Drive El Camino del Rio. After a few days in Big Bend National Park we drove to Marfa along the Rio Grande on Highway 170. This remote park features rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, unparalleled night skies, and solitude in a high desert setting. Rancherias Campsite. We drove all of the improved dirt roads and two of the primitive dirt roads in our visit to Big Bend NP. River Road East Ruins (right off of Park Route 12) La Noria. This hike is a relatively easy way to access some wild and rugged backcountry in Big Bend Ranch State Park, including an exciting 700-foot vertical view of Fresno Canyon and exceptional vistas of the famous Solitario "flatirons" and the mysterious Los Portales. 2. Back to Big Bend Ranch State Park. Backcountry Road Safety Be prepared and equipped. Complete offroad driving information for Big Bend NP, Texas with maps, photos, trail descriptions, guides and outfitters, and more . This week kicks off in the southeastern corner of New Mexico, in Carlsbad. The singletrack is a nicely flowing combination of hard pack and rocky trails with lots of short steep climbs and dry creek crossings. . Days fees are $5 per person. For those who prefer to view and experience the off-road areas of the Big Bend from the comfort of a vehicle, 1/2 day and full day jeep™ tours at rates averaging $75 - $100 per person. The scenic El Camino del Rio drive is one of the most unforgettable places in Big Bend Ranch State Park, and is frequently ranked among the most scenic drives in the USA! Neither the national or state parks allow off-road riding and Terlingua Ranch is all private property. When you find yourself in the Big Bend area, be sure not to miss out on this enchanting journey. Terlingua Ranch Daniels Ranch Chisos Basin Chisos Mountains Lodge 3750ft 1143m 2848ft 868m Park Headquarters Cottonwood Castolon Rio Grande Overlook Boquillas Canyon Overlook Mariscal Mine TERLINGUA GHOST TOWN (Historic District) SANTA ELENA LA LINDA SAN VICENTE 0.5mi 0.8km Distance indicator (other roads . Have you ever been to Big Bend Ranch State Park? but just off the main entrance road, maybe a mile or two from the HQ, is a campsite on the right (as you are going into the park). More Information. . This property connects to the far North portion of Big Bend National Park (approximately HERE) in the Cedar Springs Region of Terlingua Ranch.The Cedar Springs Region is known for an abundance of wildlife like mule deer, quail, aoudad, javelina . Study Butte RV Park - (432) 371-2468 (across from Cottonwood Store on Hwy 118) - reservations can be made. The Big Hill. RV sites = 14 full hook-ups (Wi-Fi), Limited tent sites. April 2, 2022. Weather erodes most of the softer layer away, but the lingering cap of more resistant . BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK. The Ritchey Wine Saloon and Beer Garden, 102 East Murphy Ave., Alpine, TX 79830 . Quick Facts About Big Bend Ranch State Park. Park Website • Park Maps • Day Reservations Required. 3.4 Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Agua Adentro Pens is the best base for a horseback trip. Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - 00:00. post by. If you are only doing an auto tour, don't miss the famous FM 170 that takes you from Study Butte through Big Bend Ranch State Park . The only paved road in the state park is River Road, FM 170, along the park's southern boundary. As you can see on the map, the road, Camino del Rio (FM 170), starts from the east at about Lajitas and ends in the west at around Presidio. no pavement in the park nor leading up to the park's entrance. 3 Big Bend Ranch State Park 3.1 Big Bend Ranch State Park Map 3.2 El Camino del Rio Pullovers 3.3 Colorado Canyon 3.4 Contrabando Day-Use Area 3.5 Roadside Rock Formations 3.6 Tipis Picnic Area 3.7 Big Hill and DOM Rock 3.8 La Cuesta Campground and River Access 3.9 Closed Canyon Trail 3.10 Hoodoos and Balanced Rocks Trail 3.11 Roadside Ranch Ruins 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 | (800) 792-1112 | TTY: (512) 389-8915 . Call 432-386-5635. The highway 170 drive through Big Bend Ranch State Park goes by several different names but is commonly called the River Road. It follows the Rio Grande which splits the USA and Mexico in west Texas and has some of the most spectacular rugged mountain scenery I have ever seen. Big Bend Ranch State Park encompasses over 300,000 acres, and unlike the National Park, it has been left in as natural a state as possible. State Park. Approx. This post contains information about riding Big Bend Ranch State Park as well as Big Bend National Park in southwestern Texas. Request this Free Visitor . Visit website here. And if it rains, a 4×4 would be required. . Talk about a SUPER RARE and SUPER UNIQUE property! Like I do with all my visitors, let's get started by orienting ourselves with a map: Big Bend Ranch State Park Map. There is ample parking here and includes an overlook path where you can view the white volcanic ash canyon with ease. Only for the most rugged vehicles. Old Truck at Dugout Wells. FM 170. ; Big Bend Ranch State Park. The Park Rangers at the visitor centers can provide you with additional maps. Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso (11 hours west via I-10) Kickapoo Cavern State Park, Brackettville (4 hours west to Brackettville via I-10/U.S. Maps Big Bend Ranch State Park location map, Dome Trail topographic map. A 50-mile stretch of FM 170 between Lajitas and Presidio passes through Big Bend Ranch State Park. El Camino del Rio will transport you on a journey along the Rio Grande River while supplying you with the stunning views that set Big Bend apart from . Nearest gas is in the town of Presidio, TX. Directions Print map , Park information Acreage: 801,163 acres Contact 432-477-2251 Helpful links facebook twitter website • Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Topographic Map. This is off Old Ore road in Big Bend National Park. Big Bend National Park Maps; Chisos Mountain Trails; The National Geographic map pictured here was picked up at the Panther Junction Visitor Center. The River Road hugs the Rio Grande, featuring rugged desert landscape vistas punctuated by the green oasis of the river. You will usually be handed a park map upon entrance. Click "More" below to learn about camping here. Big Bend Ranch State Park Q&A > Gaule #2 campsite . Address: 21800 FM170, Terlingua, TX 79852. It's a unpaved dirt road. Over one million acres of public land including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park offer hiking, camping, river running, horse riding, mountain bicycling, birding, jeep touring, and abundant sightseeing opportunities on paved and improved roads. There is no public off-road riding anywhere in the Big Bend region. (Big Bend Ranch State Park) 6. I just got back from Big Bend State Ranch Park. Off-Road Parks- Texas. If you are only doing an auto tour, don't miss the famous FM 170 that takes you from Study Butte through Big Bend Ranch State Park . Rockport-Fulton is a state of mind as much as it is a place. 1.4 miles round trip. Big Bend Brewing Company, 3401 US 90 West, Alpine, TX 79830, (432) 837-3700. Hills surround a flat open space that can accommodate multiple RVs. …. It's a good one. Big Bend Ranch State Park has so many good trails, including the Closed Canyon Trail. The most picturesque part of the route, however, is a 27-mile scenic drive named El Camino del Rio (The Way of the River) or the River Road. Indian Head Mountain road takes you right to the Big Bend National Park boundary (not an entrance), and the pictographs are located right off the road. Here is some info on reserving a room: Cabin availability and reservations are made by phone: (512) 389-8919 If you are on Facebook, I recommend connecting with their Facebook Page "Big Bend Ranch State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife." My husband and I actually camped out the night that we were there. Reservations for the Sauceda Lodge Bunkhouse and Historic Sauceda Ranch House (when it reopens after renovations) can be made through the park website or by calling 512-389-8919. Visit the Big Bend Ranch State Park website or Facebook page for more information. Best Season: Spring / Fall / Winter. 3.1 Big Bend National Park Map. Tuff Canyon is on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. For the improved dirt roads, you do not need a four-wheel drive, though having high clearance would be good. Wheeling in Texas relies mainly upon private and government entity owned and operated OHV parks. Big Bend Maps; Big Bend Ranch State Park. Hugging the banks of the Rio Grande along Texas' southern border, Big Bend National Park is a wild and rugged place made up of over 800,000 acres of public land. Typically, the busy season is from November to April. The largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend National Park is a remote land of surprising beauty and remarkable biodiversity. Call 432/424-3327. Balanced Rock is a unique rock formation that seems . (2021-0814)-Perseid-BigBendRanch-118. Mules are allowed, also. Texas State Parks; Reservation Assistance; Doing Business; . . - See 181 traveler reviews, 436 candid photos, and great deals for Presidio, TX, at Tripadvisor. Park Maps Big Bend National Park Maps Chisos Mountain Trails The National Geographic map pictured here was picked up at the Panther Junction Visitor Center. Ross Maxwell is the primary south-bound road on the west side of the park. Bofecillos Road is well marked and there are signs on FM-170 pointing north up Bofecillos Road for Big Bend Ranch State Park. Exploring Big Bend Ranch State Park on horseback is a true "wild west" experience. 1 San Antonio to Big Bend National Park. Below is a list of parks in Texas that you can pay to play at. River Road is gravel; high-clearance vehicles are required. They are prominent the entire 20-mile trip. There are also 70 miles of dirt roads to explore by 4 wheel drive vehicle. State Park Maps; Bird Checklists; Activity Guides; Educational; Rack Cards; Hike, Bike, and Nature Trails; . Up to eight people are allowed per site. It was bought in 1988 by the Texas government and opened its doors periodically in . Big Bend is the other top riding area in Texas. Big Bend is the other top riding area in Texas. . CLOSED CANYON TRAIL. Gas up in Presidio because there won't be any gas until you're at the other side of the park, about 90 miles and . When I took this easy hike from the trailhead off the main road just over a mile . After visiting Terlingua Ghost Town, keep heading east about 11 miles and 15 minutes more where you'll find Big Bend Ranch State Park. Picnic table Fire ring More » $12 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee Primitive Campsites (Drive-in | River District) People per Site: 8 Sites are along the River Road. Big Bend Ranch State Park is a state park located on the Rio Grande in Brewster County and Presidio County, Texas. It was my intention to venture far south, into Texas, where I would explore Big Bend Ranch State Park, and also revisit some of my old haunts near Big Bend National Park, including the artistic community of Marfa, and the renaissance ghost town of Terlingua.. Easy / Moderate. There are lots of roads leading to unique and remote places, and the only way to get to them without spending days hiking or biking is by 4 wheel drive. Big Bend Ranch State Park Address 21800 FM170, Terlingua, TX 79852, USA Phone +1 432-358-4444 Web Visit website Billed as "The Other Side of Nowhere," Big Bend Ranch State Park is a glorious chunk of remote desert wilderness that puts you just about as close to the landscape as you can possibly get. It is the largest state park in Texas. First, I note . The stretch of highway that cuts through Big Bend State Ranch Park is known by locals as the most beautiful drive in Texas. Access off main road to Sauceda. For this trip, I didn't venture into the northern park of the park and just took the . This drive will amaze and astonish. This drive offers you incredible views of Sierra del Carmen, a mountain range in Mexico. The Window . This campsite is located deep within Big bend Ranch State Park, right on the 4x4 Rancherias Trail. This drive will amaze and astonish. Big Bend Texas Travel Company leads customized tours throughout the region, including trips focused on mining history. From the inside of a hoodoo (BW) BBNP Lower Burro Mesa Pour off. Back Meet Us Contact/Directions Park Map FAQs Reviews Tips for Desert Camping . 4 More Texas Road Trip Destinations & Itineraries. Big Bend Ranch State Park View. Cost: $5 per person How to Pay the Fee: Unlike the national parks, there is no entrance booth for Big Bend Ranch State Park. Where am I? Best Season: Spring / Fall / Winter. The closest major town is Presidio, Texas, where the state park's head office is located.FeaturesBig Bend Ranch is located adjacent to Big Bend National Park and shares the national park's Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. Park Maps. It is a wildly beautiful natural region, with a complex and fascinating history. However, I did not want to commence this 200 mile jaunt . Back to Inside the Park. . Drive from Austin: 525 miles / 8 hours 53 minutes Drive from Davis Mountains State Park: 118 miles / 2 hours 50 minutes FYI: It takes about an hour just to drive into the State Park. Scanned Trail Guides The Window Trail Guide Cinco Tinajas Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park. Big Bend Ranch State Park - (432) 424-3327 Barton Warnock Center - Hwy 170 - 17 miles west of Study Butte. Big Bend. The Mariscal Mine is in Big Bend National Park, 20 miles off the main park road on River Road East. This picture does not do it justice. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Share. T. he hoodoos are the Stonehenge of West Texas - a gathering of impassive monuments overlooking the banks of the Rio Grande in the southern arm of Big Bend Ranch State Park.. 4x4 Touring Official park map from the brochure (700 kb jpeg) Big Bend Area Map Depicts primary highways near Big Bend (200 kb jpeg) Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village Developed Area Map Detail maps of the Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village developed areas, showing the location of visitor centers, trailheads, campgrounds, and other facilities. Outside of the national park, there are many other incredible places to explore, such as Big Bend Ranch State Park and the adjacent towns of Terlingua, Lajitas, and Presidio. $14.95. Black Gap Road Extremely rough, this section of road is NOT maintained, and 4-wheel drive is required at all times. 1.4 miles round trip. SKU: EV_TI_BIG_BEND_19. All land with the exception of state and national parks is privately owned making it difficult to find places to wheel your vehicle. Approx. The Big Bend region consists of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and Terlingua Ranch. It is a wildly beautiful natural region, with a complex and fascinating history. Big Bend Ranch State Park is a great park to camp and wheel in West Texas. Small RVs (less than 30 feet) and trailers (less than 25 feet) may be accommodated at the following sites depending on availability and road conditions. Written by Catherine Hawkins and Colin J. McMechan May 13, 2021. Chisos from Old Ore Road. Google Maps. Children 12 and under are free. However, in one . Big Bend Maps; Big Bend Ranch State Park. Closed Canyon Trail is a short, easy hike through a narrow slot canyon that bisects the mesa between the trailhead . Number of sites: Plenty! Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 27 min to complete. CLOSED CANYON TRAIL. There is an interactive map with ALL TRAILS in the region on one map so you can put them in perspective. The best times to visit this trail are April through September. See the Equestrian page for more information. Description With 238 miles of trails, Big Bend Ranch State Park is a great place to hike, mountain-bike, backpack, paddle or ride horses. Road Botella Residence Cienega Camp Cienega Peak 5223 C i e n e g a C r e e k 169 d Casa Piedra c k H i l l s C r e e k 169 s s Cienega Legend Trailheads Backcountry Ranger Residence Campground River Access Campsite Group Campsite Equestrian Staging Campsite 2WD High Clearance County Graded Highway Locked Gate 4-Wheel Drive 4-Wheel Drive . while there is nothing extreme there it could get interesting if you were on some of the unmaintained trails when/if a rain shower passed by. The primary access road to Big Bend Ranch State Park meets FM 170 as you approach Presidio. Driving west on FM-170, the turn into Big Bend Ranch State Park is west of Redford, a small settlement between the highway and the Rio Grande River. Bofecillos is maintained by the county and is a dirt/gravel road. Old ore road in Big Bend National Park is a fun drive, but . Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. For additional details about the area, see visitbigbend.com. 8. The parks and the area (particularly the off-beat town of Terlingua) are some of my favorite places on the planet. There are historical ranch remains, hidden springs, striking volcanic rock . Offroad tours in Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State, and excluse private ranches Angell Expeditions has guide service agreements with. Big Bend Ranch Discovery Map 2017. 3 Big Bend National Park. The park headquarters at Sauceda does accept cash or credit card (as long as the Internet connection is working which was 50/50 when I was last there). . It's a big download, but well worth it. These isolated, knobby rock spires arise where a layer of hard rock, such as limestone or cemented sandstone, overlays softer rock. There are several worthwhile stops (Closed Canyon, The Hoodoos, and Barton Warnock Visitor Center for examples) along the way. Box 375 Terlingua, TX 79852. Bonus: Also look for the bike tree. Scanned Trail Guides. The Big Bend region consists of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and Terlingua Ranch. Most primitive campsites in Big Bend are inaccessible to RVs and trailers. Visitors should check in at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center, 1 mile east of Lajitas on FM 170, to pay the $5 entrance fee. 1993 XJ Cherokee - 3" Lift, 31" tires . The park is half the size of Rhode Island and was initially one of the 15 largest ranches in the US. BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK. Big Bend National Park is huge, and you could . (432) 358-4444 or (512) 399-8919 for camping and lodging reservations. This Big Bend Region of Jeep the USA includes all "Backcountry Roads" in Big Bend National Park. Box 375 Terlingua, TX 79852. Tuff Canyon. October 19, 2017. Set in far west Texas next to Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park spans more than 300,000 acres of rugged mountains, dramatic canyons, and high desert terrain.Raft, paddle, float, or fish the Rio Grande River, which winds its way throughout the largest state park in Texas. One such route is River Road, a dirt road running along the southern portion of the park that requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Known for being the "most scenic drive in Texas", River Road, or FM 170, doesn't fall short of this expectation. lee@octanepress.com. Big Bend Ranch State Park. Enjoy this 1.2-mile loop trail near Redford, Texas. Welcome to the Other Side of Nowhere! Big Bend Ranch State Park offers outdoor recreation for the truly adventurous. Big Bend Ranch Video; Fresno West Rim Overlook; . Distance: Less than 1 mile. Big Bend Ranch State Park is the largest of 80 state parks in Texas and, in keeping with the reputation of the Lone Star State, there's an oversized list of things to do.From adventurous activities such as river rafting and mountain biking to camping beneath falling stars, the state park serves up a smorgasbord that appeals to . 2 Lajitas & Terlingua. The Park Service breaks these roads down into two categories: improved dirt roads and primitive dirt roads. HC 70, P.O. 51 mile primitive route between Rio Grande Village and Castolon. Big Bend Ranch Video; Fresno West Rim Overlook; . You will usually be handed a park map upon entrance. Old tourist bus. El Camino del Rio is also a segment of the 1,416-mile Texas Mountain Trail, one of ten scenic driving . The River Road Texas HWY 170. There is no public off-road riding anywhere in the Big Bend region. Big Bend Ranch State Park: Beautiful Park! Presidio, TX / We Location: Big Bend Ranch State Park is located northwest of Big Bend National Park. Horses can be ridden in most areas of the park. Park Website • Park Maps • Day Reservations Required. Croton Springs 1 & 2 It is located along highway 170, between Lajitas and Presidio. Wonderful Scenic Drive Up Into The Chisos Mountains In Big Bend National Park, Texas Request Free Visitor Guides . Add to that the spring wildflowers and . Joe Loftin House / Ranch. If you are in the area, take the time to go this route. 3.3 Chisos Basin. But of more immediate interest to me is the history I learn when I stop off at Fort Leaton State Historic Site. Call 888/989-6900. Start at the East entrance at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center one mile east of Lajitas on River Road (FM 170). Closed Canyon Trail is a short, easy hike through a narrow slot canyon that bisects the mesa between the trailhead . It's a good one. Matching Off-Road Teardrop Trailer. Other must-sees" in Big Bend include Balanced Rock and Santa Elena Canyon. HC 70, P.O. As the largest State Park in Texas, there's plenty to see and do! Big Bend. Mountain bike, hike, camp, river raft the Rio Grande and. 5 I Would Love to Hear From You. . there are few places to camp unless you're willing to go off road and have 4-wheel drive. Over one million acres of public land including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park offer hiking, camping, river running, horse riding, mountain bicycling, birding, jeep touring, and abundant sightseeing opportunities on paved and improved roads. Call 800-887-4331. 90, then 20 minutes north) Sauceda Ranger Station is just outside of Presidio at 1900 Sauceda Ranch Road. It is the largest state park in Texas, with over 300,000 acres of land which connects to Big Bend National Park and bleeds into two of Mexico's national parks. Big Bend Hoodoos Trail. the trails I . Big Bend National Park by National Geographic. Driving Big Bend is also suggested, with many scenic routes — both on- and off-road. A disused road runs straight on, bending west after a short distance and crossing the streamway of Fresno Creek, while the West Main Trail starts off to the right, and immediately reaches a second intersection, with the rarely used Fresno Divide Trail (primarily a . Ocotillo Bloom. Black-throated Sparrow. Yellow in map image below. The daily entrance fee is $5 for ages 13 and up, and children 12 and under get in free. Explore the most popular ohv / off road driving trails in Big Bend National Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Big Bend National Park is nearly three times the size of Big Bend Ranch and more developed, with paved, RV-friendly roadways, big campgrounds, and a hotel and restaurant. All trails are detailed on this website with maps, descriptions and photos plus GPS & gpx tracks. Easy / Moderate. The loop consists of a variety of riding conditions with a mix of singletrack, creek beds, and 4x4 roads. Neither the national or state parks allow off-road riding and Terlingua Ranch is all private property. You can also hike down into the canyon and make a real hike out of it. The park stretches along the Rio Grande in far west Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border. Fee: $12 - $16/night Capacity: 8 - 12 people per site RVs: Not recommended. . The Park Rangers at the visitor centers can provide you with additional maps. This is the most remote area of Big Bend. When the rest of Texas state parks are slow, Big Bend Ranch State Park is busy . Call 512-389-8900 or reserve online at tpwd.texas.gov. Some campsites have pens. If not, I'd suggest the "discovery topographical" map. Share with: Link: Copy link. 3.2 Rio Grande Village. Important: The road to Terlingua Abajo (Gaging Station) and La Noria (Old Ore) are maintained for high-clearance vehicles. We carry satellite radios, we can tour you thru . Visit our Outfitters page to find a local stable.