Road From Presidio to Lajitas - What's It Like?

[SA Bill]

Occasionally I like to try a new route from point A to point B. In this case, I may be in the Davis Mountains before heading down to BB next spring. I've never driven 170 along the river/border between Presidio and Lajitas. Is it worth driving or should I stick to the tried and true routes of 118 or 385?
  Thanks!
    Bill

[Casa Grande]

What's it like?

Only one of the best scenic routes in Texas!   

[okiehiker]

Perhaps a bit of Texas bravdo... but one lone star writer called it the most beautiful drive in the world. 

That is not far from the truth.

[chisos_muse]

Worth it.....spectacular. I never tire of it. Take your camera and get out and walk around too if you have the time. 

[Roy]

A really slow drive 'cause you're always stopping to look at and photo something;  Fort Leaton, the hoodoos, movie sets, ruins, canyons, etc., etc.,etc..

[SA Bill]

Okay!! Okay!! Uncle!

I'll drive it...you've convinced me.

That's what I love about this group...tons of info and eager willingness to share it!
 Thanks and Happy Holidays!
    Bill

[BigBendHiker]

It is the best in Texas.  Be sure to stop and go through Closed Canyon while driving through BBRSP.  It is a great hike through a slot canyon that leads to the Rio Grande.


BBH

[jeffblaylock]

Drive is highly scenic.

From the Big Hill






Closed Canyon

[SHANEA]

It is the best in Texas.  Be sure to stop and go through Closed Canyon while driving through BBRSP.  It is a great hike through a slot canyon that leads to the Rio Grande.


BBH

Ah, you beat me to it BBH!  That is exactly what I was thinking.

BUT, ah ha, you forgot to tell him where to stop and eat in Presidio! 
 

Heck, but maybe you just need to forget BIBE and stop and stay at BBRSP.  The skies are dark, if not darker than BIBE - if that's possible.  Just make sure you get a campsite away from the lights of Presidio and there is a mercury vapor or two at the ranch house.  Papalitto Colorado is a great dark site.  Just be aware, you probably won't see a single person while you are there.   

[BigBendHiker]

BUT, ah ha, you forgot to tell him where to stop and eat in Presidio! 

Shanea:  You are right!  Man, I did forget that!  That is what happens when you get old like me. 

Bill...when you get to Presidio, head over to El Alamo Cafe (they are on the right, as you  head out towards Marfa).  The best enchiladas in that part of Texas (I know and Shanea knows as we have both eaten there.  Great food.)

Plus, you can stock up on ice, gasoline, etc at the Baeza's Supermarket that is about half a block from El Alamo Cafe.

Man...makes me want to head there now for some of those enchiladas.


BBH

[SA Bill]

Hmmm...I could cancel the BB reservations and try BBRSP...I've never been there. Maybe it's time. I don't mind the solitariness (?) and the darkness would be great. Do I see correctly on the BBRSP map that there are...wait for it....showers!? Pay or free? That fact alone might make me try BBRSP!!
  Bill

[Al]

Bill, it's further, more remote and darker.  Ideal for what you like to do.  But you better bring everything you need and check the list twice because once you're there, you're there until you leave.

Al

[SA Bill]

Hi Al!
If I go to BBRSP, it will be on the way down from Davis Mountains SP so it would be kinda on the way. It would be a longer drive home but not too bad. I'm used to being self sufficient...either bring it or do without.

The more I think about this, the more I like the idea of BBRSP next spring. Any ideas for "must sees" or "must dos" in the area? Is Presidio able to supply gas and a food store if needed? Can you tell that I've never been out that way? 
  Happy Holidays!
    Bill

[SA Bill]

Is there a topo map of the BBRSP area on line somewhere?
  Bill

[Al]

If you are already in the Davis Mountains it a no brainer.  Drive south to Presidio, gas up and stock up and you'll be good to go.  When leaving take the incredibly scenic drive to Lajitas, up to the west entrance of Big Bend at Study Butt, etc. etc. 

Al