
Panther Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
1,760 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Panther Pass in Big Bend National Park, Texas! This beauty climbs to 5,774 feet above sea level in Brewster County and was built way back in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The road is paved, but hold your horses, not all vehicles are welcome! With hairpin turns and some serious steep grades (up to 15%), trailers longer than 20 feet and RVs over 24 feet might want to sit this one out. But if you're in the right ride, get ready for some mind-blowing views! As you wind your way up, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping vistas of the mountain peaks and the incredible desert landscape below. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1,760 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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