Other interesting roads...4x4 rugged!

[Catman]

We are Big Bend regulars and headin that way again.  Luckily our friends purchased the old Cedar Creek Ranch HQ and related property not too far north of the Park several years ago.  This question not really related to Park roads.  Was wondering if anyone has travelled on some of the dirt roads in and around Brewster, Pecos, or Presido Counties.  Discovered Pinto Canyon and Chinati Springs years ago...so not adverse to adventure.  Have driven Terlingua Ranch Road many times and all the Park roads including Black Gap.  Have 4x4 and willing to make her work!  Starting point is Houston....another route we like is 277 south out of Sonora, 189 to Juno, 163 to Comstock.  Although, all pavement, it is beautiful. Any recommendations welcomed....headed to Marathon for first night..then either Wild Horse or Chinati Hot Springs for night two, then on to friends Ranch.

Dave

[BigBendHiker]

The only road I have driven in the area is from Lajitas to Presidio...but, many of the regulars on this board such as Shanea or TWWG have extensive road and back road experience out there in Big Bend and the Trans-Pecos region.  


BBH

Moderator note:  See this thread for a tangential discussion of BigBendHiker's new home, etc.

[Hoodoo]

another route we like is 277 south out of Sonora, 189 to Juno, 163 to Comstock. Although, all pavement, it is beautiful.

I have driven this route from Comstock to Sonora but it was late in the evening and darkness obscured most of its beauty, must do this one again in daylight.

The drive from Junction to Rocksprings on Hwy 377 through Telegraph is another beautiful route. There are several low water crossings though so if it has rained recently it could be impassable.

The only roads I have explored in Brewster county are those in BIBE and the river access points along el camino del rio which is now part of BBRSP.

In Presidio county, if your route takes you to the Chinati Hotsprings, there is a discussion about exploring the roads west of Candelaria to Van Horn here:

http://www.bigbendchat.com/viewtopic.php?p=36750&highlight=#36750

Randell posted a trip report on the Casa Piedra Road here:

http://www.bigbendchat.com/viewtopic.php?t=2450&highlight=piedra

[SHANEA]

Any recommendations welcomed....

A couple:
1.  BGWMA - Black Gap Wildlife Management area - has a bunch of dirt roads/gravel roads, etc.  MUST have a LTD USE PERMIT or other before you can go to the interior.  MUST get those prior to getting there.  Some of the roads are quite rough - especially down toward the furthest fish camps along the river #1-#3.  Also, Horse Canyon can be rough at times.   Desolate country.  Carry an extra spare.  Be sure to check out the website from TPWD and also the calendar of events.  The area is often closed in the fall/winter for hunts.  No access into the interior unless you are hunting or won hunting lottery.  Also, BLAZE ORANGE rules apply during hunting season even when it is open.  Required to wear BLAZE ORANGE at all times when you are out of the vehicle or in camp.  Yes, they do enforce this too.  Specific requirements on the "real estate" required to be in BLAZE ORANGE.  I wear a BLAZE ORANGE vest and hat - also have a BLAZE ORANGE coat/gloves for the cold weather.

2.  The river road past Ruidosa/Candaleria - will take you up towards Valentine.  Can be very rough.

3.  BBRSP - Big Bend Ranch State park - miles and miles of roads to traverse.  Also, the area outside of the park towards Casa Piedra.

I've had so many flat tires out there, good tires too - Good Year Wranglers AT that I now carry two spares.  Thinking about a 3rd and a 2nd for the R2D2 camper.   Nothing worse than having a flat tire, one spare, and having to try to find a new tire / replacement tire out in the middle of no where.  I've burned up precious trip days hunting for tires.  Most of the failures have been catastrophic with sidewall blow outs.   I also carry plugs, fix-a-flat, air pump, etc.

[Catman]

Much appreciated for both of your thoughts and input.

dave

[cjacob]

Any recommendations welcomed....

A couple:
1.  BGWMA - Black Gap Wildlife Management area - has a bunch of dirt roads/gravel roads, etc.  MUST have a LTD USE PERMIT or other before you can go to the interior.  MUST get those prior to getting there.  Some of the roads are quite rough - especially down toward the furthest fish camps along the river #1-#3.  Also, Horse Canyon can be rough at times.   Desolate country.  Carry an extra spare.  Be sure to check out the website from TPWD and also the calendar of events.  The area is often closed in the fall/winter for hunts.  No access into the interior unless you are hunting or won hunting lottery.  Also, BLAZE ORANGE rules apply during hunting season even when it is open.  Required to wear BLAZE ORANGE at all times when you are out of the vehicle or in camp.  Yes, they do enforce this too.  Specific requirements on the "real estate" required to be in BLAZE ORANGE.  I wear a BLAZE ORANGE vest and hat - also have a BLAZE ORANGE coat/gloves for the cold weather.

2.  The river road past Ruidosa/Candaleria - will take you up towards Valentine.  Can be very rough.

3.  BBRSP - Big Bend Ranch State park - miles and miles of roads to traverse.  Also, the area outside of the park towards Casa Piedra.

I've had so many flat tires out there, good tires too - Good Year Wranglers AT that I now carry two spares.  Thinking about a 3rd and a 2nd for the R2D2 camper.   Nothing worse than having a flat tire, one spare, and having to try to find a new tire / replacement tire out in the middle of no where.  I've burned up precious trip days hunting for tires.  Most of the failures have been catastrophic with sidewall blow outs.   I also carry plugs, fix-a-flat, air pump, etc.

I just got a 2nd spare for my truck.  Figured out that its a really rare size.  255/65/16.  So if I was with out a tire that could be repaired and out of spares.  I would have to purchase 4 new tires due to the lockers, and traction controll all 4 tires need to be the same size.