Where to Begin?

[kevint]

Making my first trip to Big Bend in December with a new F-150 4WD looking forward to checking out some back roads.  Where should I begin?

[badknees]

Making my first trip to Big Bend in December with a new F-150 4WD looking forward to checking out some back roads.  Where should I begin?

Check out this book. You can order it in plenty of time for your trip.

http://bigbendbookstore.org/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=103&products_id=34

[jeffblaylock]

How many days do you have to explore? Are you interested in the backcountry roadside campsites, or is your backroads time limited to daylight only?

[kevint]

Badknees:  I have that book and I have been looking it over.

Jeff:  I'll just have 2 - 3 days for this time and will not be camping this trip.  We'll be staying at the lodge and doing some scouting.  Will definitely be checking out the roadside campsites for future trips.  My family may  not want to spend all of our time scouting the backcountry.  Trying to decide if I can only do one road, which should it be.

I'm just hoping to see some great scenery and maybe grab a few nice pictures.  I'd also like to get a peek at how the roads are at BBRSP.

Thanks to both of you.

[Al]

Kevin, because you have 4-wheel drive there is no limit to where you can go unless it just rained.  BUT I wouldn't make it all about the backroads.  Trying to think what I would do.  I would do one day west of the Chisos and one day east.  BBRSP is far far away for practical day trip purposes BUT the road from Lajitas to near the entrance of the main portion of the park is a wonderful drive.  It just depends on if you want to do some day hikes, which I would want to do, in addition to driving around.

Al

[jim2]

the old ore road would take most of the day, 5/6 hours, include a trip to ernst tinaja, one hour at least. that's a day. the drive to the pine canyon trailhead is shorter, easier, and has great views. the dodson/ juniper canyon trailhead is a little more challenging than pine canyon , but it is still fairly easy. i did get some desert pinstriping a couple of weeks ago on the juniper canyon road.             

[Sotol Vista]

please be aware that most all of the back country roads have overgrown brush in several stretches that will scratch your truck.  I have plenty of Desert "Pinstripes" on my trailblazer, but then again, i don't care if it gets scratched or not.

James

[Tars Tarkas]

Dagger Flat to Old Ore Rd to Hot Springs or Boquillas Canyon would be one pretty good day.  River Road west to east or the other way is a great way to spend a day.  Start early in either case.  Old Maverick Road, or Ross Maxwell Road to Santa Elena Canyon.  Lots of distractions and detours on all the above.  You can hardly go wrong as long as you take food & drink with you and have decent tires.  Know what you're getting into before trying Black Gap Road though.

4WD is hardly needed but, as someone else mentioned, Lajitas to Presidio is one of the most scenic paved roads anywhere.

  TT

[Flash]

Stillwell Store to the end of the Ranch Road 2627 at the La Linda Bridge can also be pleasant side trip...   

[Al]

please be aware that most all of the back country roads have overgrown brush in several stretches that will scratch your truck.  I have plenty of Desert "Pinstripes" on my trailblazer, but then again, i don't care if it gets scratched or not.

James

My new F150 won't be broken in until it is pinstriped in the Big Bend! 

[jeffblaylock]

Based on what you've said, I'd take the Dagger Flat Auto Trail and then turn south (only way you can go) on the Old Ore Road. It's probably the most varied backcountry road, and has interesting places to stop and hike. It rejoins pavement near Rio Grande Village.

If you're up for a 2-3hour drive on top of that, drive down the Glenn Springs Road to the historic area, and then up the Juniper Canyon Road for the views.

[Al]

I can't help but remember my good friend Erle who took 5 days to do OOR the first time he went down it.  But then again, the first time he went down Black Gap he was driving a 70's model Toyota Corolla . . .

Al

[kevint]

Thanks everyone.  Great input.  Now I can focus my research a little.

The pinstriping will be hard to swallow given how new and shiny the truck is but the reason I bought 4wd was to experience Big Bend.  You've confirmed for me that I need to get some heavier duty tires.  I suspected that but appreciate the input.

[OldJeepr]

Ahh, my favorite thing - driving the backroads in BIBE!
Sounds as if you may be fairly new to the 4x4 thing, so let me make a suggestion.  Take the Glenn Springs road first (side roads to Pine Canyon & Juniper Canyon a plus).  This will give you a good feel for desert driving.  There are a couple of rough spots (not really bad), and some very good views.  When you get to the River Road, if you have time, turn right and go to the Mariscal Mine.  After Mariscal, backtrack on River Road East to the pavement, then perhaps a short side trip to the Hot Springs, on to RGV, or return to the Basin. 
Old Ore Road is my personal favorite, in either direction.  If you want to do some short hikes (Ernst Tinaja, La Noria, etc.), I would suggest driving from South to North.  It's a little easier in that direction, and the hikes will be earlier in your trip.  Most of the drive is very open, but you will go through some thickets on the northern end that may give you the pinstripe badge.
Tires:  a good set of A/T's is good insurance.  Street tires just don't have the same traction, and spinning tires causes flats.  Carry a good plug kit, maybe a small portable compressor, and definitely a good spare.
  Just take it easy, roll down the windows and enjoy the drive.

[elhombre]

X2 with Oldjeepr.  The Glen Springs road is wide and you can avoid any desert paint work very easily.   But consider this, wouldn't it be better to have the desert put the first scrapes in the paint, instead of some door ding by a mall driving hybrid mini van mama.