The vegetative belt extends into the desert along creeks and arroyos.
Throughout the open desert areas, the highly productive Rio Grande riparian zone includes numerous plant and animal species and significant cultural resources. The Rio Grande, which meanders through this portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, has cut deep canyons with nearly vertical walls through three uplifts made primarily of limestone. The 118 mi (190 km) of river that form the southern park boundary include the spectacular canyons of Santa Elena, Mariscal, and Boquillas. Some species in the park, such as the Chisos oak ( Quercus graciliformis), are found nowhere else in the United States. These variations contribute to an exceptional diversity in plant and animal habitats. Because of the range in altitude from about 1,800 feet (550 m) along the river to Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains at 7,832 feet (2,387 m), a wide variation in available moisture and temperature exists throughout the park. Winters are normally mild but subfreezing temperatures occasionally occur. Dry and hot late spring and summer days often exceed 100 ☏ (38 ☌) in the lower elevations. The park exhibits dramatic contrasts and its climate may be characterized as one of extremes. Geography and climate Park map (click map to enlarge)Īccording to the Köppen climate classification system, Big Bend National Park has a hot arid climate ( BWh). The park is bordered by the protected areas of Cañón de Santa Elena and Maderas del Carmen in Mexico. The rest of the channel and the land south of it lies within Mexican territory.
In accordance with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the park's territory extends only to the center of the deepest river channel as the river flowed in 1848. īecause the Rio Grande serves as an international boundary, the park faces unusual constraints while administering and enforcing park rules, regulations, and policies. For more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km), the Rio Grande/Río Bravo forms the boundary between Mexico and the United States, and Big Bend National Park administers approximately 118 miles (190 km) along that boundary. The park encompasses an area of 801,163 acres (1,251.8 sq mi 3,242.2 km 2), entirely within Brewster County. Geological features in the park include sea fossils and dinosaur bones, as well as volcanic dikes. The Chisos Mountains are located in the park, and are the only mountain range in the United States to be fully contained within the boundary of a national park. The area has a rich cultural history, from archeological sites dating back nearly 10,000 years to more recent pioneers, ranchers, and miners. Additional park activities include scenic drives, programs led by Big Bend park rangers, and stargazing. The park protects more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals. The park has national significance as the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States, and was named after a large bend in the Rio Grande/Río Bravo. Location in the United States Show map of the United StatesĢ9☁5′0″N 103☁5′0″W / 29.25000°N 103.25000°W / 29.25000 -103.25000īig Bend National Park is an American national park located in West Texas, bordering Mexico.
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