Once relatively quiet and unknown, Big Bend National Park has become one of the most popular places for tourists in Texas in recent years.

According to the National Park Service, Big Bend now sees over half a million visitors each year.

Why Visit Big Bend National Park In Texas?

Big Bend is known for its beauty, as the park is home to both desert and mountain environments, and encompasses part of the famous Rio Grande River.

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Big Bend is home to many species of plants and animals. It leads the nation in certain types of animals:

The park boasts more types of birds, bats, butterflies, ants, scorpions, and cacti than any other national park in the United States.

Big Bend also contains stunning and unique rock formations, making it an important site for geologists (and those of us just interested in geology).

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Many important fossils have been found at Big Bend, including dinosaurs like the pterosaur, which had a wingspan of 36 feet. Imagine that swooping across the sky!

Big Bend Can Be Dangerous: What To Know Before You Go

Like any national park, the rugged beauty of Big Bend can mean hazards if you don't take care to avoid mishaps.

Big Bend leads Texas in National Park deaths. Even so, deaths at the park are quite rare, and you can help keep yourself as safe as possible.

So, how do people die at Big Bend? Here's a look at how people passed on at the park, and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you. Remember: Big Bend is overall very safe, but it's always better to be prepared.

How People Die At Big Bend, The Most Dangerous Texas State Park

Gallery Credit: Renee Raven

America's Top 10 Best National Parks

America is filled with stunning scenery, and much of that can be found in the many National Parks located across the country. There are 63 National Parks across the United States, and we take a look at the Top 10 and see where they're ranked. And just where do the two popular Montana National Parks land on that list?

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

LOOK: The history behind all 63 national parks in the US

The National Parks System manages 63 national parks. Stacker analyzed NPS info to compile the history and features of each. 

Gallery Credit: Stacker