Big Bend Conservation Area

Big Bend Conservation Area is a small park in the floodplain of the Colorado River adjacent to Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area.

Whereas the State Recreation Area is larger and built to offer outdoor recreationists access to the river area, Big Bend Conservation Area is made up of a small 15 acre area taken over from a former campground with the intention of preserving it in a mostly natural state.

The park area has several wood chip covered easy walking trails that wind through its arid landscape. Three shade ramadas with picnic benches sit along the trails, which visitors can take in the landscape or look for the 26 species of endangered fish, birds, plants and animals that call this protected stretch of land home.

Those looking for a longer hike can access the endpoint of the Recreation Area's Swift Water Trail here, and follow it into the park.

Fishing is not permitted in the Conservation Area, and in all, it's a small quiet area with not too much going on, and that's the point!

Big Bend Conservation Area is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Pets are permitted on leash. There are no fees required to visit the conservation area. Visitors should be aware that there is no water, and no bathrooms available at the conservation area.