Car Travel

Big Bend is 39 miles south of Marathon, off U.S. 385; 81 miles south of Alpine, off Route 118; and 69 miles east of Presidio, off Route 170. Paved park roads have twists and turns, some very extreme in higher elevations; if you have an RV longer than 24 feet or a trailer longer than 20 feet, you should avoid the Chisos Basin Road into higher terrain in Big Bend's central portion. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are needed for many of the backcountry roads. At parking areas take valuables with you.