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Big Bend National Park Quietly Reopens

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Published Date

August 11, 2020

Big Bend National Park has quietly reopened to the public/NPS file

Big Bend National Park has quietly reopened to the public/NPS file

Big Bend National Park, which is believed to be the only unit of the National Park System to close after reopening as a result of a positive Covid-19 test among park employees, has quietly reopened to the public.

The park in West Texas partially opened for day use last Friday at 9 a.m. local time. For this first phase of reopening, access is restricted to certain parts of the park only:

  • Paved roads will be open, with the following exceptions: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, and the road from Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village.
  • Most trails that begin from the open paved roads, including in the Chisos Basin, will be open for hiking.
  • All dirt roads and campgrounds will remain closed until further notice.

For a detailed list of what is opening and what will remain closed, visit the park's website.

The park will determine further reopening and closures according to the local and regional status of the pandemic, along with the advice of federal, state, and local public health officials.

Reservations are not needed to enter the park, but normal entrance fees are being collected at all park entrance stations.

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Comments

Submitted by Mary Roan on August 17, 2020 - 11:57am.

 I Do NOT understand WHY the Chisos Basin LODGE is CLOSED!  We have reservations there on September 21 & 22, 2020  I EXPECT MY Park to be OPEN!  I want a response from someone other than a secretary.  

 


Submitted by Mary Roan on August 17, 2020 - 12:33pm.

Ijust spoke with the Park Superintendent about the closure of the Chisos Mountains Lodge and he gave me a very understandable, reasonable reason why the Lodge is closed.  I am not happy about it but I DO understand why.  I feel like our Park is in good hands with Mr. Krumenaker and his staff.  Our tax dollars are being well spent and our Park is being cared for, and for me to say that, says alot.  Thank you r. Krumenaker. 


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