U.S. national parks, state parks, national monuments and wilderness areas — travel guides, trails, camping and things to do.

Texas National Parks

The National Park Service manages 14 protected areas in Texas, including 2 national parks.

 

 

 

 

 

 Big Bend National Park

Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park
Photo courtesy Robert Hensley via FlickrBig Bend National Park is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and diversity of species is the best in the country.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

El Capitan in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
El Capitan Guadalupe Mountains NP, Photo by NPSGuadalupe Mountains National Park is the world’s premier example of a fossil reef from the Permian Era. The park is known for its extensive hiking and backpacking opportunities in one of the nation’s most pristine wilderness areas. Birding, history, and many other opportunities to learn and have fun await visitors in this hidden gem of West Texas.