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Big Bend National Park
Backcountry Road Conditions
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Sharon Collyer |
Washout on the Old Ore Road, 2005 |
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Big Bend's primitive road system provides unparalleled opportunities to explore the desert environment at your own pace. However, road conditions are highly variable. Some sections of these roads are smooth and easily traveled, while many others traverse bedrock and are extremely rough. A slow speed (approx 15mph) is a necessity.
Always inquire at a visitor center regarding updated road conditions before heading out, and be prepared for any contingency. Weather conditions (such as heavy, or any, rain) may cause road conditions to deteriorate.
The Big Bend National Park Daily Report always includes updated information on road conditions and closures.
Standard Road Conditions | Road Condition Definitions
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Standard Road Conditions | | ALL VEHICLES | HIGH- CLEARANCE | 4X4 ONLY | NOTES | Dagger Flat | XXX | | | Bumpy but ok for cars; very sandy near end of rd. | Grapevine Hills | XXX | | | Usually passable for all vehicles to trailhead | Hot Springs | XXX | | | Narrow road; no RVs, Trailers or wide vehicles | Old Maverick | | XXX | | Rough; often impassable after heavy rains. | Croton Springs | XXX | | | Slippery mud after any rain | Paint Gap | XXX | XXX | | High-clearance past PG 3 campsite | Old Ore Road | | XXX | Recommended | High-clearance vehicles only | Glenn Springs | | XXX | | High-clearance vehicles only | Pine Canyon | | XXX | | High-clearance vehicles only; rough, rocky, & slow | Juniper Canyon | | XXX | | High-clearance vehicles only; rough, rocky, & slow | River Road East | | XXX | | High-clearance vehicles only | River Road West | | XXX | | High-clearance vehicles only | Black Gap Road | | | XXX | 4x4 required! never maintained | North Rosillos Rd | | XXX | | Deep ruts and sand; little-traveled |
Remember: all vehicles must be street legal and stay on established roadways.
No "off-road" vehicles allowed. All vehicles must be street-legal.
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Dirt Road Definitions
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All Vehicles |
These are maintained gravel roads where a standard 2WD drive passenger vehicle is able to travel at low speeds, on long, dry straight-of-ways, without losing control due to wash boarding, ruts, or dips. In hilly areas or in curves, the safe speeds may be significantly lower. |
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High Clearance |
These are primitive roads where a high clearance 2WD vehicle is able to travel safely at low speeds on long dry straight-of-ways, without losing control due to wash boarding, ruts, or dips. All high clearance 2WD roads may be rocky with areas or soft gravel or sand that makes travel unsafe for sedans or RVs. |
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Four-Wheel-Drive (4x4) Roads |
These are primitive roads where a high clearance 4WD vehicle, in four-wheel- drive, driven by a driver experienced in 4WD drive techniques, can drive the road without getting stuck. All 4WD roads may be rocky, with deep sand or gravel and steep hills. |
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Did You Know?
Swamps covered the area of Big Bend National Park when it emerged from the sea 70 million years ago. Fossils from the muds and clays of these swamps tell about the last days of the dinosaurs. Dinosaurs eventually became extinct and mammals rose to dominance.
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Last Updated: January 14, 2008 at 14:12 EST |