Coming from a different direction

[Verduretiger]

I have always gone to Big Bend from North Louisiana meaning 1-20 to Monahans and down to Ft. Stockton and Marathon.
I am coming from Baton Rouge on this trip going through Houston.  I am looking for any short cuts you Texas guys are aware of other than the i-10 to Ft. Stockton. 

[badknees]

I have always gone to Big Bend from North Louisiana meaning 1-20 to Monahans and down to Ft. Stockton and Marathon.
I am coming from Baton Rouge on this trip going through Houston.  I am looking for any short cuts you Texas guys are aware of other than the i-10 to Ft. Stockton.

There is no real shortcut in terms of time, but it is a shorter distance if you take I10 west to San Antonio, then Hwy 90 to Del Rio/Sanderson/Marathon. I prefer this route and the road is good. There are towns to go through, and a border check station north of Del Rio, but it isn't endless interstate. Seminole Canyon, Langtry and the Pecos River Bridge are all accessible from Hwy 90 if you are inclined to check out some things on the way.

[BigBendHiker]

There is no real shortcut in terms of time, but it is a shorter distance if you take I10 west to San Antonio, then Hwy 90 to Del Rio/Sanderson/Marathon. I prefer this route and the road is good. There are towns to go through, and a border check station north of Del Rio, but it isn't endless interstate. Seminole Canyon, Langtry and the Pecos River Bridge are all accessible from Hwy 90 if you are inclined to check out some things on the way.

Second the Hwy 90 recommendation...

Much more scenic route.  You pass through several towns with good restaurants should you need to stop to eat.  Sanderson has a good gas station on the west end of the city (I think it is a Town & Country) town that you can use to refuel (and get some food to eat as they have some fast food there) before the last final push to Marathon and BIg Bend.  Plus, their gas prices are a bit more reasonable since they are not right there in Big Bend country.

[Frau]

I have always gone to Big Bend from North Louisiana meaning 1-20 to Monahans and down to Ft. Stockton and Marathon.
I am coming from Baton Rouge on this trip going through Houston.  I am looking for any short cuts you Texas guys are aware of other than the i-10 to Ft. Stockton. 

i was also told, the Hwy  90 is very scenic and pretty, but takes longer! I myself came from BR, and stayed on I 10 (spent the night in Kerrville,Motel 6),but next time want to try Hwy 90!

[Frau]

O.K., as usual I offer different opinion; having been a Big Bend visitor for forty years I have traveled every route, and for the last ten years have taken a more scenic, and "quicker" route. From Houston I go I-10 to Columbus, then H-71 to Austin (by-pass on 71-290) thorough Oak Hill suburb, staying on H-71 to Marble Falls to LLano, H-29 to Mason, continue on H-29 to Menard, then H-190 through Eldorado, Iraan. to I-10 (50 miles from Ft. Stockton); then take H-385 to the Park.

And , if you want to take a slight detour to see the "other" best of Texas, continue on I-10 to Balmorhea, turn left on H-17 to Fort Davis, H-118 to Alpine, continue on H-118 to Study Butte/Terlingua, and into the Park. Return H-385 and H-90 (or I-10)
Just do it , you will like it (and without the "detour" takes, or at least equal time.
QS

This sounds good to me: it breaks the monotony!! Even though, after Kerrville at 80, i felt like being on the Autobahn, just a lot less traffic!! With some good music (forget the radio, bring your own CD's) time is flying, as you are zipping along!
QS, will put this route into my file and try it next time! Good to have such an "old timer" as you on board!

[Frau]

after Menard, you are on the Autobahn

i don't see Menard on your itinerary!! Where is it?

[Frau]

after Menard, you are on the Autobahn

i don't see Menard on your itinerary!! Where is it?

look again

Found it! Thanks!!

[Al]

QS, A minor correction, Hwy 71 doesn't go through Marble Falls.

Al

[leigh]

Got a similar question only coming through the DFW area, last time I took I20 all the way. What about 67? Anyone have any experience with getting off I 20 and going south to San Angelo, etc?
Thanks,
Leigh

[Frau]

QS, A minor correction, Hwy 71 doesn't go through Marble Falls.

Al

Thanks, Al, even QS can be wrong??

[Al]

QS, A minor correction, Hwy 71 doesn't go through Marble Falls.

Al

Thanks, Al, even QS can be wrong??

As we all can.  It is nothing . . .

Al

[Frau]

. From Houston I go I-10 to Columbus, then H-71 to Austin (by-pass on 71-290) thorough Oak Hill suburb, staying on H-71 to Marble Falls to LLano, H-29 to Mason, continue on H-29 to Menard, then H-190 through Eldorado, Iraan. to I-10 (50 miles from Ft. Stockton); then take H-385 to the Park.

so far, so good......think, i will like it! Around Austin it gets a bit hairy,but i think, i will find my way. Marble Falls is a tiny bit to the N of H-71! What i like, that i am skirting the San Antonio corridor and escaping that mess! So, following this Route i would most likely spend the night around Llano.......or proceed as i did on my return trip took short catnaps throughout the night,slumped over the steering wheel! Can't wait to try this new route!

[Frau]

QS, A minor correction, Hwy 71 doesn't go through Marble Falls.

Al

have to tell you,Al ,your Avatar makes me smile every time it pops up! So cute!

[Frau]

QS, A minor correction, Hwy 71 doesn't go through Marble Falls.

Al

Thanks, Al, even QS can be wrong??

How boring, H-71 goes within 5 miles of Marble Falls; I don't worry about those details from memory;  I don't need a GPS to keep me on H-71 to LLano. Never mind, take I-10, it's more predictable. (fyi: ask "MOT", he took my route on our last trip) (but I do trust Al to keep me in line
QS

i am "sold" on your route, i want to try it out! Remember, this is the fearless Frau!

[Terlingua50337]

A few times Ive cut up North out of Del Rio up thru Telegraph, Rock Springs into Junction to catch I10 just for a change of pace. My normal route is 90. I've got friends in Del Rio, Comstock, Langtry and a couple of ranches along the road as well. Usually I try and make time to at least stop and say hey.