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What we do International Dark Sky Places

Big Bend National Park

Watching the Milky Way rise above Big Bend National Park, Texas. Photo by Tyler Nordgren.

About

This U.S. national park renowned for its hiking and backpacking trails nestles in the “Big Bend” of the Rio Grande river, which marks the boundary between Mexico and the state of Texas. It’s the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States and also one of the largest, most remote, and least-visited national parks in the lower 48 United States. Its great distance from major urban centers renders the skies over Big Bend among the darkest in North America.

Designated

2012

Category

Dark Sky Park

BigBend-map-160px-160px

Address

Texas, USA
Google Maps

Contact

Jason Gablaski
Website

Land Area

3,242 km2

Documents

Application
Annual Reports
Announcement

Weather

Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky at Big Bend National Park (29.25, -103.25). Don’t forget to plan your trip during the new moon and astronomical twilight to enhance the viewing experience!