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Big Bend National Park Facts

Big Bend National Park Facts
Big Bend National Park is an 801,163 acre park located in the state of Texas in the United States. The region encompassing Big Bend was inhabited by several Native tribes prior to 1535 when the Spanish arrived and began to explore the area. A variety of settlements were established over the next several centuries and in 1933 Big Bend State Park was established (originally as Texas Canyons State Park). In 1944 Big Bend National Park was established, and it included the land from Big Bend State Park that was deeded to the federal government for the park by the state of Texas.
Interesting Big Bend National Park Facts:
Throughout history there have been a variety of Native tribes and explorers that have passed through the region now called Big Bend National Park. These people have included the Apache Indians, Comanche Indians, Spanish explorers, soldiers and revolutionaries from Mexico and the United States, outlaws, ranchers, and farmers.
The Rio Grande River runs through Big Bend National Park. The park is named Big Bend after the river's big bend in west Texas.
Big Bend National Park is considered to be the largest Chihuahuan Desert protected region in the country.
Langford Hot Springs are located in Big Bend National Park. The temperature of the spring is approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are more species of birds found in Big Bend National Park than in any other national park in the U.S. There are over 450 different species.
There are more than 1,200 different plant species found in Big Bend National Park. Many are not found anywhere else on the planet.
Approximately 118 miles of the Big Bend National Park border run along the international border between the United States and Mexico.
Because of the openness of Big Bend National Park it is considered one of the best places to star gaze.
Animals found within Big Bend National Park include Mexican black bears, roadrunners, coyotes, cougars, kangaroo rats, gray foxes, black-tailed jackrabbits, and javelinas. Most animals are nocturnal (come out at night).
There are over 60 different species of cactus found in Big Bend National Park including prickly pears, pitayas, and claretcups.
There are more than 3600 species of insects found in Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend National Park is home to more than 1200 plant species, including the desert marigold, pink bluebonnets, ocotillo, lechuguilla, and rock nettle.
Because Big Bend National Park is so remote it is one of the least visited parks in the United States, with only about 300,000 visitors each year despite being so large in size.
The Chisos Mountains are the only mountain range in the United States to be completely contained within a national park. Chisos Mountains are also the most southern United States mountain range.
There are water pools, mountains, desert, rivers, waterfalls, and forest within Big Bend National Park.
Visitors to Big Bend National Park can cycle, hike, take day trips hiking though the park, embark on river trips, or even drive through the park enjoying the sites.


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