BigBend2021

Area Attractions

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BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

CHIHUAHUAN DESERT NATURE CENTER & BOTANICAL GARDENS Home of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute.

Big Bend National Park consists of over 800,000 acres of wild land to explore. The park’s three major environments – the Chisos Mountains, the Desert Floor, and the Rio Grande offer an excellent opportunity to experience the diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. The Park offers superb walking, hiking, and backpacking adven- tures, as well as scenic driving tours. Bird watchers will be delighted to find that Big Bend has more species of birds than any other national park. Enjoy an adventurous raft trip through the incredible canyons in the park with local river outfitters, or enjoy the scenery and wildlife from outside your room, recreational vehicle, or tent.

Located 4 miles south of Fort Davis on Texas Hwy. 118, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens comprises 507 acres of rolling grasslands, igneous rock outcrops and the spectacu- lar Modesta Canyon. Visitors are encour- aged to check in at the Visitors’ Center for admission to interpretive exhibits, a wild- scape demonstration garden, a geologic timeline, and a mining heritage exhibit. The 20 acre Botanical Gardens includes over 165 species of plants native to the region;

a self-guided tour pamphlet is available. A 1,400 sq. ft. green- house shelters over 200 species of Chihuahuan Desert cacti and succulents. Hike into Modesta Canyon or up to Claytonís Overlook for a beautiful view. Dress appropriately for the des- ert. Hiking shoes, water and sun- screen are highly recommended. The Leapin’ Lizards Nature Shop has books and gifts for all ages. Call 432-364-2499 or visit www.

Community Information

Rangers or volunteers are on duty at four visitor centers to provide information about the park and to issue backcountry permits. Interpretive programs and guided walks are offered daily November - April, and several times per week during the summer. Maps, books, and other interpretive items are available for purchase through the Big Bend Natural History Association. National Park Concessions, Inc. provides lodging, a restaurant, gasoline, and camp stores. For more information on the park write: Superintendent, Big Bend National Park, PO Box 129, Texas 79834 or telephone 432-477-2251. For further Big BendNational Park information, visit www.nps.gov/bibe/ .

cdri.org for information on our guided hikes and tours, education programs, and special lectures and workshops. The mission of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is to promote public

awareness, appreciation and concern for the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region through research and education.

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00am–5:00pm year-round. Closed major holidays.

Admission: Adults $5.00, Seniors $4.00, Members

and Children 12 and under Free. Contact: 432-364-2499