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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!
I wanted to go there earlier this year but the plan did not materialize. Next April is now the Target. Enjoy ..... and I am looking forward to your trip, pictures and story.
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.
Look up Davis Mountain Loop....nice ride. Goes by the McDonald Observatory.Also, think you'd like the road that takes you to Santa Elena Canyon and back. Terlingua is a cool little town with that old cemetery. You'll enjoy sipping a long neck with the characters on that porch at sundown.Unless things have changed in the last couple years the Starlight has good food and drinks and is often a live music venue....also, La Kiva but that changes hands often. The Easter Egg Valley Motel was a 1-star when I stayed there, but clean and fit in to the deal just fine. Ride up to Chisos Basin. There's a campground there along with a nice lodge and short hiking with beautiful overlooks....South Rim I believe it's called. Lots of critters so I'd lie low at night but during the day look for javallinas. Interesting little guys.
I made I down there twice this year- on the bike in May and later with the OL in the car in July. The May trip we stayed in Terlingua at the Chisos Mining Co hotel. It's not a bad place but very small and just a step above staying in a tent! At least the rates were affordable and it's a good jumping off point to explore the area.
The July trip we stayed in Alpine, which has more lodging options. It's a bit more inconvenient though, as it's about 80 miles north of the park.
Wherever you you end up staying, I'd suggest riding from Ft. Davis to Balmorea when you're north of the Park (if you are) and don't miss the ride through Big Bend Ranch State Park. That stretch up to Presidio is absolutely awesome! It's among the best motorcycling roads I've ridden. I'd rank it right up there with the devil's highway in AZ or the million dollar highway here in CO.
This. Ft. Davis was our first long, overnight ride...10 hours one way and 550 miles. Cold, cloudy and rain going. Sunny and warm coming back. Great ride. But...we only had the weekend, so it was very short. We never made it to Big Bend.
I made I down there twice this year- on the bike in May and later with the OL in the car in July. The May trip we stayed in Terlingua at the Chisos Mining Co hotel. It's not a bad place but very small and just a step above staying in a tent! At least the rates were affordable and it's a good jumping off point to explore the area.
The July trip we stayed in Alpine, which has more lodging options. It's a bit more inconvenient though, as it's about 80 miles north of the park.
Wherever you you end up staying, I'd suggest riding from Ft. Davis to Balmorea when you're north of the Park (if you are) and don't miss the ride through Big Bend Ranch State Park. That stretch up to Presidio is absolutely awesome! It's among the best motorcycling roads I've ridden. I'd rank it right up there with the devil's highway in AZ or the million dollar highway here in CO.
Lol...I sure like the River Road to Presidio, too.....but right up there with Million Dollar between Durango and Ridgeway???
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Big Bend
