History
The area around Big Bend was occupied by Indian groups at least 10,000 years ago and possibly earlier. It wasn't until the 16th and 17th centuries that Spanish settlers arrived in search of gold and silver. In the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, the area was farmed and mined until 1944, when it became Big Bend National Park.
Size
Big Bend National Park covers more than 801,000 acres, with a maximum elevation of 7,825 feet at Emory Peak.
Climate
Spring and autumn tend to be warm, although by March temperatures can near 100 degrees in the desert lowland. June is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching triple digits. Winter is fairly mild, with lows in the high 30s or low 40s.
Plants & Wildlife
Among the wildlife you could see are rattlesnakes, mountain lions and coyotes. As for plants, Big Bend has 65 varieties of cacti.
Activities
Big Bend is a popular area for camping, hiking, rock climbing, paddling the Rio Grande River and horseback riding.
