Texas Trails
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4.6/5 (27 reviews)
Updated: 05/19/2024
Black Gap Road
Open
/
Terlingua, Texas/
8.71 miles/
About 2 hours
Black Gap Road in Big Bend National Park is 1 of only 2 Jeep Badge of Honor Trails in Texas; and arguably the most well known off-road trail, in the state of Texas. Connecting Glenn Springs Road with River Road, Black Gap is perhaps the most remote un-maintained road in the park, providing scenic views of the Chisos Mountain Range as well as wide-open vistas of the Chihuahuan Desert. For those looking to experience Texas at its best, Black Gap Road is an absolute must do!
4.9/5 (9 reviews)
Updated: 03/12/2024
Hidden Falls Adventure Park: Outer Loop
Open
/
Marble Falls, Texas/
5.54 miles/
About 2 hours
Located just outside Marble Falls, an hour from Austin, Hidden Falls Adventure Park is an exhilarating 4x4 and camping area with some of the best offroading for miles around. With over 2,000 acres, this private off-road park, also designated as a Jeep Badge of Honor park, offers nearly 240 miles of trails suitable for all types of 4-wheel drive vehicles. Drivers can expect to be challenged with a variety of terrains, including steep hills, rock gardens, ledge climbs, water crossings, and tight turns.
Hidden Falls Adventure Park is an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of off-road driving with the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced driver, there's something for everyone at this amazing off-road park.
4.8/5 (7 reviews)
Updated: 06/20/2023
Padre Island National Seashore
Open
/
Corpus Christi, Texas/
61.29 miles/
About 4 hours
Without a doubt, the run on Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) is one of the most iconic overland runs in Texas. 60 miles one-way, completing this out-and-back beach route of 120 miles will require a solid 7-8 hours, leading most to set camp along the beach.
Blue water, beautiful dunes, countless bird species, sea turtle spottings and awesome fishing are just some of the lures drawing visitors to experience the park. Be prepared for soft sand as even 4WD vehicles have been known to get stuck in the softer sections.
3.2/5 (6 reviews)
Updated: 05/18/2024
Bolivar Peninsula
Open
/
Crystal Beach, Texas/
24.91 miles/
About 3 hours
Rarely can one find a destination that appeals to such a wide variety of personalities and interests as Bolivar Peninsula.
Port Bolivar on the western end of the peninsula hosts the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, easily accessible by walking from the western end of the drivable beach. Some may even choose to camp the night on the beach and walk through the sanctuary during twilight hours.
For those party goers looking for an energetic atmosphere, the beaches along the centrally located Crystal Beach portion of Bolivar Peninsula are sure to please. Plan to camp the night at the Crystal Beach washout and let the party begin!
Moving eastward through Caplan, the remnants of Rollover Pass – a manmade pass through Bolivar Peninsula - earned its name as smugglers used this narrow strip of land between the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, to “roll” their barrels of good across to awaiting recipients up through the Prohibition Era. (In 2019, the pass was completely filled in, making way for an upcoming park area and fishing pier.)
Gilchrist and High Island on the western edge shows the effects and ruins of past hurricanes; notably the most recent Hurricane Ike, and provide cause for a moment of reflection.
4/5 (4 reviews)
Updated: 01/04/2024
Main Park Road
Open
/
Presidio, Texas/
29.86 miles/
About 3 hours
You’ve likely traveled for hours to arrive. You’re eager to get into Big Bend Ranch State Park. Then you see the oversized entrance sign welcoming you to the park. Little did you know that you still have miles to go. However, adventure awaits at every turn in the park. So even the Main Park Road provides a touch of adventure as you travel over an hour just to get to the ranger station. From there it's still 3 hours to the farther reaches of the park. This is Texas. Everything is big.
Wildlife and scenic viewing spots dot the roadside. Numerous designated camping spots flash by. For many visitors, the Main Park Road may be their sole offroad experience. While Main Park Road is easy to travel, the scenery is no less spectacular than many spots on much more remote and rugged trails in the park. You’re sure to spend time on Main Park Road to enjoy the scenery!
3/5 (2 reviews)
Updated: 03/12/2024
Northwest OHV Park E-101 - Minos Loop
Open
/
Bridgeport, Texas/
1.19 miles/
About 30 minutes
Located 100 miles northwest of Dallas, in Bridgeport, Texas, Northwest OHV Park is a 302-acre rock quarry converted to an offroad park in 2009. This Jeep Badge of Honor designated OHV park offers around 25 miles of trails varying in difficulty, great for any level of wheeler from beginners to experts. Minos Loop circles the northwest corner of the property and offers an excellent opportunity to test your 4x4 skills over large limestone deposits that create steep hills and dramatic ledges. Use this trail to access several of the park's longest rock-crawling trails.
4/5 (1 reviews)
Updated: 06/05/2022
Casa Piedra
Open
/
Presidio, Texas/
23.75 miles/
About an hour
Driving through the Chihuahuan Desert, splitting the Black Hills on one side and the imposing Cienega Mountains on the other, you can't help but feel you are in a remote part of the world. Casa Piedra is the warm-up where you can let your stress slip away before venturing into the wild and remote portions of Big Bend Ranch State Park, or allow your mind to unwind from the thrilling adventures you just had in the park. Take the time - enjoy the views - and venture down Casa Piedra!
5/5 (11 reviews)
Updated: 12/30/2023
Christmas Mountain
For those Big Bend visitors looking for ‘exclusivity’ in trail access along with the most stunning views at elevation, a trip up Christmas Mountain is a must. Limited to only two small groups up the mountain per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – access to the most scenic views in the region are managed through Terlingua Ranch Lodge. Plan accordingly though as space atop Christmas Mountain is very limited – large enough for only a few vehicles.
3.6/5 (8 reviews)
Updated: 05/19/2024
Old Maverick Road
Old Maverick Road provides an off-road alternative in lieu of the paved Ross Maxwell Scenic Highway, for those traveling between the Santa Elena Canyon and the western park entrance. The 14-washboard road provides quite the ride along the majority of the route but is easily accessible by all vehicle types. Note however that the road may become impassable after heavy rainstorms due to flooding. Be sure to take in the scenic views of the Terlingua Creek all along the route when you visit Big Bend National park and want to take the path less traveled.
4.9/5 (7 reviews)
Updated: 05/19/2024
River Road
River Road truly has something for everyone looking to get off concrete. Whether it’s exploring an abandoned mercury mine, visiting the ruins of an old ranch, paying respects at an old cemetery, camping under the stars, stepping foot in the Rio Grande River, or simply getting dirt on the tires of your favorite 4WD, everyone is sure to find something of interest along this nearly 54-mile route. While the route can be driven end-to-end in a day, more curious travelers may likely wish to reserve a campsite along the route to fully explore its wonders. Alternatively, some may wish to traverse a portion each day, utilizing either Glenn Springs Road or Black Gap Road to cut their exploration of River Road into 2 separate days.
4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Updated: 01/04/2024
Guale Road
Many say there are no mountains in Texas. Many say there are no majestic views in Texas. They’re all wrong. Even most Texas residents are unaware of the beauty that awaits them in Big Bend Ranch State Park, but even fewer are aware of the awe-inspiring views from atop Guale Mesa, at the end of Guale Road. Reminiscent of views the likes of Top Of The World in Utah, the view from atop Guale Mesa is nothing short of poetic. Any traveler even considering a trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park should consider a run down Guale Road an absolute must-do. Better yet – secure the highly coveted campsite at Guale 2 and enjoy the utter splendor of sunset atop the mesa.
4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Updated: 11/29/2023
Old Ore Road
Used during the 1900s to transport ore from mines in the south to trail stations farther north, Old Ore Road is an excellent half-day route providing exceptional views of the Chisos Mountains and Tornillo Creek. Whether staying in nearby Study Butte-Terlingua area or camping in Big Bend National Park, the route is an absolutely must-do for 4x4 enthusiasts visiting the area.
5/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 12/28/2022
Fresno Canyon Road
What's the best overland trail in the state of Texas? One could easily argue Fresno Canyon Road takes the prize. This fun trail takes travelers back in time. The ancient inhabitants of this ara left petroglyphs deep in Fresno Canyon. Abandoned farm ruins provide a glimpse into the lives of more modern settlers. The views never stop as the trail hugs towering cliff walls with the occasional glimpses of the hills of the Solitario to the east. The trail is challenging enough to make the drive even more interesting. For anyone seeking an iconic offroad adventure in the Big Bend Ranch State Park, Fresno Canyon Road is an absolute must-do!
3.4/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 10/30/2022
Lost Highway 87
Of all the beach runs in Texas, the Lost Highway 87 run offers an eerie reminder of the destructive damage and erosion caused by past storms. What was once a state highway lined with homes and businesses is now mere scattered ruins along a narrowly passable 20 mile stretch of beach. Awareness of the tide charts is key to making the run comfortably and legally along the shoreline.
Running from Sabine Pass in Jefferson County to High Island on the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, the “Lost Highway 87” runs primarily along McFaddin Beach. Adding to the mystic of the run is the fact that the mid-sections along McFaddin Beach are (albeit illegally) visited by those enjoying nude sun bathing during the warmer months, though local custom courtesy does require those sun bathers to cover with a towel as approaching traffic make their way down the beach. Still, one may wish to use discretion when bringing children on the run during peak summer months.
4.8/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 10/19/2023
Madrid Falls Road
Few routes offer as many camping opportunities as Madrid Falls Road. Making even the drive to the campground more memorable, Madrid Falls Road takes a long, steep climb to the top of a mesa where all camping is located. For those looking to explore, the end of the 5.3-mile route offers hiking opportunities to both Madrid Falls, an overlook of Fresno Canyon, and the Crawford-Smith House near the end of Fresno Canyon Road. So whether you’re looking to camp at one of the numerous campsites, explore Madrid Falls, or merely want to try your driving skills along the steep incline, come check out Madrid Falls Road!
4.6/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 05/28/2023
South Padre Island Beach
South Padre Island Beach arguably provides visitors with the greatest diversity of activities of any beach in Texas. Whether travelers are looking for extremely remote sections of beach to camp or fish, or travelers are looking to merely dip their feet in the water while still being a stone's throw away from a myriad of tourist activities, including but not limited to deep-sea fishing, dolphin watch tours, parasailing, boat, and jet ski rentals or even renting a beach golf cart for the day, South Padre Island Beach is sure to please.
4.5/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 05/19/2024
Terlingua Ranch Road - Road to Highway 385
Known by two names; dependent upon which end one enters the trail, Terlingua Ranch Road – Road to Highway 385 spans land both within and exterior to Big Bend National Park. For those in the northern section of the park, the route provides quick access to Terlingua Ranch and Christmas Mountain, while providing a quick route to Highway 385 and subsequently Marathon, for those within Terlingua Ranch. Providing views of to Rosillos Mountains along much of the route, the easy drive can be enjoyed by nearly anyone looking for an off-concrete excursion.
4.7/5 (4 reviews)
Updated: 01/24/2023
Botella Road
Snaking its way across Terneros Creek; with numerous scenic hills and peaks to the east, Botella Road runs north-south through the Black Hills region of the park; making numerous washout crossings, and connects the Cienega region of the park with the central portions of the park. While more tame routes exist connecting the northwest and central portions of the park, those who dare take this rugged route to the Cienega region are sure to get a taste of what lies ahead and can explore the ruins of the old Vasques House along the way. As the northern 10 miles of this 12.5 mile route are not maintained by the park, come prepared for anything as the only thing guaranteed along the route is an adventure!
5/5 (4 reviews)
Updated: 05/21/2024
Cerro De Las Burras Loop
When visitors go to Big Bend Ranch State Park, they typically think of highly remote and ultra-rugged trails with ocotillos often teasing the doors and mirrors of vehicles, especially so on those unmaintained off-road routes. Cerro De Las Burras is a curious exception to this rule providing casual off-roaders spectacular views of majestic cliff caves complete with hiking trails. As an added bonus, the trail is the only trail within park boundaries that is accessible from the park exterior and easily reached from both Presidio as well as Terlingua. For anyone with at least a high clearance 2WD vehicle and especially hikers, this easy and accessible trail is a must-do for anyone in the area.
4.2/5 (4 reviews)
Updated: 05/19/2024
Glenn Springs Road
Often traveled by those looking to traverse Black Gap Road or as a shortcut to River Road, Glenn Springs Road offers a wide range of scenery from wide-open desert views to majestic overlook views of Talley Mountain. The trail also offers several primitive campsites for those looking to spend the night under an open sky. Be sure to check out Glenn Springs Road during your trip to Big Bend National Park!
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