
Old Maverick Road is the easiest off-road road in Big Bend NP
Usa, north-america
20.27 km
457 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for a desert adventure on Old Maverick Road, a super chill off-road route in Big Bend National Park, Texas! You'll find it in the western part of the state, hugging the west side of the park.
This isn't your average paved path – it's a 12.6-mile (20.27km) dirt road winding through the Terlingua Creek badlands. Keep an eye on the weather, though! Rainstorms can cause high water and flooding, making it impassable. Some washes get pretty gnarly after a downpour. If you're in a car with low clearance, proceed with caution—there are some rough spots and blind corners. RVs and low-riders should probably skip this one altogether.
The road connects Maverick Junction and Santa Elena Canyon, and it's all about those views. Plan about an hour to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop! There are a few cool historic spots and scenic overlooks, especially of the Terlingua Creek. As you approach the Rio Grande and Santa Elena, you'll catch glimpses of the canyon walls, towering over 1,000 feet high. Make sure to hit the observation point and the hiking trail for the full Santa Elena Canyon experience with cliffs that soar up to 1,500 feet.
Where is it?
Old Maverick Road is the easiest off-road road in Big Bend NP is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.9666, -96.0949
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.27 km
- Max Elevation
- 457 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.9666, -96.0949
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhy is Cumbres de Maltrata Dangerous?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Cumbres de Maltrata is part of the México 150D, the main highway linking Mexico City to the Gulf. It’s said to be the most dangerous highway in Mexico (with 4 accidents per day), according to CAPUFE. Why is Cumbres de Maltrata Dangerous? This section of the highway is extremely dangerous due to its pronounced curves, steep grades, and high traffic volume. It has many braking ramps that are often used by trucks, three tunnels, and some bridges. How Lethal is Cumbres de Maltrata? Bad weather conditions with frequent fog, rain, and sometimes snow in winter, reckless driving or speeding, constant brake failures mostly from heavy trucks, and people who simply don't know how to take a curve or do engine braking, make this road Mexico's deadliest highway. The worst accident was in 2006 when a bus fell into the canyon, killing 57 people. The accident was mainly caused by speeding and the lack of road surface signals. It’s believed the bus driver mistook the braking ramp for the continuation of the road. At that moment, the ramp was under repair and lacked surface warning signals. The bus took the braking ramp without any gravel to stop and fell directly into the canyon. Is the Road through Cumbres de Maltrata Worth the Drive? The highway offers incredible views of the Sierra Madre Oriental and Pico de Orizaba mountains. The highest pass of this highway is at 2,630m (8,628ft) above sea level, and it descends near Orizaba to 1,300m (4,265ft) asl. Road suggested by: Eblem Torres Travelling the busy Road Mexico 45 Ruta Tepehuana is a windy and narrow road with incredible views Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardDevils Head
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're heading to Devils Head in northern Arizona's Coconino County, a lava dome reaching a whopping 9,140 feet above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive; Forest Road 557A to the top is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy ride, so make sure your 4x4 is ready for some action! Winter? Forget about it – this road's usually snowed in. But when it's open, experienced off-roaders will be in heaven. The summit might be dotted with communication towers, but the views? Absolutely stunning! Think sweeping vistas of Flagstaff, the majestic San Francisco Mountain, and the whole of northern Arizona unfolding before you. Word to the wise: if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, this might not be your cup of tea. It’s steep in places, and rain can turn the road into a muddy challenge. But if you're up for it, especially in the fall, it's SO worth it! The road is graded, but those switchbacks and hairpin turns demand your full attention. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and mountain bikers sharing the road. And near the top, you'll pass through an area still recovering from a massive wildfire back in '77 – a stark reminder of nature's power. Get ready for a memorable climb!
easyIs the drive through Battle Mountain in Oregon worth the drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! I've got a fantastic drive for you in northeastern Oregon: Battle Mountain. This isn't some ferocious climb, but a sweet, scenic route peaking at 4,284 feet (1,306 meters). Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll cruise through a stunning forest, think towering ponderosa pines, larches, Douglas firs, and spruce – nature's eye candy at its finest. You'll be traveling on good ol' U.S. Highway 395, aka the World War I Veterans Memorial Highway, a fully paved road stretching for 95 miles (152 kilometers) from Nye all the way to Mount Vernon. Be prepared for some twists and turns, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and soak up the pure Oregon vibes!
hardWhere is Fandango Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Fandango Pass! This hidden gem sits way up in Modoc County, California, chilling at a cool 6,164 feet. You'll find it nestled in the Modoc National Forest, pretty darn close to the Oregon border, between Upper Alkali Lake and Goose Lake. History buffs, listen up: this is where the legendary Applegate and Lassen Trails meet! The road itself? It's a well-kept gravel road called Fandango Pass Road (aka County Road 9), totally doable in most cars, weather permitting, of course. Just be ready for a bit of a thrill ride, with some seriously steep climbs, squeeze-through narrow spots, and hairpin turns galore! Clocking in at just over 15 miles, this beauty winds its way from US-395 to Surprise Valley Road. So, if you're looking for a scenic detour with a side of adventure, Fandango Pass is calling your name!