What to Expect When Visiting Big Bend National Park in March

Are you planning a trip to Big Bend National Park in March?

Remember, March is one of the busiest times of year in Big Bend National Park. School or college students in Texas have their Spring Break this month. At the same time, Big Bend’s weather is usually warm and pleasant, and bluebonnets bloom along the roadsides. It turns Big Bend National Park into one of the best Spring Break destinations in Texas.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read my Privacy Policy for more info.

So, here’s what to expect when you visit Big Bend National Park in March.

Big Bend National Park in March: What to Expect.

1. Campgrounds and lodging in the park are fully booked. People reserved their accommodation way in advance. If you are lucky, you might find a spot at the primitive backcountry campsites. If not, find a place in Study Butte or Terlingua, the closest town to the park.

You still can’t find a spot? Check out Lajitas, Marathon, and Alpine. But it will take 30-60 minutes to drive to the park’s entrance. Then another 30-60 minutes drive to the closest popular attractions in the park from the two gates.

2. Parking at popular spots fills up quickly. Try to arrive early in the morning at your destination.

We left Santa Elena Canyon around noon, and the car line was long. Visitors were waiting for an empty spot. We arrived slightly before ten, but it would be better if you could arrive before nine.

We didn’t get to hike the famous Lost Mine Trail and Window Trail at the Chisos Mountains because of the parking problem.

3. Weather in Big Bend National Park in March is pleasant in the morning. It might crawl up to the upper 80s or lower 90s during the day, especially in the desert and river areas. But temperatures in the Chisos Mountains can be 20+ degrees cooler. Prepare for the changes.

You may need to bring a light rain jacket.

4. Skip soaking in the Hot Springs. You’ve seen that IG picture of someone relaxing in the hot spring. Well, let me tell you the reality. That person was visiting during the week when students were still in school.

There’s only one hot spring in the Hot Springs Historic District – only one – and everybody wanted to experience it. Unless you can come early in the morning, you might think about deleting the hot springs from your itinerary. It is a popular destination in the park.

Moreover, you must drive for two miles on a gravel road that descends a rough, narrow wash before you get to the Hot Springs District area. Then continue on foot for a .5-mile walk to the hot springs. Motorhomes and oversized vehicles are prohibited on the one-way sections of Hot Springs Road.

Here’s what we found when we arrived there in the afternoon.

5. When you drive into the Chisos Mountains, you will feel like you are not in Big Bend anymore. Desert plants turn to evergreens like pinyon pine, juniper, bigtooth maple, quaking aspen, and Douglas fir. Visitors like to hang out here because the temperature is cooler than in the river or the desert. 

6. The vast majority of the park is underdeveloped. To reach several locations, you’ll use either improved dirt roads or primitive dirt roads.

For instance, when you visit the Hot Springs Historic District or the Grapevine Hills Trail, which will lead you to the renowned Balanced Rock. I wish we drove a high-clearance car than a minivan.

Some areas on improved dirt roads are rougher than others, and road conditions deteriorate quickly with a passing storm.

It is a good idea to ask the ranger about the state of the roads.

If you drive a sedan or a minivan like us, you might consider renting a high-clearance car.

7. Storms come and go quickly. We were rushing to the Balanced Rock because of a storm forming in the distance. Well, it turned in another direction. You might think about bringing a light rain jacket.

8. Having a pet with you will limit your activities and exploration in the park. But sometimes you can’t leave the dog at home or the kennel, just like us. So, here’s your guide on visiting Big Bend with your dog.

9. Big Bend shares the border with Mexico. You can see Mexico from where you stand in Big Bend, and you can cross the border to Mexico from the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry. It is near the Rio Grande Village area. Be sure to bring your passport.

10. The Rio Grande Village Nature Trail is one place in the park where you can find handmade items left by Mexican Nationals. Typically, prices are attached to the crafts. If you buy something, there’s a plastic jar or coffee can for you to place your payment.

But, it is prohibited to purchase these handicrafts since doing so could encourage people to cross the river illegally, which could lead to their arrest and deportation through Presidio (100 miles away.) You can find other justifications here. 

11. You won’t see too much traffic on the road because points of interest locations are far from each other. This park is massive. But expect to see people stop along the roadside for those bluebonnet pictures. 😉 

12. There’s a service station inside the park, next to Panther Junction Visitor Center. It offers gas, diesel, as well as groceries. When we were there, the gas price was less compared to the gas station in Terlingua. Don’t rely on this, though.

13. You will not see rangers at all points of interest, but please follow the park rules at all times. When my son and I were hiking on Grapevine Hills Trail, a family took their dog on a trail, which is prohibited. If something happens and causes the park or trail closure, it is not fair to others who follow the rules.

14. Bring enough water for everyone in the group. You won’t see water faucets everywhere.

15. Cell service is very spotty throughout the area. WiFi is available at the Chisos Mountain Lodge, Rio Grande Village Store, and Panther Junction Visitor Center. Some people sat inside to cool down while using their laptops or cell. A place to post your pictures to your social media. 🙂

16. The only full-service dining inside the park is the Mountain View Restaurant in the Chisos Mountains Lodge. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

17. Big Bend NP was awarded International Dark Sky Park status by the IDA Association in 2012. Big Bend has the darkest night skies of any national park in the lower 48 states. Check out the Night Sky Programs offered by staff and volunteers. Or, do it yourself. If you are lucky, you might see the Milky Way. Too bad it was cloudy when we were there.  

18. Big Bend is not like Texas you know. Be prepared for the spectacular views awaiting you there.

Big Bend Location

You will find Big Bend in far west Texas. I mean, right at the west corner of the state. Rio Grande River separates Big Bend from Mexico.

Because of its location, prepare yourself before you make a trip there. Have your passport ready if you plan to cross to Mexico.

November to April is the best time to visit the park because of the lower temperatures.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and Spring Break are their busiest times. Also, the extended holiday weekends.

June-August is the hottest month, with temperatures often above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are two entrances to the park:

1. Persimmon Gap Entrance that you can reach through Alpine and Marathon.

2. Maverick Junction, which you can reach through Alpine and Study Butte/Terlingua.

Big Bend Distance From Big Cities in Texas:

– Austin: 437 miles, +/- 7 hr

– Houston: 563 miles, +/- 9 hr 

– Dallas: 533 miles, +/- 8 hr 

– Fort Worth: 502 miles, +/- 7 hr 30 min. 

– San Antonio: 371 miles, +/- 6 hr 

– El Paso: 292 miles, +/- 5 hr (destination is in a different time zone.)

The entrance for the driving distances above is through Persimmon Gap. Add around 30 minutes more if you enter from Maverick Junction in Study Butte/Terlingua. Then add another 30 to 60 minutes from the entrances to your accommodation in the park.

Long drive, right? But it’s worth it. It is Texas that you’ve never seen before.

While visiting Big Bend, don’t forget to drive to Big Bend Ranch State Park. Most people don’t bother to go, which is a big mistake (check out the picture below.)

Big Bend Ranch is the largest state park in Texas. And the most beautiful, in my opinion.

Moreover, if you visit with your dog, you can hike with your dog at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

It is also an International Dark Sky Park. So, the night sky is spectacular!

Here’s your guide when visiting from Fort Worth to Big Bend on a long weekend. It will be an intense trip, but if that is the only time you have, do it.

Enjoy your visit to Big Bend National Park!