Big Bend National Park is one of the largest and most diverse national parks in the United States, covering more than 800,000 acres of desert, river, and mountain terrain in southwest Texas. Aramark Destinations has been the primary concessioner for Big Bend National Park since April 2022 when the contract was transferred from Forever Resorts upon Aramark’s acquisition of the portfolio of properties.
Aramark was recently awarded a new multiyear contract, beginning July 1, 2024, to continue providing concession services, including lodging, food and beverage, fuel, retail, RV park, and other visitor services within Big Bend National Park as Casa Grande Hospitality, LLC.
The park is home to ancient geological fossils, magnificent clear night skis, miles of vast river and mountain ranges, and scenic tours, such as the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which passes by historic sites and stunning viewpoints.
The Rio Grande borders the park for 118 miles, creating spectacular canyons like the Santa Elena Canyon, where visitors can float on the river or hike along its banks.
Discover the charm of Big Bend Station, located just outside the Big Bend National Park in Terlingua, Texas. This fully owned and operated Aramark Destinations property is a full-service property offers a perfect blend of comfort and style with recently renovated rooms, cozy duplexes, and a welcoming RV Ranch. Just 3 miles from the western entrance of Big Bend National Park, this prime location allows you to explore the beauty of the region effortlessly.
“Big Bend National Park is a place of wonder and beauty, where visitors can experience the diversity of nature and culture in the heart of Texas,” said Tracy Garland, General Manager of Big Bend Station. “Whether you are looking for adventure, solitude, or inspiration, you will find it here among the mountains, deserts, rivers, and skies.”
ADVENTURE AWAITS
Hiking
Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Ernst Tinaja Trail, the Lost Mine Trail, and the South Rim Trail.
Stargazing
Big Bend National Park is a designated International Dark-Sky Park, which means it has some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states. Visitors can marvel at the stars and planets at night or join a ranger-led program to learn more about the night sky.
River Trips
Guests can float down miles of river among the canyons and spot wildlife and nature along the journey. River trips are available in Santa Elena Canyon and range from overnight visits to three-day trip, or on the Rio Grande River, which offers five different canyons to explore including Boquillas Canyon, Mariscal Canyon, Santa Elena, Hot Springs and San Vincent, and the Lower Canyons.
Bicycling
With more than 100 miles of paved roads and 160 miles of dirt trails, Big Bend National Park offers many biking paths with varying terrains and levels of difficulty. A few of the bike trails include Old Maverick Road with views of Santa Elena Canyon; Paint Gap Road, which offers rides through rocky and sandy terrain; and Old Ore Road, a strenuous 26 miles of rocky terrain with magnificent views of the Chisos Mountains.
Birdwatching
Guests can see more than 300 species of birds throughout the park.
Horseback Riding
If you’re traveling with children, horseback riding is a family-friendly experience. Big Bend Stables offers guided horseback trail rides for ages six and up while Big Bend Ranch State Park offers horseback trail rides for ages 10 and older.
WHERE TO STAY
Whether you are looking for a historic cottage in the park, a modern hotel room near Terlingua, or a convenient campground, Aramark Destinations has the perfect accommodation for your Big Bend adventure.
Big Bend Station
Big Bend Station is just minutes from Big Bend National Park and Terlingua Ghost Town and welcomes guests to enjoy an endless Western adventure. Big Bend Station offers a variety of lodging options and a RV Ranch that caters to individuals and families who want to explore the vast national park, whether they’re hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, or relaxing under clear night skies.
Chisos Mountains Lodge
In the heart of Big Bend National Park lies Chisos Mountains Lodge, which offers year-round accommodations with scenic views, on-site dining, a general store, and a lodge bar. A classic feature of the lodge are the six historic cottages built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1940s. Guests can fill their day with nearby activities such as hiking, camping, rafting, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Aligning with the park’s natural state and tranquil environment, the rooms do not offer televisions or phones.
