basin Visitor Center has is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms.
- The visitor center has interactive exhibits on plants, animals, and birds found in the mountains.
- You can make campsite reservations online; book overnight backcountry permits online or from the visitor center.
How to get there
The Chisos Basin Visitor Center is in the heart of Big Bend National Park in Southwest Texas. To reach it from the Panther Junction Visitor Center near the park’s northern entrance, drive along Gano Springs Road and Basin Junction Road. It's a roughly 17-mile (27-kilometer) scenic drive up into the mountains, offering views along the way.
When to get there
The Chisos Basin Visitor Center is open during business hours year-round; park entrances are open 24 hours daily. From October through April— especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and other holiday periods—the park sees an influx of visitors, with developed campsites full every night. Consider visiting outside this time for a more peaceful setting.
Hot springs in Big Bend National Park
After hiking the Chisos Mountains, you can soothe soreness in Langford Hot Springs, a historic site with natural thermal springs. Situated at the end of Hot Springs Road on the east side of the national park, the scenic springs lie along the Rio Grande River—to reach them, you can drive or take a short hike; swimming is not recommended.
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