Big Bend in May
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From: SE Texas
Big Bend in May
Going to go on my 1st long trip out to Big Bend area on my new '09 Ultra Classic the 1st week in May. I'm planning on spending several nights in Alpine and riding around in the Davis Mountains, Fort Davis up to Kent and back to Fort Davis and then go check out Balmorhea State Park. Then I'm going to go down to Presidio and run Hwy 170 over to Study Butte and back over to Presidio. I'm also thinking about running Hwy 170 west of Presidio out towards Cadelaria, has anyone ever run Hwy 170 out that way before? How far out is it paved and is it safe to ride out that way? Then I'm going to spend a couple of nights at Chisos Mountain Lodge and try to run all the paved roads in the park. When I leave the park on Hwy 385 I was looking at running Hwy 2627 all the way down to Heath Canyon, has anyone done that? Any and all advise would be welcome, Thank You
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Houston area
4 of us rode out there from Houston Sept '07. We were staying in Terlingua and had the same idea to go out to Candelaria as it looked like the roads (map and civilization) ended there. 170 is paved from Presidio to Riudosa but dirt/gravel after that. As I recall it was about 35 miles to Riudosa. It's safe but no gas (or anything else) so top off before you leave Presidio. IMO it's not worth the ride. The road is straight and flat except for some dips/dropoffs (30' ?) where the road goes over some gullies. There are about 8-10 old houses and buildings in Riudosa, most seemed abandoned, with an old shack of a store that provides some shade, drinks and not much more. The old woman who ran the place said there are 12 fulltime residents of the town. We decided to turn around and head back.
However, 170 is as good as advertised, a great ride as was riding in the park itself. One thing to keep in mind is there is no premium gas offered in the park unless they added it since we were there. We did not make it down 2627 to Heath Canyon.
Not sure which way you're going but if your a fan of the old west or a movie fan, I'd suggest you stop in Langtry which is west of Del Rio on Hwy 90. Langtry is where Judge Roy Bean had his courthouse and was the "Law west of the Pecos." Made a great movie about this real life legend that starred Paul Newman. (in fact I may go rent it again). The "couthouse/saloon" is there along with a state of Texas visitor center with free state maps, literature etc. Also, close by is Lake Amistad which is a National Park or water preserve.
Safe riding.
However, 170 is as good as advertised, a great ride as was riding in the park itself. One thing to keep in mind is there is no premium gas offered in the park unless they added it since we were there. We did not make it down 2627 to Heath Canyon.
Not sure which way you're going but if your a fan of the old west or a movie fan, I'd suggest you stop in Langtry which is west of Del Rio on Hwy 90. Langtry is where Judge Roy Bean had his courthouse and was the "Law west of the Pecos." Made a great movie about this real life legend that starred Paul Newman. (in fact I may go rent it again). The "couthouse/saloon" is there along with a state of Texas visitor center with free state maps, literature etc. Also, close by is Lake Amistad which is a National Park or water preserve.
Safe riding.
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From: SE Texas
Thanks Macker for answering my thread.
I hear what your saying about 170 west of Presidio, but I'm going to go out as far as Ruidosa anyways just to say I been out that way. I did a search on the net about Ruidosa and it does have an interesting past.
Thanks for the gas advice also, I was planning on toping off in Study Butte anyways. Maybe I can call Panther Junction and check on the premuim, but acording to the scooter's manual 1 tank of regular wont hurt it, I hope?
We are neighbors, kinda, I stay between Liberty and Livingston. The route I have planned is Conroe, Hempstead, Bastrop, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Boerne, Bandera, Garner SP (not to stop, looks like a big RV park), Uvalde, Rocksprings, Del Rio, Langtry (yes I'm going to go see the Judge, I've past by there many times in the big truck and never have stopped, going to stop this time), Alpine, and Big Bend. On the way back Marathon, Fort Stockton, San Angelo, Brady, Temple, Bryan, and Huntsville. I'm planning on doing this in 8 days and tried to allow plenty of time for many photo stops. Thats what I bought this HUGE monster bike for and this is just the 1st of many trips I'm hoping to take on it. Now I just have to figure out where and how I'm going to pack camera, tripod, mini-laptop, and so on. There's plenty of room just what's going to go where so I can find it when I need it.
I hear what your saying about 170 west of Presidio, but I'm going to go out as far as Ruidosa anyways just to say I been out that way. I did a search on the net about Ruidosa and it does have an interesting past.
Thanks for the gas advice also, I was planning on toping off in Study Butte anyways. Maybe I can call Panther Junction and check on the premuim, but acording to the scooter's manual 1 tank of regular wont hurt it, I hope?
We are neighbors, kinda, I stay between Liberty and Livingston. The route I have planned is Conroe, Hempstead, Bastrop, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Boerne, Bandera, Garner SP (not to stop, looks like a big RV park), Uvalde, Rocksprings, Del Rio, Langtry (yes I'm going to go see the Judge, I've past by there many times in the big truck and never have stopped, going to stop this time), Alpine, and Big Bend. On the way back Marathon, Fort Stockton, San Angelo, Brady, Temple, Bryan, and Huntsville. I'm planning on doing this in 8 days and tried to allow plenty of time for many photo stops. Thats what I bought this HUGE monster bike for and this is just the 1st of many trips I'm hoping to take on it. Now I just have to figure out where and how I'm going to pack camera, tripod, mini-laptop, and so on. There's plenty of room just what's going to go where so I can find it when I need it.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Kingwood, Texas
Hey Gwigg, you doing this trip alone? That sounds like a trip I would love to take. I can't go this year though, too much going on. Kingwood just started a local H.O.G. chapter and our second ride is tomorrow. For now, the chapter rides will be all I can find time to do. I am a shift worker and have a lot of time off though. Maybe we can meet half way sometime a head out to Yankees or Roundtop. PM me if interested.
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From: Planet Earth
I have been to Big Bend several times & the fuel station at Panther had premium fuel when I was out there.
Since you riding out hwy. 90, make sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave Del Rio. There is a big convenience store just west of Del Rio by the Lake Amistad Reservoir. That is you last fuel stop until Sanderson I was out there last summer & the only fuel station in Comstock had closed.
The next fuel stop after Sanderson will be Marathon. Check out the historic Gage Hotel. From Marathon you can taek hwy. 90 on into Alpine from or head south on 385 into Big Bend. That will put at Panther Junction in Big Bend.
Eat at the Starlight Theatre http://www.starlighttheatre.com/ in Terlingua. Good food.
On FM 170 (River Road) there are no gas stops. Fill up in Study Butte and/or Presido. I do not recommend you pass up either gas stop, even if you only need a gallon or two. There is a lot of nothing out there & poor cell phone coverage.
Since you riding out hwy. 90, make sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave Del Rio. There is a big convenience store just west of Del Rio by the Lake Amistad Reservoir. That is you last fuel stop until Sanderson I was out there last summer & the only fuel station in Comstock had closed.
The next fuel stop after Sanderson will be Marathon. Check out the historic Gage Hotel. From Marathon you can taek hwy. 90 on into Alpine from or head south on 385 into Big Bend. That will put at Panther Junction in Big Bend.
Eat at the Starlight Theatre http://www.starlighttheatre.com/ in Terlingua. Good food.
On FM 170 (River Road) there are no gas stops. Fill up in Study Butte and/or Presido. I do not recommend you pass up either gas stop, even if you only need a gallon or two. There is a lot of nothing out there & poor cell phone coverage.
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From: SE Texas
Well I made my 1st long distance over several nights trip out to Big Bend NP! I left Rye, TX. early Sunday 5/3, it was cloudy, cool, and looking like rain. Found the rain between Hempstead,TX. and Giddings,TX. on US290, but it wasn't bad enough to put raingear on and after Giddings it was blue skys. Got on TX21 in Paige,TX. and went south to San Marcos, then it was I35 to New Braunfels where i picked up TX46 and headed west to Boerne. South of Boerne I picked up TX16 to Bandera, didn't stop, touristy little town with sidewalk cafes and people taking pictures people on horses. I then got on FM470 heading west to Utopia, very nice scenic road. Picked up FM1050 west to US83 south to Uvalde and spent the night. My thoughts about my 1st day, well those gel inserts that some riders think is a good idea, didn't work for me, was like sitting on a 2x6!
2nd day I took TX55 up to Rocksprings, the weather was a little cool but nice and it was a nice ride. In Rocksprings I picked up US377 south to Del Rio. Then it was US90 west to Alpine. I stopped at the Pecos River view area and at Langtry to see the "Judge Roy Bean Saloon & Museum". I've been by there many times in the big truck and never stopped, glad I did this time. When I got to Alpine I checked into the motel and unloaded because the real fun was starting the next day.
3rd day I took TX118 north out of Aline to Fort Davis and toured the Fort, it was nice and interesting. Then it was up TX118 to McDonald Obversatory, I didn't take the tour because I had done it before, but I ride up to the top of the mountain. I was going to take TX118 on up to Kent and then back down to TX166 scenic loop, but when I got to TX166 I went ahead took it, Not near as scenic as TX118, TX118 is VERY nice! When I got back around to Ft. Davis I decided to go up TX17 to Balmorhea, but as i was passing through Ft. Davis i saw a Mexican Restaurant with sidewalk tables and stopped for lunch, Very good food. Went on up to Balmorhea then west on FM3078 to I10 west to Kent and then south on TX118 back to Alpine. TX118 is a very nice twisty road.
I know this is getting to be TOO long, sorry, and I do have pictures, lots of pictures to post after I cut them down some.
4th day I took US90 to Marfa and then US67 south to Presidio. Just north of Presidio i took FM170 west (not east), nice ride and the pavement ends in Candelaria,TX. Went back to Presidio and took FM170 east, I've done this road before, but not on a scooter. It was VERY HOT, very scenic, very much up and down and twisty and did I say VERY HOT, @ 115! I wanted to do TX170 in both direction so when I got to Study Butte I turned around and headed back to Presidio, so I could get an even tan. In Presidio I headed back up north on US67 to Aline.
5th day i headed south on TX118 to Study Butte and on into Big Bend. I went down Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive all the way to Santa Elena Canyon and then back to Chisos Mountain Lodge. I tried to plan this trip so that I would miss the Spring Break crowd, the rainy season, and before it got too hot. Well I did good on 2 out of 3. It sure was hot, 110 to at least 120, I carried lots of water and every time I stopped i would drink a bottle. They have 3 stores in the park and I didn't pass one and not stop to buy a bottle of COLD water. It was HOT, but I know if your reading this you will understand when I say it was also GREAT!
6th day I went to Rio Grande Village and Boquillas Canyon. I wanted to go to the Hot Springs, but I wasn't going down a dirt road.
7th day it time to start heading home. I headed up US395 and when I got out of the park I took FM2627 all the way to the Rio Grande river, there's nothing down there except a bridge with big concrete blocks blocking the entrance and fencing to prevent anyone from leagally crossing, but now I can say I've been west on FM170 to the end and south on FM2627 to the end! Went back up to US395 to Ft. Stockton and the I10 to US67 to San Angelo. Then I took US87 to Brady where I spent the night.
8th day I took US190 just about all the way home except for a couple of little short cuts.
Total miles 2499. 7 1/2 days
I had the most wonderful time, I learned some things about packing, I did pack a little too much and i got to get a smaller camera. I have a Canon 30D, too big to carry and I don't really need the tripod. Yes, I'm already planning next trip to Palo Duro Canyon,TX., Silver City,NM., and Carlsbad,NM. OH YES, I've already ordered and received a new Corbin seat. I do have pictures, but I need to reduce the size before I post them. Also, very sorry about the long post, I can't help it.
2nd day I took TX55 up to Rocksprings, the weather was a little cool but nice and it was a nice ride. In Rocksprings I picked up US377 south to Del Rio. Then it was US90 west to Alpine. I stopped at the Pecos River view area and at Langtry to see the "Judge Roy Bean Saloon & Museum". I've been by there many times in the big truck and never stopped, glad I did this time. When I got to Alpine I checked into the motel and unloaded because the real fun was starting the next day.
3rd day I took TX118 north out of Aline to Fort Davis and toured the Fort, it was nice and interesting. Then it was up TX118 to McDonald Obversatory, I didn't take the tour because I had done it before, but I ride up to the top of the mountain. I was going to take TX118 on up to Kent and then back down to TX166 scenic loop, but when I got to TX166 I went ahead took it, Not near as scenic as TX118, TX118 is VERY nice! When I got back around to Ft. Davis I decided to go up TX17 to Balmorhea, but as i was passing through Ft. Davis i saw a Mexican Restaurant with sidewalk tables and stopped for lunch, Very good food. Went on up to Balmorhea then west on FM3078 to I10 west to Kent and then south on TX118 back to Alpine. TX118 is a very nice twisty road.
I know this is getting to be TOO long, sorry, and I do have pictures, lots of pictures to post after I cut them down some.
4th day I took US90 to Marfa and then US67 south to Presidio. Just north of Presidio i took FM170 west (not east), nice ride and the pavement ends in Candelaria,TX. Went back to Presidio and took FM170 east, I've done this road before, but not on a scooter. It was VERY HOT, very scenic, very much up and down and twisty and did I say VERY HOT, @ 115! I wanted to do TX170 in both direction so when I got to Study Butte I turned around and headed back to Presidio, so I could get an even tan. In Presidio I headed back up north on US67 to Aline.
5th day i headed south on TX118 to Study Butte and on into Big Bend. I went down Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive all the way to Santa Elena Canyon and then back to Chisos Mountain Lodge. I tried to plan this trip so that I would miss the Spring Break crowd, the rainy season, and before it got too hot. Well I did good on 2 out of 3. It sure was hot, 110 to at least 120, I carried lots of water and every time I stopped i would drink a bottle. They have 3 stores in the park and I didn't pass one and not stop to buy a bottle of COLD water. It was HOT, but I know if your reading this you will understand when I say it was also GREAT!
6th day I went to Rio Grande Village and Boquillas Canyon. I wanted to go to the Hot Springs, but I wasn't going down a dirt road.
7th day it time to start heading home. I headed up US395 and when I got out of the park I took FM2627 all the way to the Rio Grande river, there's nothing down there except a bridge with big concrete blocks blocking the entrance and fencing to prevent anyone from leagally crossing, but now I can say I've been west on FM170 to the end and south on FM2627 to the end! Went back up to US395 to Ft. Stockton and the I10 to US67 to San Angelo. Then I took US87 to Brady where I spent the night.
8th day I took US190 just about all the way home except for a couple of little short cuts.
Total miles 2499. 7 1/2 days
I had the most wonderful time, I learned some things about packing, I did pack a little too much and i got to get a smaller camera. I have a Canon 30D, too big to carry and I don't really need the tripod. Yes, I'm already planning next trip to Palo Duro Canyon,TX., Silver City,NM., and Carlsbad,NM. OH YES, I've already ordered and received a new Corbin seat. I do have pictures, but I need to reduce the size before I post them. Also, very sorry about the long post, I can't help it.
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From: SE Texas
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From: Planet Earth
Good to hear you had great trip. The best thing about the Big Bend area is that you have to go back repeatedly to see everything.
I never get tired of that part of the country.
I never get tired of that part of the country.
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From: SE Texas
Your right Msscull, I'm already thinking that I wish I had spent more time doing and seeing this and that, got to go when its cooler like Oct. or March, but then it will be a lot more crowded then also. The lodge was full I think but not a lot of traffic in the park. I see I misspelled a bit on my post, oh well fat fingers.
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From: Planet Earth
Check out this website www.theoasisofmysoul.com and check out the "My Archives" section.
This guy has been on the road, with his dog, for over 2 years. He spends a lot of time in Big Bend during the winter months.
Reviewing his travels will give you some ideas for your next trip.
This guy has been on the road, with his dog, for over 2 years. He spends a lot of time in Big Bend during the winter months.
Reviewing his travels will give you some ideas for your next trip.