Yup. The scenery is very different of course, but the road is equally fun to ride. It's like a roller coaster and has nearly zero traffic!
That's true enough....always liked the almost zero traffic of most of that Big Bend country, too. Along the River Road also recall a couple little settlements like Redford with interesting people and stories. Sure miss my yearly rides to that area.
We rode from Austin down to Big Bend last February, beautiful weather and spectacular scenery, especially the river road between Presidio and Lajitas. We went into the Park on 118 and took a road down to the Rio Grand, that was very beautiful too, but one way in and the same way out. My base was in Alpine, much cheaper lodging than in Terlingua. Did one day loop from Alpine to Marfa to Presidio, through Terlingua to Big Bend Park then back to Alpine via 118 and 90. A long day but very enjoyable throughout. I am not a Texan so all the scenery was new and interesting to me, even the relatively "plain" areas. Gas stations can be scarce so don't miss an opportunity to refuel. That being said, I had no problems finding fuel, I just watched the map and fueled up accordingly. Harley GPS worked well the entire trip, not so my cell phone. Cell signals were spotty.
All of this is good stuff, and what I would suggest as well. I AM a Texan, and he hit most of the high spots. Ride all over the Park -- there are some good side roads throughout, and you can get further information at the visitor's center in the center of the Park. Additionally, you can hit Ft. Davis Mountains and the Observatory there, check out Marathon for another quaint little town, Marfa lights in the evening (if conditions are clear and not overcast) and ride 170 both ways if you have time -- checking out Lajitas if you want a quick stop at the out-of-the-way "resort" just west of Terlingua. Also note that the weather is subject to changing on short notice...and as mentioned, gas up when available. Civilization has not encroached on all parts to the extent that there is a station every few miles. But that is a good thing. Enjoy!!
I'm taking a week down to the Bend area. I'm thinking of using Terlinqua as a base. Any thoughts on this.
Also what is not to be missed? I'm aware on the river road which looks to be west of the park. I've search this site, but there is little info on this area.
Thanks in advance guys!
When are you going? I am leaving Cypress, TX 10/22/17 for that area. Stopping for the night in Uvalde and using Alpine for base camp.
Following this thread closely, my brother and I are heading out that way next week!
Question, how dangerous is it riding in that area after dark? We have a pretty full itinerary, so if we get caught up, we might be arriving a few places after sunset?
As to driving after dark you may be referring to animals in the road, but another factor is visibility late in the day. In February I drove into Alpine from the east on 90 as the sun was setting and the lower the sun got, the more difficult it was to see anything! Not because it was dark, but because the sun was blasting me right in the eyes. I had a tinted face shield and tinted glasses but I slowed down to 40 mph because it did not seem wise to go any faster. It was almost impossible to see oncoming traffic or other vehicles in my lane until they were right in front of me.
Rode the park last year. Stayed in Alpine, more lodging options and restaurants. Ride the Ft. Davis loop and stop in at the McDonald Observatory. We rode Alpine to Marfa to Presidio to Lajitas to Terlingua to Study Butte and back to Alpine. Ride down to St Helena and up to Chiso’s Basin.
Only drawback is $20 per day for Park entry and the speed limit in the Park is 45mph. It is enforced. Stop off for a bowl of competition chili. At the McDonald Observatory. They make a really good porter.
Following this thread closely, my brother and I are heading out that way next week!
Question, how dangerous is it riding in that area after dark? We have a pretty full itinerary, so if we get caught up, we might be arriving a few places after sunset?
A lot of deer, javelina and wild turkeys out there. If you are out after dark be alert.
Take the ride then short hike to Elena Canyon. I did Big Bend earlier this year and my big picture thoughts were it's nice once you're there but not worth the trip; been there, done that, no t-shirt and definitely not going back.
09-18-2017, 10:20 AM
