In addition to scenic vistas, abundant wildlife, and diverse geology, an outstanding aspect of Big Bend National Park is its system of unpaved roads. While most visitors will stay on the 112 miles of paved roads in the park, those with a sense of adventure and a high-clearance and/or four-wheel drive vehicle can enjoy over 150 miles of unpaved roads. The tremendous increase in popularity of four-wheel drive "sport utility" vehicles means that more and more visitors are enjoying Big Bend's backcountry roads. While the unpaved roads can vary greatly in condition, they offer beautiful scenery, access to fascinating natural and historic sites, primitive roadside campsites, and some of the park’s most primitive and remote hiking trails, as well as the opportunity to test the durability and limits of your vehicle and its occupants. The key to having a successful trip through the backcountry is being prepared to deal with large and small emergencies and the extremes of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Forty-five miles of the unpaved roads are classified as “improved dirt roads.” The improved dirt roads, like the Maverick Road on the west side of the park, are passable by most vehicles during much of the year. But the fact that a road is “passable” does not mean that this is an ideal road for today’s low clearance passenger cars. The terrain in Big Bend is extremely rocky and even a recently graded unpaved road can mean a slow rocky ride that can be hard on vehicles. Almost any amount of rainfall will produce a rough washboard surface on the dirt roads. If you are not willing to submit your vehicle to this kind of punishment, you are better off avoiding all of the unpaved roads in Big Bend National Park.
The remaining unpaved roads are classified as “backcountry dirt roads” and are considerably more primitive than the improved dirt roads. Most of the year, the backcountry dirt roads like the River Road on the south side of the park are passable only by high clearance and/or four-wheel drive vehicles. Some of these roads, like the Black Gap Road, are not maintained and require determination and considerable driving skill in order to successfully traverse them.
The extremely rocky terrain and the changing condition of these roads means that even the strongest high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle will face a number of challenges while on these routes: boulders and washes, rough washboard areas, sandy areas that can quickly turn muddy after rain, and an abundance of thorns to threaten your tires. Occupants in a vehicle on these routes will find themselves extremely isolated and, other than whatever shade is provided by your vehicle, exposed to the elements of the Chihuahuan Desert. Because many of these roads are infrequently used and patrolled, you must be prepared to deal with any challenges or emergencies that arise.
Before you set out to explore any backcountry roads make sure that your vehicle and its tires are in good condition. A disabled vehicle on these isolated roads can become a life-threatening situation. Check your vehicle’s fluid levels and the air pressure in the tires to make sure they are at the recommended levels. Make sure that you have emergency equipment: a good spare tire, a tire repair kit and pump, extra belts and hoses, tools to change tires, and extra coolant or water for your vehicle’s radiator. You must also provide for yourself and your passengers. Carry plenty of water—you may find someone in the backcountry that really needs it (maybe yourself!). Carry some type of high energy food that will keep such as trail mix in case you need it. You should also carry a first aid kit and some sleeping gear in case you have to spend an unplanned night in your vehicle. Dress as if you were going hiking (hiking boots, long pants, long sleeve shirt, and a hat) so that you are prepared to walk if the need arises. Check the road conditions with a park ranger at one of the visitor centers before you go, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
There are some important things that you should remember while driving as well. Slow speed is much easier on your vehicle, its tires and its occupants, and it also allows you to enjoy the scenery. Remember that every vehicle has its limits; if you encounter a road obstacle or conditions that you believe are beyond the limits of your vehicle, you usually have the option of turning around. Carry a map of the park so you know where you are on the road at all times (keep track of how far you have traveled in case you have to walk back). If your vehicle becomes disabled, it is almost always best to stay with your vehicle. Hopefully a park ranger or another visitor will see you, or whoever you informed that you were going and where will report you overdue. If walking becomes necessary, it is imperative that you carry water and stay on the road. Leave a note on the dashboard of your vehicle that says what the problem is and where you are going.
In addition to protecting yourself, you are also responsible for protecting and preserving the resources of the park. Stay on the established roadways. Off-road vehicle travel is not allowed. Ground or wood fires and loaded firearms are prohibited. Collecting rocks, plants, animals, artifacts, or any other park resources is illegal. If you camp out in the backcountry, obtain a free backcountry use permit from one of the visitor centers. Finally, remember to lock your vehicle if you are leaving it unattended and secure your valuables.
Backcountry road guides and maps are available at the BBNHA Web Page Book Store.
