Big Bend National Park’s Popular Area Closing Soon for Major Makeover
Big Bend National Park will close its famous Chisos Basin area this summer for a big renovation project. This beautiful area with mountain views, wildlife, and hiking trails will be under construction for almost two years.
The work is planned to start in August. During this time, visitors will not be able to use many popular parts of the park.
“We’re excited to finally begin work on a well-engineered facility that fits the landscape and meets high standards for energy, water, and operational efficiency to better serve the visitors of today and tomorrow”, said Park Superintendent Anja O’Connor, writes Chron.com.
Popular hiking paths
The closure will affect Chisos Basin Road, all lodging, the campground, restaurant, Visitor Center, store, and nearby trails. Popular hiking paths like Lost Mine Trail, Window Trail, and Laguna Meadow Trail will be closed until the work is finished.
The good news is that most of Big Bend National Park will stay open. The park covers more than 800,000 acres of desert, canyons, and mountains that visitors can still enjoy.
The Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund pays for the renovation project. Workers will tear down and rebuild the Chisos Basin Lodge, which has structural problems. The new lodge will have a dining room, lobby, convenience store, restrooms, and an outdoor terrace.
Improve the water system
The project will also improve the water system by replacing old water lines, tanks, hydrants, and treatment systems. The new system will collect rainwater and use energy-efficient fixtures.
Other improvements include making facilities accessible for people with disabilities, adding new exhibits at the visitor center, building a trailhead kiosk, removing the old store, and installing electric vehicle charging stations in the main parking lot.
Park officials plan to reopen parts of the Chisos Basin as soon as they can during the renovation process. Visitors should check the National Park Service website for updates.
