The Castolon area includes most of the western side of the park accessible by the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the Old Maverick Road. Below you will find short descriptions of some of the highlights of this part of Big Bend, as a beginning for your own explorations.

Elevation
2,169 feet (661m)

Services and Facilities
Castolon Visitor Center, located in the Historic District, is open seasonally. The historic La Harmonia Store, in the same building, offers a full range of supplies, and is open year-round. Cottonwood Campground located nearby, offers a quiet camping experience (no generators allowed in this campground). Picinic tables are located at the La Harmonia store, Cottonwood Campground, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead.

What to do
The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive anchors this part of the park, and provides access to numerous hikes and scenic overlooks. The Castolon Historic District provides a glimpse into the complex past of the Big Bend through exhibits and historic adobe buildings. At the end of the paved road is Santa Elena Canyon, one of the most famous of the landmarks of the Big Bend; a short trail leads into the canyon.