Old Maverick Road is the easiest off-road road in Big Bend NP

Old Maverick Road is the easiest off-road road in Big Bend NP

Usa, north-america

Length

20.27 km

Elevation

457 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

Houghton Mountainhard

Houghton Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Houghton Mountain in Colorado's San Juan County! This beast tops out at a whopping 12,404 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable peaks. Picture this: a rugged, rocky, and sometimes tippy gravel road snaking its way up through the San Juan Mountains. This isn't a Sunday drive – we're talking 4WD territory with serious clearance and tires that can handle a beating. Plus, a healthy respect for heights! Keep in mind this road is typically snowed in from October to June. When it's open, you'll be treated to glimpses of historic mining structures. The trail is steep in parts, and the weather up here can change on a dime, so keep an eye on the sky! The payoff? Unbelievable panoramic views of the Mount Sneffels cluster, Uncompahgre Peak, Handies Peak, and the Rio Grande Pyramid. Trust me, it's a visual feast you won't soon forget. This trail isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're an experienced off-roader craving breathtaking scenery, Houghton Mountain is calling your name!

Big Samhard

Big Sam

🇺🇸 Usa

Big Sam is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.298m (10,820ft) above the sea level, located in Tuolumne County, California, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of California. This infamous gravel road to the summit is rough with several hairpin turns. A very steep maintained (jeep) trail goes almost directly over the top of the peak. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. 4wd vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. The route is snow free from June to October. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer. 27 Lessons from 27 Films - Car Breakdowns Road trip guide: Conquering Big Hole Pass in Montana 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.

Why is it called Hatchers Pass?hard

Why is it called Hatchers Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Hatcher Pass! This beauty sits way up high in Alaska, clocking in at 3,886 feet above sea level. Named after the legendary prospector Robert Hatcher, this 60-mile route, also known as Hatcher Pass Road (or Fishhook Road if you're feeling local), connects Palmer and Willow with some serious mountain vibes. Picture this: the road starts paved from Palmer, but around mile 17.5, it turns to gravel for about 15 miles. Be warned – after it rains, this section can get pretty gnarly with ruts. Think switchbacks, the occasional pothole, and zero guardrails as you climb through the Mat-Su Valley. I wouldn’t recommend bringing your RV or anything too big, those hairpin turns are tight! Perched in the Talkeetna Mountains, Hatcher Pass sees snow early, so while it's usually open year-round, the last mile up to Independence Mine is typically closed in winter. That central gravel section? Snow usually shuts it down until around July 4th. It's remote, seriously remote. You won't find much in the way of services out there, so fuel up and pack accordingly! But trust me, the scenery is worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road!

Silver Plume Mountainmoderate

Silver Plume Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk about Silver Plume Mountain in Colorado. We're talking SERIOUSLY high – 12,322 feet high! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. To conquer this beast, you're gonna need a 4x4 with some serious ground clearance. Forest Service Road 778.1 is the name, and gnarly is the game. Picture this: an old mining road, rough, rocky, and ready to test your off-roading skills. Oh, and a heads up: Mother Nature slams the gates shut with snow from around October to June. So plan accordingly! But trust me, the views from up there? Totally worth the challenge!