Is the Old Ore Road unpaved?
Usa, north-america
42.96 km
956 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Big Bend National Park, Texas, ready for an off-road adventure on the legendary Old Ore Road. This isn't your typical Sunday drive; it's a 26.7-mile (42.96km) trek back in time, following the old mule trails from Mexican mines.
Heads up – this is strictly 4x4 territory! We're talking high clearance and a vehicle that can handle business. Passenger cars and anything low to the ground simply won't cut it. This unpaved path is seriously rocky, with deep sand, steep climbs, and plenty of opportunities to get stuck.
But trust me, the views are worth every bump and scrape. As you wind through the Chihuahuan Desert toward the Rio Grande Overlook, you'll be surrounded by incredible scenery. The road hits a high point of 3,136 feet (956m), giving you panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the Tornillo Creek drainage. Plus, don't miss Ernst Tinaja, a natural waterhole about five miles from the southern end of the road.
Factor in about half a day to conquer the Old Ore Road, and if you want to camp, there are eleven primitive campsites along the way. So, if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience that'll test your driving skills and reward you with stunning vistas, the Old Ore Road is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.96 km
- Max Elevation
- 956 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardUpper McCain Spring Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through eastern Oregon, inside Lake Owyhee State Park, and you decide to take the road less traveled – Upper McCain Spring Road. It's an 11.4-mile stretch of gravel goodness. Now, I say "goodness" loosely because when it's wet, this unpaved path can turn into a real mess, potentially becoming impassable. But if you catch it right, you're in for some seriously stunning scenery. Just be prepared for a bumpy ride!
moderateKolob Terrace Road is a very scenic drive into the mountains of Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Kolob Terrace Road in Utah, a hidden gem snaking through Zion National Park. Forget the crowds, this 40.5-mile paved road is the park's best-kept secret, linking Virgin (yes, that's the town's name!) with Cedar City. Give yourself about an hour and a half for a non-stop adventure. You'll wind in and out of the park, feasting your eyes on views that most visitors miss. Be warned: this road climbs steeply from Virgin into the forested Kolob Terrace, so your car will work for its views! You'll be soaring over 8,000 feet! At its highest point, near Kolob Reservoir, you'll hit 8,162 feet above sea level. Heads up if you're visiting in winter, the upper stretches past Hop Valley Trailhead might be snowed in. Below 6,000 feet, you should be clear. But the real star of the show? The scenery! This drive is a feast for the eyes, with classic Zion vistas unfolding at every turn. Fun fact: Keep an eye out for familiar scenery, as some scenes from "Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid" were filmed here!
hardJohn Kerr Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, buckle up for John Kerr Peak in New Mexico's Catron County! This baby tops out at a cool 8,874 feet (2,705m). Now, getting there is half the adventure. We're talking Gila National Forest, which means gravel and rocks all the way. Forget about it in winter – totally snowed in. If you're not comfortable on unpaved mountain roads, this isn't your cup of tea. 4x4 is a MUST. Seriously, don't even think about it without one. Oh, and heights? Yeah, they're a thing here, so maybe skip it if you get the jitters easily. Expect some seriously steep sections. But hey, the views from the top are insane!
moderateThompson Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Thompson Pass! We're heading to Sublette County, Wyoming, for this one. Buckle up for a seriously scenic ride up to 8,756 feet above sea level. The route? Forest Road 10128, baby! And just to keep things interesting, it's all gravel. You'll be winding your way through the heart of the Wyoming Range, so prepare for some epic mountain views. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, but also watch out for those loose gravel patches – it's all part of the adventure!