Big Bend National Park sits in a desert area of Texas near the Mexican border. Here you can visit the Chihuahuan Desert, ride a raft down the Rio Grande, and hike the Chisos Mountains all in a single day. This sprawling park has over a hundred miles of paved roads for you to drive with your family while taking in scenery, and over 150 miles of dirt roads for you to get out and walk. You’ll see fields of giant yuccas and beautiful striped mesas. You can even end the day with a dip in a hot spring.

So why visit Big Bend in Winter? What’s so special, or different? Nothing. And that’s the point.

Big Bend’s desert climate doesn’t change very much in the winter. You’ll have access to the same rafting, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding you would any other time of the year. Campgrounds are all open and available, without seasonal limitations. Your trip will be indistinguishable from one at the peak of spring or summer, save one major difference. The weather during winter in Big Bend is the most pleasant of the year. This is the only time that daytime highs dip below 80 degrees and even the more strenuous hikes are downright pleasant. Other times of the year this area can get hot, and you’re looking at a sweat soaked day where you have to limit your exposure anytime other Than winter. This is the best time to visit with children as you can enjoy a more leisurely experience, without fearing for the kids and how they’ll fare under the sun.

Be sure to check the park’s guide to planning your visit for all sorts of great details to help you plot out the logistics. There are a number of local resources to help you plan a guided tour or hike, and you can choose to spend the night camping or in a lodge.

If you’d like to learn more, visit Big Bend National Park’s Official Site.

Also check out our great info on other national parks in winter including: Bryce Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

Interested in booking or planning a vacation to Big Bend right now? Check out some of the offers currently available for airfare and hotels at Kayak, Orbitz and Priceline. See more lodging options at Hotels.com and Hilton. Get started on your next trip today!

Please note that some of the links included in this piece may be affiliate links and in such case, Real Family Trips will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on the link.