Anyone been on the "Primitive Roads" at BBRSP?

[TexasTLC]

Even though we'll be in the Big Bend area for 9 days, I'm having trouble fitting in everything I want to do.  So, in addition to some day hikes, I REALLY, REALLY want to fit more "sights" in by seeing several of the ones that you have to get to by car - specifically some of the primitive roads at BBRSP.  I have a 4WD Honda Pilot (07) with good off-road tires & I have some experience driving on ranches, uneven dirt trails with lots of big rocks, ruts, etc.  But, the online advice from the park's website says minimum ground clearance should be 8" & my Pilot only has 7.8" (that's without all the extra weight of 2 spare tires, gear, etc.).  I do have AAA - but, don't want to waste 1 day of my trip waiting on them to rescue me if a worst case scenario were to occur.  But, I also know the best things are worth taking some risks for.  Sooooo - I'm looking for some advice from those with experience to help me "Balance" my decision!  Should I just avoid these roads altogether because I miss the minimum ground clearance by less than an inch?  Or, are there some specific roads that my SUV can handle that offer "can't miss views"?  Thanks for your time

[Ay Chihuahua!]

 

I'm thinking you're going to be somewhat limited on the 4x4 roads at BBRSP.  Maybe you have a short enough wheel base to compensate for your low clearance, but I don't think I'd risk it.  If you don't have a guard for your oil pan, then definately no.  I'm sure others much more knowledgable than I will chime in.

You can also call the park and ask. There may be a road or two suitable. 

[OldJeepr]

I'll throw in my 2 pennies.  My son and I drove a few of the roads out there in 2010 and had a ball.  His rig is a lifted, modified Cherokee, and mine is an old Jeep CJ7 with a small lift, just to compare.  The roads to Chorro Vista and Guale are listed as 2wd high clearance, and are both very scenic drives, with excellent views at the end.  Being a rather cautious soul, I personally wouldn't attempt either with just 2wd.  The SP is not as conservative as the NP in their road classifications.  The Rangers are a great resource, and, basically tell it like it is. 
We only had time for one 'primitive road' - 4wd unmaintained.  Here is a video of that road. 
By the end, both our vehicles were pinstriped from top to bottom.  At one point, I had to stop and retrieve my rear view mirror when a mesquite branch grabbed it.  I am ready to go back and try some more.

[TexasTLC]

Thanks for the feedback.  And, thanks for the video - that looks like fun!  I know it's hard to capture angles & depths in the videos - but, I can still tell it's a challenging road.

My wheel base (106.3) is actually shorter than the Jeep Unlimited Rubicon I've been lusting after - but, my approach and departure angles aren't too good (28.1, 22.5 respectively).  And, despite my 4WD, with only 7.8" ground clearance I agree that I shouldn't attempt roads like the one in the video.

I guess - to be safe - I'll just ask the park Rangers when we get there for some advice on which roads they think I can handle.

I've definitely got my share of the desert pinstriping already from Big Bend last year & some quarry & ranch trips in the Hill Country.  It's more than worth it