Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Guide

The miles of trails are also a great place to saddle up and enjoy some horseback riding. Imagine riding through the Texan countryside where you can see all sorts of amazing critters. The Texan hills are truly a sight to be seen, and they are a real treat to soak in while on horseback.

Many of the park’s trails are also open to mountain biking. The terrain features dramatic elevation changes and windy dirt trails, perfect for experienced bikers.

Not all of the trails are open to biking, as many are too rough. Check with the park office for a trail map, which highlights the multi-use trails. Do take caution when off-roading throughout the park, as the park is quite large and it can be easy to lose track of the trails. The visitor center does not rent any biking gear, so make sure you pack everything you need along with your RV.

The park has miles of trails leading through the desert and mountains, with varied terrain that will suit hikers of all experience levels. Take the Ojito Adentro Trail to reach an oasis in the desert that is home to a wide range of the park’s wildlife species. Or head along the Cinco Tinajas Trail to descent deep into a canyon, where you’ll find natural water basins.

If you are looking for more of an adventure, head out on a cross country hike off trail. The park provides maps of the area so that you can find your way back to the main trails. Just make sure to pack plenty of water on long hikes, as temperatures soar well above 100 degrees in the summer.

Next to the interpretive center, you’ll find the park’s desert garden. The garden has some of the rare plant species found in the Chihuahuan Desert. You can learn more about how animals and plants have adapted to life in the harsh conditions of the Chihuahuan Desert, as well as how humans made the most of the resources in the area. The park offers guided tours of the garden. If you want to arrange a tour, call or visit the park office in advance to set up a time.

The park’s interpretive center, called “Una Tierra- One Land” is a collaborative effort with the nearby Mexican states of Chihuahua and Coahuila. It walks you through the natural history of the Big Bend Region, as well as its archeological record.

You can also learn more about the history of the Texas and Mexico in the area. The information is presented in both Spanish and English. There is a gift shop with a range of souvenirs, as well as books that detail in the history of the region.

RV campers can also purchase river use permits for the Rio Grande at the park office. This gives you access for white water rafting, as well as kayaking and fishing. The fishing is excellent along the river, with waters populated with trout. Rainbow trout are catch and release.

Colorado Canyon has Class II and III rapids, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate level white river rafters. The park does not rent gear for rafting, but there are a number of nearby shops where you can get rafts and all the gear you need. You can also arrange white water rafting trips through local outfitters.