Where is Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive?
Usa, north-america
48 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're heading to West Texas, you NEED to experience the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park. Seriously, this place is a hidden gem, and this drive is the perfect way to explore it.
This 30-mile paved road winds along the Rio Grande, offering killer views and a taste of Texan history. Named after the park's first superintendent, Ross Maxwell, this route is a must-do.
Starting from Maverick Drive, you'll climb the Chisos Mountains (watch out for those 20% grades!) to Sotol Vista for insane panoramic views. Then, cruise down to the Rio Grande at Castolon Historic District. The paved road ends at the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead. Want a loop? You *can* reconnect with Highway 118 from Santa Elena Canyon, but the unpaved section is rough, so RVs and low-clearance cars should take note.
Is it worth it? A thousand times YES! Think unforgettable vistas, historic sites, the backside of the Chisos Mountains, old homestead ruins...it's a sensory overload of Texan beauty. Just be aware of potential flooding in certain areas. Trust me; this drive will leave you speechless.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 48 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Hacking Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a taste of the high life (literally!), you HAVE to check out the road to Hacking Lake in northeastern Utah. Nestled way up in Uintah County, this hidden gem boasts some of the highest roads in the entire state, topping out at a breathtaking 10,643 feet above sea level! Word to the wise: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. You'll need a seriously capable vehicle for the rugged, unpaved 0.2-mile stretch, a challenging climb from the east end of the Uintah Mountain Range. And forget about winter; this route is totally off-limits once the snow flies. Even in the warmer months, altitude and unpredictable weather can throw curveballs, so always be prepared. But trust me, the reward is worth it! Hacking Lake itself is a fisherman's paradise, teeming with Tiger and Rainbow trout. Plus, the views? Epic! You'll be bragging about this road trip for years to come.
hardThe Chicken Corners Trail in Moab is a breathtaking road along the Colorado River
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the Chicken Corners Trail, located in Utah's San Juan County! This epic 14.8-mile adventure hugs the Colorado River downstream, serving up views that'll make your jaw drop. Ever wondered about that name? Legend has it, the trail's narrowest point overlooking the river was where the "least" chicken-hearted traveler dared to pass. Talk about a test of courage! The terrain's a mix of gravel, red dirt, sand, and sandstone, making it perfect for a high-clearance 4x4 SUV. While you might not even need to engage 4WD most of the time, don't even think about attempting this in a low-clearance vehicle. Prepare for a passenger's trust to be seriously tested. On one side, the river flows; on the other, a straight 450-foot drop. It's wide enough, but those high shelf roads can be intimidating! Reaching a peak of 4,475 feet at Hurrah Pass, this trail is generally accessible year-round, but spring and fall are prime time. Morning drives are especially magical for snapping those envy-inducing photos and dodging the crowds. This trail serves up some of the most stunning vistas in the Moab area. The view of the Colorado River from Chicken Corners is simply breathtaking. The road culminates at a dramatic cliff, where a narrow path leads to a viewpoint near the Goose Neck. Brace yourself for a few turns that'll have you peering straight down into canyons, but trust me, it's SO worth it. And hey, from Chicken Corners, keep an eye out for Thelma & Louise Point across the river – a nod to the iconic movie's unforgettable ending.
hardBull Run Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Bull Run Pass in California's Tulare County is calling your name, but fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a serious climb up to 7,588 feet above sea level in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. The road? Let's just say it's intimately acquainted with gravel and rocks. Translation: expect a bumpy ride! Plan your trip accordingly, as this beast is typically snowed in from October to June. If you're not comfortable navigating unpaved, steep mountain roads, this might be a pass (pun intended!). A 4x4 is an absolute must, and if you're prone to vertigo, maybe sit this one out. Word on the street is the Bull Park Trail section is especially rough. But hey, the views are probably killer if you dare to look!
moderateWhere is Carson-Guler Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a seriously gorgeous gravel road adventure in Washington's Skamania County! We're talking Carson-Guler Road, nestled in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, practically kissing the Oregon border. This baby’s a 22.7-mile stretch of pure Pacific Northwest bliss, blending Forest Road 24 and Forest Road 60. You can totally cruise it in a regular car, but take it slow and steady, folks – it's a gravel road, after all! You'll kick things off near Peterson Prairie Cabin, hooking up with Route 141, and you’ll roll all the way to the Wind River Highway, also known as Forest Road 30. Along the way, you've GOT to check out Goose Lake and its chill campground, plus you can hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail or even hang with the horses at Crest Horse Camp! Just a heads-up: this road climbs to a cool 3,576 feet, so it's a no-go zone from December 1st to April 1st due to snow. Plan your trip accordingly for the ultimate adventure!