Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [34]
For information, contact Big Bend National Park, P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 (☎ 432/477-2251; www.nps.gov/bibe).
The free park newspaper, The Big Bend Paisano, published seasonally by the National Park Service, is a great source of information on seminars, new and special publications, suggested hikes, kids' activities, and local facilities.
Books, maps, and videos are available from Big Bend Natural History Association, P.O. Box 196, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 (☎ 432/477-2236; www. bigbendbookstore.org). The Official Big Bend National Park Handbook (Washington, D.C.: Department of the Interior, 1983) by the Division of Publications, National Park Service, is a good introduction to the what and why of the park, describing in detail the terrain, flora, fauna, and human history of the area. Several Park Service booklets detail improved and unimproved roads and hiking trails. A particularly good hiking guide is Hiking Big Bend National Park (Helena, Montana: Falcon Press, 1996) by Laurence Parent. Those planning backpacking trips will also want to get the appropriate topographical maps, which, along with the publications discussed above, are available at the park's visitor centers or by mail from the Big Bend Natural History Association.
For information on nearby attractions, as well as places to stay and eat, contact the Big Bend Area Travel Association (☎ 877/244-2363; www.visitbig bend.com).
VISITOR CENTERS
The park has five visitor centers. Panther Junction Visitor Center (open daily year-round) is centrally located at park headquarters; Persimmon Gap Visitor Center (open most of the year) is at the north entrance to the park on U.S. 385; Rio Grande Village Visitor Center (open Nov–Apr) is on the river in the eastern part of the park; Castolon Visitor Center (open Nov–Apr) is near the river in the southwest end of the park; and Chisos Basin Visitor Center (open year-round) is in the Chisos Mountains in the middle of the park, at 5,401 feet in elevation.
All visitor centers provide information, backcountry permits, books, and maps. They also have exhibits; a particularly impressive display on mountain lions is at Chisos Basin. Bulletin boards with schedules of ranger programs, notices of animal sightings, and other visitor information are at each of the visitor centers.
FEES & PERMITS
Entry into the park for up to a week costs $15 per passenger vehicle, and $5 per person on foot or bicycle. Camping costs $10 per night in the three developed campgrounds. The concession-operated RV campground at Rio Grande Village has full hookups, costing $21. A free camping permit, available at any visitor center, is required for all backcountry camping; free permits are also required for all river-float trips
(see "Camping" and "River Running," later in this chapter).
SPECIAL REGULATIONS & WARNINGS
Watch for wildlife along the roads, particularly javelina, reptiles, deer, and rabbits. Be especially alert at night, when they may be blinded by your vehicle's headlights and freeze in the middle of the road. Of course, feeding wildlife is prohibited, not only to minimize the risk of injuries to park visitors but also because it's bad for the animals.
The Basin Road Scenic Drive into the Chisos Mountains has sharp curves and steep grades and is not recommended for trailers longer than 20 feet or RVs longer than 24 feet. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Castolon is okay for most RVs and trailers but can present a problem for vehicles with insufficient power to handle the steep grade. These roads require extra caution by all users—drivers of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Horses are not permitted on any paved roads in the park.
Desert heat can be dangerous. Hikers should carry at least 1 gallon of water per person per day; wear a hat, long pants, and long sleeves; and use a good sunscreen. Don't depend on springs as water sources, and avoid hiking in the middle of the day in summer. Early mornings and evenings are best for both comfort and