Drive from Basin Junction to Chisos Basin - Big Bend National Park

The short 6.3-mile road from Basin Junction to Chisos Basin passes through more varied habitats than any other road in Big Bend National Park. Starting in the north at 4000 feet elevation is the Chihuahuan Desert. The road quickly climbs into the Chisos Mountains with the highest elevation at Panther Pass (5679') before descending into the basin at 5352 feet. Leaving desert plants like ocotillo and creosote bush behind, the road climbs into an evolving forest around 5300 feet. The forest begins with hardy Gray Oak and Drooping Juniper and transitions through Pinon Pine to Arizona Pine and even Douglas Fir.

Lost Mine Peak (7535')

Three outcrops guarding the entrance to Chisos Basin

The long wall of Pulliam Peak

Casa Grande Peak (7325')

Unnamed outcrop guarding the left flank of Panther Pass

Rock outcrops on Lost Mine Peak

An entry fee of $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person is valid for seven consecutive days at Big Bend National Park. Other fee payment options include the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes including the Annual Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($80 for a lifetime), Access Pass (free with a documented disability), and Military Annual Pass (free for active-duty personnel). Also available is a Big Bend National Park Annual Park Pass for $55.

The Big Bend National Park website is https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm.