Camino del Rio Panoramic Road

The Camino del Rio Panoramic Road is an amazing journey through breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Starting in Terlingua, the 101km route takes you through the towns of Lajitas and Redford, before ending in Presidio. Along the way, you’ll see the Rio Grande and Chihuahuan Desert, with its stunning rock formations and cactus-filled scenery. The best time of year to take the trip is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild. Be aware that the road conditions can be quite poor, so take your time and watch out for potholes. The trip can be completed in a day, but if you want to take in all the sights, plan to spend a few days. The Camino del Rio Panoramic Road is suitable for all levels of drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. So, get ready to explore the beauty of this special road trip!

Terlingua is a small unincorporated community in Brewster County, Texas, USA. It is an ideal starting point for the Camino del Rio Panoramic Road, a scenic drive along the Rio Grande River. The views of the countryside and the Rio Grande will leave you mesmerized. Terlingua has a number of attractions to explore, including the Terlingua Trading Post, a historic trading post which was the first store in the area. The Chisos Mountain Lodge is also worth a visit, especially for its beautiful vistas. The Ghost Town, a former mining town, is also a popular attraction. The closest international airport to Terlingua is Midland International Airport (MAF), located about two hours away. There are car rental services available at the airport, allowing you to drive to Terlingua and start your road trip. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique road trip, the Camino del Rio Panoramic Road is the perfect choice. Starting from Terlingua, you will be able to experience the stunning views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Mexican countryside. Make sure to get your camera ready to capture all the breathtaking sights along the way!

Are you ready to experience one of the most scenic road trips in the US? Start your journey in Terlingua, a small town in the Big Bend National Park, and make your way to Lajitas, only 12 miles away. The drive will take you less than an hour, and you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery. As you drive, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the incredible rock formations, the Rio Grande, and the stunning desert landscape. You will also pass by the historic Terlingua Ghost Town, an old mining town that was once a thriving community. Once you arrive in Lajitas, you will be amazed by the unique rock formations and the rugged beauty of the Big Bend. Make sure to take a stroll along the banks of the Rio Grande and explore the many trails and natural attractions. You can also visit the Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa, where you can enjoy a round of golf or a relaxing spa day. At the end of your journey, you will have experienced some of the most stunning sights in the US. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Lajitas to Redford? This scenic 34-mile drive will take you less than an hour, with plenty of interesting places to visit along the way. Start off your journey in Lajitas, where you can explore the old western-style buildings and the stunning Big Bend National Park. From there, you can head to Redford, an old mining town with a rich history. Here, you can explore the ruins of the old mining operations, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. Along the way, be sure to take note of the beautiful desert scenery and the stunning landscapes. You'll also want to keep an eye out for wildlife, as you may spot some of the local animals and birds. This is just one stage of your road trip, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get out on the open road and explore this amazing part of the country!

Welcome road-trippers! We invite you to take a journey from Redford to Presidio, a 16-mile drive that can be completed in less than an hour. Along the way, you’ll find some of the most stunning scenery the United States has to offer. As you start in Redford, take in the mountain views and lush forests. As you drive, be sure to take a few moments to appreciate the unique landscapes and the wildlife that inhabits the area. When you reach Presidio, you’ll be surrounded by the majestic Davis Mountains and the Rio Grande. You’ll also find plenty of activities to keep you entertained, such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Presidio is a small town located in the southern state of Texas, United States. It is a great end point for a road trip through the Panoramic Road of the Rio Grande. The town of Presidio is home to a number of interesting attractions and activities. It is the perfect place to explore the local culture and history. The Presidio Museum and the Presidio County Historical Museum are great places for visitors to learn about the history of the region. For those looking for outdoor activities, Presidio offers a variety of options. Visitors can explore the nearby Big Bend National Park or take a hike along the Rio Grande. There is also the Presidio County Park which offers a range of recreational activities. For those looking to experience the local culture, Presidio is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. It is a great place to sample some of the local cuisine. Those traveling by car can easily reach Presidio from the international airport in El Paso, Texas (ELP). For those looking to end their road trip on a high note, Presidio is the perfect place to do so. With its rich culture, history and outdoor activities, Presidio is the ideal destination for a road trip.

Before you set off

The Camino del Rio, also known as the River Road or FM 170, is a breathtaking scenic byway that offers a quintessential Road Trip experience through the dramatic and diverse desert landscapes of the American Southwest. This 101km (63-mile) drive, stretching from Terlingua to Presidio in Texas, showcases the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert and the winding Rio Grande, which carves a natural boundary between the United States and Mexico. Along the way, travelers encounter a mixture of ghost towns, historic sites, and astonishing geological formations.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Terlingua: This former mining town, now a ghost town, is famed for its annual chili cook-off and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past with its abandoned structures and a historic cemetery. It's also an excellent base for exploring the nearby Big Bend National Park, a geological marvel with more than 800,000 acres of natural splendor.
• Lajitas: Nestled between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, Lajitas is a small resort town that serves as a luxurious oasis for travelers seeking outdoor adventures such as hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting.
• Redford: Once known for its crossing point over the Rio Grande, Redford is a small community that maintains a serene environment and is surrounded by the stunning vistas of the desert and river landscapes.
• Presidio: Rich in history, Presidio is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the United States, with evidence of human presence dating back over 1,000 years. It provides a unique blend of Texan and Mexican cultures, offering authentic experiences and cuisine.
• Rio Grande: As North America's fourth-longest river, the Rio Grande shapes the landscape and ecology of the region, offering recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and bird-watching.
• Chihuahuan Desert: The largest desert in North America, the Chihuahuan Desert boasts a high biodiversity, including several species of cacti and the remarkable creosote bush, known for its resilience and the distinctive scent it releases when it rains.

Best Time to Go:

The most favorable times to drive the Camino del Rio are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months, when the weather is mild and the desert blooms with colorful wildflowers or the changing foliage offers a visual treat, respectively.

Potential Risks:

• Varying Road quality may present challenges, including potholes and uneven surfaces, so maintaining a safe speed and staying alert is advised.
• Given the rural nature of the route, travelers should ensure their vehicle is in good condition, carry spare water and fuel, and be aware that cell service may be spotty.
• Extreme heat in the summer and potential flash floods during monsoon season can pose hazards; it's crucial to check weather forecasts and stay informed.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

- The Road itself is an engineering feat, with parts carved out of the mountainside, offering dramatic drop-offs and exhilarating driving experiences.

- The route is dotted with Roadside picnic areas and scenic overlooks, such as the Big Hill, where travelers can pause to absorb the panoramic views and possibly spot local wildlife.

- While the journey can be completed in a few hours, spending at least two to three days enables a deeper exploration of the area's natural wonders, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities.

A good choice for:

Traversing the Camino del Rio Panoramic Road is more than just a drive; it's an invitation to discover the untamed beauty and enduring spirit of the American Southwest. With every turn unveiling a new vista or a piece of living history, this Road Trip promises an unforgettable adventure for those who seek to connect with the raw and rugged landscapes of the Texas borderlands.