Activities For Dogs In Big Bend National Park
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Introduction
If Big Bend National Park has been on your list of places to visit, you may also be thinking of bringing your dog along on the adventure. Is Big Bend a dog-friendly place? If you have your pup with you, will you have things that you can do together while at the park? Absolutely! Not only is Big Bend a great place for you to visit but it is also a fantastic location to bring your best friend.
Hiking
Popular
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Water
Leash
Collar
Doggy Waste Bags
Activity description
Hiking is one of the best things you can do while visiting Big Bend National Park. With hundreds of walking trails, you may be overwhelmed to find which are the best and more specifically, which are the best for dogs. These trails are the ones which have been found to be the most ideal for you and your pup to try. Most places at Big Bend will charge a small admission fee but it is worth the cost to see this amazing place with your pup. Whether you are looking for a long flat trail or a more challenging elevation or just something quick to be your pup's afternoon walk, there is a trail for everyone! So grab that leash and head out on one of these perfect trails!
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Closed Canyon Trail
As long as you keep your dog on the leash, this trail is perfect for you and your pup to visit. The trails goes through narrow slots in the canyon which is perfect for pups as the canyon walls provide some shade from the hot sun. As the temperatures can be in the upper 90's even in the spring, keep this trail in mind for those hot hiking days!
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Old Ore Road
While hiking trails for dogs are a little limited in Big Bend, pups are allowed on all roads and within 1/4 mile of the roads. Take your car out on Old Ore Road and head far into the park. Then, let your dog go! With not many people around in this part of the park, you will likely have free reign of the place. Enjoy the solitude and the beautiful landscape as your pup gets to explore.
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3
Rio Grande Nature Trail
This is the perfect river walk that you may be interested in while visiting Big Bend. The trail is just .75 miles long and curves from one of the campgrounds around the Rio Grande. This trail is perfect for seeing the sunrise with your dog and, luckily, leashed dogs are allowed thanks to the proximity of the campground (dogs can stay near campgrounds).
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Camping
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
24 hrs
Items needed
Food and Dog Food
Sleeping Bags
Tent or RV
Doggy Waste Bags
Activity description
Camping is one of the most popular activities in Big Bend National Park. With plenty of campsites to choose from, you can find some great views and perfect places to park your RV or pitch your tent that will provide you with amazing views. Campsites are not too pricey so this is also a discounted way to stay in the Big Bend area overnight. Luckily, the park allows dogs to stay at campsites! This is an amazing feature of Big Bend National Park as many national parks don't allow dogs - thanks Big Bend! So plan a few nights at the park with your dog and pack everything you need for both cold and hot weather - while the days are hot, the nights can be quite cold! Blankets will be needed!
Step
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Chisos Basin Campground
This is one of the most coveted campgrounds in all of Big Bend National Park. Many people argue that this campground has the best scenery and has both views of the sunrise and the sunset making it the perfect place to spend all day with your dog. Very warm during the day and very cold at night, you'll need to be prepared for all types of weather!
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Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood campground is great for when you are traveling with many people and multiple pets. With a minimum of 9 visitors and a maximum of 25, you, your family and all your dogs can take over this part of the park and make it your own. Let your dogs wander but make sure they stay within 1/2 mile of your campsite where dogs are allowed!
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Backcountry Camping
Big Bend Canyon is one of the best parks to find camping that is truly rustic. With campsites that are off the beaten path yet still serviced and maintained by the park, you will be able to enjoy solitude and peace in nature by your dog's side. These back-country campsites are the best for experienced campers who may not need the luxuries of more modernized sites.
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Hotel Nights
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Easy
24 hrs
Items needed
Dog Food
Collar and Leash
Activity description
While a lot of Big Bend National Park is all about being outside and in nature, you may also want some time inside and out of the elements. You also may not be so sure about staying outside with your dog overnight. Not to worry! There are plenty of nearby pet-friendly hotels that you can choose from. By renting a hotel or motel room, you can sleep in the comfort of a real bed (with your pup by your side) and then explore Big Bend during the day! It is truly a win-win situation for you and your dog.
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Lajitas Golf Resort
Talk about a luxurious vacation! This resort welcomes pets with open arms and has every amenity you need. From golf to swimming, great food to comfortable beds, you will get it all here. The resort is also just a matter of minutes from Big Bend so you can be there in no time whenever you want a minute out in nature.
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Antelope Lodge
If you are looking for a more rustic hotel spot for your trip to Big Bend, the Antelope Lodge is worth looking into. When booking a night at Antelope Lodge, you will be renting a stucco cottage all your own. Sit back on your own porch with your pup and enjoy being in nature, then, head inside to your comfortable bed.
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El Dorado Hotel
Located in the historic Terlingua ghost town, you and your dog will love exploring this town at night after spending the day in Big Bend which is only 7.5 miles away. Airplane tours, horseback riding tours and plenty of walking trails are nearby and the hotel itself offers wifi, an onsite restaurant and a place to call your own for the night!
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More Fun Ideas...
Photo Shoot
Remember your trip to Big Bend by staging a photo shoot with your dog. With plenty of picturesque spots in the park and the surrounding area, you will be sure to capture the perfect picture of your dog.
Dining Out
Find a pup-friendly hotel nearby and bring your dog out to a nice dinner after spending all day hiking the Big Bend National Park. Your dog will not only enjoy the food at a restaurant but also the sights and smells!
Conclusion
Big Bend National Park is clearly a place for you and your pup to visit. Not only will you see some amazing sites but your dog will also be privy to the wondrous smells that surround the park. So plan your trip well using these activities as a guideline and starting point to a great trip. Whether you plan to camp out or stay in a hotel, go for hikes or just drive around the park, your dog should definitely join you in Big Bend National Park.