Desert Hikes - Big Bend National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Visit the forested Chisos Mountains and walk the 0.3-mile Window View Trail to get a feel for the mountain scenery. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive | Explore Texas For this scenic drive, head west on Maverick Drive (TX-170). Mind those pulling off along the way for hikes and the speed limit - 45, other than that, all good. And having a full moon in just the right spot helps, too. Try this 49.4-km point-to-point trail near Terlingua, Texas. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Midpoint down the Hwy, the Sotol Vista Overlook has a vault toilet. From the Basin trailhead, hike the easy .3-mile round trip wheelchair accessible Window View Trail for another incredible vantage point. Use our free Road Trip Planner to completely plan your adventure. Today, the only remnants are some of his old cotton gin machinery, which helped to separate the seeds from the machinery, thus increasing its value. After the hike, we enjoyed the incredible scenery on the drive back before calling it a day and getting dinner in Terlingua. AllTrails | Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive: 204 Reviews, Map - Texas Send this link to your phone. In this article, we will present you with some of the most interesting locations to stop on this road, from south to north. (including Ross Canyon). Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive 4.5 321 reviews #5 of 51 things to do in Big Bend National Park Scenic Drives Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By paxa " A most scenic drive to an even more scenic trail " Oct 2022 At the end of it is the Santa Elena Canyon with an easy 1.6 mile out and back trail that's one of the highlights. The drive is lovely with plenty of elevation changes creating some awesome views! Lots of great stops for views. The short hike into Boquillas Canyon leads to one of Big Bend's most scenic spots. Communities offer services, amenities, and entertainment. Castolon Historic District- Buildings from the early 1900sfarming community including an old store, troop barracks, and private residences. Located in West Texas, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is a wonderful journey through one of America's true hidden gems: Big Bend National Park, winding along the Rio Grande. There are scenic overlooks, a backside perspective of the Chisos Mountains, plenty of exhibits, and the ruins of old homesteads. Once you soak in these sceneries, continue your travel further north for about 5.4 miles to reach Sotol Vista Overlook. The road ends shortly afterwards. If you have a valid passport, a short visit to the nearby small Mexican village of Boquillas del Carmen is always a memorable experience. Check at a visitor center for current road conditions. There is also a spacious parking area, making it easy to stop at this tourist-favorite location. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive (Big Bend National Park) - Tripadvisor A beautiful viewpoint along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. There's a really neat old home in the middle that you can stop and visit. 99% of travellers recommend this experience. It stretches around an old two-room home built by Sam Nail back in 1916. Big Bend - Texas Monthly Ross Maxwell Scenic Drives southern station is Santa Elena Canyon, and it is the first attractive location where you should definitely pull up. For me simply driving trough Big Bend was amazing. With that said, a perfect sweet spot might be a long weekend in the park to truly explore the distinct regions of desert, mountain and river. So, let us start with the list of the best stops to make. A spacious parking area makes it easy to stop here. Driving the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend NP - dangerousroads.org The views on the drive is super amazing. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. This trail leads through a dry wash and ends at the bottom of a narrow box canyon where water has carved a deep channel into Burro Mesa. This is undoubtedly one of the best scenic viewpoints in the park and the reason why we decided to start from this end of the drive, rather than from the bottom up. A drive not to be missed. Heading south from the Ross Maxwell junction, there are a number of pullovers to interpretive sites, trailheads to short and longer hikes, and scenic vistas. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Beautiful way to see Big Bend with lots of rabbit trails to venture out into. Hiking Trails for Young Children in Big Bend National Park. Big Bend is in a drought across the board. Chimneys Trailhead- A 5 mile round trip moderate hike to interesting geological formations, or continue on to Lunas Jacal on the Maverick Road, about 7 miles total. Big Bend Guide | Scenic Stops and Overlooks The canyon was carved out of thick layers of limestone originally deposited as sediments in the shallow sea that covered this area millions of years ago. Make sure to pack hiking/walking gear to hit the many trails scattered along the way! Be aware that cell phones may inadvertently change to Mountain Time and cause you to be an hour behind schedule. Though generally well-maintained, check for road conditions especially after rains. If you do the side trip, on the way to Rio Grande Village, you will pass Dugout Wells (H4), a former ranch community schoolhouse that is now a beautiful picnic spot surrounded by an oasis. Big Ben says Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive takes 7 hours but one reviewer said they did three drives in one day. We stopped along the way and took plenty of time photographing the scenery - especially the view across the Rio Grande (and the folks coming and going both ways across the river). Along the way the road showcases some of the historic and geologic features this region is famous for. From Maverick, head west on TX-118 and continue on TX-170 to visit the Big Bend Ranch State Park via the El Camino del Rio. We returned to High Sierra Bar & Grill in Terlingua, where I enjoyed a bowl of that delicious Texas chilli B had yesterday. 48 reviews Write review Sort by: Ryan Veinotte February 26, 2023 Scenic driving Great drive. The northern portion is a surprisingly significant drop with great views of the Chisos, the Mule Ears an Cerro Castallen, butte near Tuff Canyon. See the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive including a short hike into Santa Elena Canyon (see suggestions for "one day"). Length 49.4 kmElevation gain 846 mRoute type Point To Point. It's one of those unforgettable stretches of road that unfolds before you in a series of vistas and experiences. Very lovely, saw wild horses and donkeys. No An official form of the United States government. Try to experience Big Bend's wilderness as much as possible. Big Bend National Park is full of beautiful vistas, and the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is an efficient way to enjoy many of them from the comfort of your car or SUV. Three overlooks allow you to see it from above, but youll be rewarded with great views if you take the less than half-mile trail into it. Theres obviously not much cell service out there. I would love to see it when its not dry, although flashfloods often race into the wash when its raining, making this rather dangerous! Fodor's Expert Review Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Big Bend National Park Fodor's Choice Although it extends only 30 miles, you can easily spend a full day on this winding ribbon of blacktop soaking. We will be coming in a 24 foot Class B RV. Have more destinations? Nowadays, the only remnants on these grounds are some of his older cotton gin machinery, which separated seeds, increasing their value. If you dont get started on the scenic drive early enough, Id suggest coming here first and seeing the sights above in reverse order. It's very scenic with several short hiking trails and overlooks along the way. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. It looks beautiful when struck by the light at sunset. Beautiful drive! This was our first stop on our first day and led us to the Santa Elena trail. Yes it is and enjoy it! The drive to Rio Grande Village traverses ancient limestone and has marvelous vistas across the river to the magnificent Sierra del Carmen escarpment. The 31-mile point-to-point drive begins in the Chisos Mountains section of the park and winds down to the Rio Grande. The landscape becomes a painting as the sun sets over the horizon. Again, due to the early hour, we didnt see anyone else here. There is also a 1.4-mile hike that is pretty easy, especially for experienced hikers, and it can be completed in a bit more than an hour. We saw lots of people in regular tennis shoes but youd definitely be better off with water-repellent shoes. A view of the "Window." Three-Day Itinerary: With three days to spend in the park, you can explore the major roads more thoroughly and still have time for hiking. Big Bend National Park charges a fee to enter. In 12-miles from Panther Junction, we finally arrive at the beginning of our scenic drive. It is an out and back road that begins near the park's Maverick Entrance and has many vista points, scenic pullouts, educational displays, and short hikes. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive skirts the western slopes of the Chisos Mountains, climbing up to one the park's most outstanding views at Sotol Vista, then winding down to parallel the Rio Grande at Castolon Historic District and winding up at Santa Elena Canyon trailhead, where the pavement ends. From there, you can come back the way you came or take a dirt road to the west entrance of the park. PO Box 129 As Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is packed with attractive locations and natural beauties, it is only logical to make as many important stops as you can during this ride. 118 26K views 12 years ago This drive begins in Terlingua Ghost Town, and heads into Big Bend National Park, then down the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon. Loved the scenic drive. Hike the Chimneys Trail, Mule Ears Trail, or Grapevine Hills Trail for a closer look at the desert environment. Tuff is a term for compressed volcanic ash, and the canyon is named after the material from which it is made. That doesn't sound bad until you realize it's through steep grades and windy mountain passes. The first stop after Santa Elena Canyon you would want to make is a scenic viewpoint of the canyon itself. Big Bend National Park, TX Santa Elena Canyon is at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive: The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is a 30 mile adventure through the Chihuahuan Desert landscape of Big Bend National Park to the banks of the Rio Grande. The trail is See more on AllTrails It is a ranch located around 3.6 miles north of the Upper Burro Messa Pour-off Trail, and it is the last spot on our Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive tour. Check the latest schedule and join a park ranger for a guided walk, talk, or evening program to learn more about your park. You can see the Cerro Castellan mountain, Tuff Canyon, and the Santa Elena Canyon in the distance. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Please read the drive description for more information. Rio Grande Village features a number of short hikes, like the 3/4-mile round trip Rio Grande Village Nature Trail which offers opportunities for bird and wildlife watching, and at the trails end, an incredible panoramic view of the Sierra del Carmen, Boquillas, Hot Spring Canyon and the Chisos Mountains. It wasn't especially scenic but it's worth it if you visit Santa Elena canyon and don't want to drive back out on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Big Bend National Park Tourism Big Bend National Park Hotels Big Bend National Park Vacation Rentals Big Bend National Park Vacation Packages Flights to Big Bend . Lisa Brazeau January 20, 2023 Scenic driving Youll definitely need them! This is a beautiful road that showcases numerous historical and geological features the region is famous for, and it is an absolute joy for all adventurers and lovers of beautiful sceneries. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. Local outfitters organize floats down the river for day or overnight adventures. Recommend. It is a wildly beautiful natural region, with a complex and fascinating history. Big Bend is a diverse region with endless possibilities for adventure and discovery. Burro Mesa Pour-Off a 1/2-mile trail leads into a box canyon and a dramatic high pour-off. Great drive out to Castolon campground. There is plenty to see and do on this drive without having to hike great lengths. Turn left onto Ross Maxwell Drive which passes between the Chisos Mountains to the east and Burro Mesa to the west. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive - U.S. National Park Service In less than a mile, the canyon walls meet the water. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. There are scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way, and the short walks to Sam Nail Ranch and Homer Wilson Ranch and a visit to the Castolon Historic District will give you a glimpse into Big Bends past. Top ways to experience Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and nearby attractions Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande 91 Recommended Adventure Tours from AU$252.65 per adult SPECIAL OFFER Full-Day River Trip from This ranch is about 3.6 miles north of the Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off trailhead or 3.4 miles south of Panther Juncture Road, where the scenic drive begins. History is highlighted at Sam Nail Ranch, Homer Wilson (Blue Creek) Ranch, and the Castolon Historic Compound. The River Road, Glenn Springs Road, Old Ore Road, and Old Maverick Road are some of the more popular backcountry routes. Amazing drive. Category: 2021 - Big Bend National Park, All Travel, Big Bend (TX), National Parks, Texas, United States Tags: best roads in the US, hiking, national parks, Pingback: 4-Day Itinerary for Big Bend National Park - Balabanova All Over. There are several worthwhile stops and highlights along the way. Regardless of whether you plan to do any hiking, there are enough points of interest along the way to make the drive worthwhile. That stop is Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail, and it is a moderately demanding 3.5-mile hiking trail that does not require a lot of time to complete (approx two hours). TX Stop along the exhibit trails for interesting facts of your surroundings! There are historical buildings leftover from when this area was an army base during the Mexican Revolution in 1910 and people who settled this area in the early 20th century to ranch. A 2-mile long trail leads to a delightful desert spring. There are several pullouts with views of the Rio Grande,before arriving at Santa Elena Canyon, a Big Bend Must See. Keep in mind that this is a shadeless trail that goes through the desert and ends at the Mule Ears spring. You will require less than a mile drive from Homer Wilson Ranch to reach the next stop, which is worth of time. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive - 10 Essential Stops to Make Storm Damaged Park Roads and Trails Reopen Own or manage this property? With drivers to enjoy the views. The road isn't paved and is rough going in some spots. Nice! Go Backpacking recommends: Home Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park, Texas, 7 Off the Beaten Path Things To Do in Miami, Tips for Traveling in a Group: How To Plan a Trip With Friends. With stops at some of the scenic viewpoints and short hikes, we expected it to take about 5-6 hours. 3 Days in Big Bend National Park: The Perfect Itinerary ROSS MAXWELL SCENIC DRIVE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos), Big Bend National Park Pet Friendly Campsites, Exclusive Resorts in Big Bend National Park, Charming Hotels in Big Bend National Park, Luxury Spa Hotels in Big Bend National Park, Big Bend National Park Hotels with Concierge, Big Bend National Park Hotels with Banquet Hall, Hotels near Panther Junction Visitor Center, Hotels near Hot Springs Historic District, Hotels near Midland International Airport (MAF), Motels near Midland International Airport (MAF), All things to do in Big Bend National Park, Historic Walking Areas in Big Bend National Park, Mysterious Sites in Big Bend National Park, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Big Bend National Park, Geologic Formations in Big Bend National Park, Nature & Wildlife Areas in Big Bend National Park, Bodies of Water in Big Bend National Park, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Big Bend National Park, Visitor Centres in Big Bend National Park, Speciality Museums in Big Bend National Park, Paradise Valley Golf Course & Toptracer Driving Range, Abu Dhabi: 7-Hours Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding, Western Canada & Tofino Pacific Rim Tour from Vancouver, Royalty Agios Nikolaos-Plaka-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour BBQ, Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club, Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto with Winery and Niagara on the lake stop, Full-Day Niagara Winery Tour from Toronto, Saint-Emilion Small Group Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch. The best times to visit this trail are October through March. Standard text messaging rates apply. The end of this trail is the same pouroff you see from the Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off Trail, only now you're viewing it from above. Heading east for 18-miles, you arrive in Rio Grande Village, on the banks of the Rio Grande River and Mexico on the other side. From here, your choice is either to retrace the road back which offers a chance to re-examine the fabulous views or use the 13-mile, gravel Old Maverick Road (T3), which connects the Santa Elena Canyon to the town of Maverick at TX-118. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The River Road: Lajitas to Presidio: 48 Reviews, Map - AllTrails Unfortunately, that was closed until later that morning. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger. Definitely a good idea to stop and see the viewing points along the way. It's a quick and easy stop to get another perspective on the canyon, though you can certainly skip it if your time is limited. Make sure your cars breaks are good! For the next worthy stop, you will only need to drive for a few minutes further north, where you will find a viewpoint of the historic Homer Wilson Ranch, which was abandoned all the way back in 1945. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive - Visit Big Bend Eight miles from Castolon, is the extraordinary Santa Elena Overlook (V5). The views and the landscape changes to reveal new Mesas and desert mountains as you start from SW to South to SE to E directions while driving. There is so much to see in all directions. It is a beautiful viewpoint that offers a jaw-dropping look at Big Bend National Park, and it is a worthy stop, make and take some photos. The cacti and assorted shrubs were just beautiful and many were bursting with blooms. We arrived early around 9:30 am . Drive to Rio Grande Village, perhaps stopping at Dugout Wells along the way to walk the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail. Beautiful road, many places to stop and take a picture. How long has it taken some of you? First-time visitors to Big Bend National Park often arrive without a detailed itinerary in mind, and are surprised by the vast size of the park and the many opportunities it offers. There are several short out and back turn outs, that are must see. A drive not to be missed. It is also known to be the best sunset view of the entire park. Stop at the Panther Junction Ranger Station (I1) for information, trail and weather conditions and exhibits on the geology, flora and fauna, and cultural history of the region. Look south to see the Mule Ears Peaks, two spires of rock that make for a funny photo. Big Bend National Park - Wikitravel The thirty-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive leads to the Castolon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon. It is a historical place where you can learn more about an early 20th-century cotton boom from 1992 to 1942, which was run by businessman Wayne Cartledge. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. This is the shorter of the two so-called pouroffs in the park. Oh my goodness what a special part of the world. The 31-mile point-to-point drive begins in the Chisos Mountains section of the park and winds down to the Rio Grande. However, as my friend said when drove along the river "Dang" because here you did not simply see the cliffs, you could feel them lording over you. Drive 7.8 miles east of Santa Elena Canyon overlook to reach the Castolon historical district, just after the turnoff for Cottonwood Campground, a site big enough for a spacious 12 person tent. As I mentioned, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive's southern terminus is the Santa Elena Canyon. . If you are lucky you will see a road runner. The drive is definitely worth it. Things To Do Scenic Drives Paved Roads Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Last updated: May 21, 2020 Was this page helpful? A variety of desert plants can be found here along with sweeping views. So glad there was this scenic drive. A trip along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive highlights the geologic splendor Big Bend is famous for, and offers many scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way. Learn how your comment data is processed. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. This drive will amaze and astonish. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you can alot the entire day toward the this day trip. It is a nice stop to make, especially for adventurers that enjoy hiking. Since this was our first stop and we started early, we enjoyed the view in the soft morning light. Use these suggested itineraries to help make the most out of your trip. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive At Big Bend National Park - Inspired Imperfection
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