History
Big Bend National Park was established in 1944. In 1976 it was designated an International Biosphere Reserve.
Size
Big Bend National Park covers over 801,000 acres -- more land area than the State of Rhode Island -- and averages 350,000 or fewer visitors per year.
Hours
As of July 2009, Big Bend National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Panther Junction visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except, sometimes, for Christmas Day.
What To Do
Some of the many activities available in Big Bend include: Rock climbing, which is legal although officially discouraged; floating the Rio Grande, bicycling, hiking, birding and horseback riding.
Seasonal Activity
Big Bend is usually busiest during March and April, especially spring break. Other busy times include holidays like Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. August and September are usually the quietest times of year.
