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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesSouth USATexasRoss Maxwell Panoramic Road
Texas

Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road

Terlingua - Big Bend N.P. - Castolon - Santa Elena Canyon

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
Comfort Comfort
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km77 h/stage0.4

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road in Texas?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 242EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 296EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 355EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 445EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 377EUR
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Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road Itinerary

The Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road is an incredible 77 km journey through the stunning Texas desert. Starting in Terlingua and ending in Santa Elena Canyon, this road trip offers incredible views of the iconic Big Bend National Park, Castolon, and other spectacular sites. With moderate road conditions, this route is suitable for all drivers, and can be completed in a day. The best time of year to take the trip is during the spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild and the landscapes are lush. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore the desert, from the Rio Grande to the Chihuahuan Desert. There is also a range of activities to be enjoyed, from wildlife viewing to camping, and all of this can be enjoyed on a moderate budget. This road trip provides a unique opportunity to take in the beauty of the Texas desert, so make sure you don't miss out!
number of days 1 number of days
route length 77 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Terlingua

Distance 77 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: modest 19.9 kWh Airports ELP
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Terlingua is a fascinating destination located in the United States. It is the perfect starting point for the road trip named "Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road". It is a great place to explore and offers plenty of attractions for visitors. The Terlingua Ghost Town is a must-see for all visitors to the area. This is a real-life ghost town with a fascinating history and plenty of interesting sights to explore. Visitors can also explore the nearby Big Bend National Park, which offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Terlingua also has plenty of great restaurants and bars to choose from. There are also many outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing. For those who are looking for a more relaxed holiday, there are plenty of shops and galleries to explore. The closest international airport to Terlingua is El Paso International Airport (ELP). Car rental is available at the airport, making it easy to get around the area. Terlingua is the perfect starting point for the Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road. It offers plenty of attractions, outdoor activities, restaurants, and shops for visitors to explore. With the convenience of car rental at the closest international airport, it is the perfect place to start your road trip.

1 Terlingua - Big Bend N.P.

Distance 27 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: fast 8.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip experience starting in Terlingua, United States and ending at Big Bend National Park? This is one of the most spectacular stages of your adventure, with a total driving time of less than an hour over a 17mi route. During your drive, you will be able to visit the Terlingua Ghost Town, a former mining town that has been preserved as a tourist attraction. You will also be able to admire the beautiful Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande River. Once you arrive at Big Bend National Park, you will be mesmerized by its breathtaking landscapes, which include mountains, canyons, and desert. You will also be able to explore the park's many trails, which offer spectacular views of the Chihuahuan Desert. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Big Bend N.P. - Castolon

Distance 36 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: modest 9.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Start your journey in Big Bend National Park, United States, and drive along the Ross Maxwell drive for an unforgettable experience. This 23mi road trip will take you less than an hour to complete, and you will discover some of the most incredible sights along the way. From the Santa Elena Canyon, where the Rio Grande cuts a 1,500 foot deep gorge in the limestone, to the Castolon Historic District, you will be amazed by the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert. You will be able to view the ruins of an old cavalry post, and the old adobe buildings of Castolon, which were built in the early 1900s. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Boquillas Canyon, where the Rio Grande forms a deep canyon. Along the drive, you will have the chance to observe the diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and roadrunners. At the end of your journey, you will reach Castolon, where you can explore the ruins of the old cavalry post, and the old adobe buildings. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

3 Castolon - Santa Elena Canyon

Distance 13 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 3.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Are you ready to experience one of the most beautiful road trips? Start your journey in Castolon, United States and end in Santa Elena Canyon, 8 miles away and only a short drive of less than an hour. Along the way, you will discover breathtaking landscapes, interesting wildlife, and amazing historical sites. In Castolon, you will find the Castolon Historic District, a unique site that preserves the remains of a former military camp from the 19th century. Here, you can explore the ruins of the old buildings, the cemetery, and the visitor center. As you drive towards Santa Elena Canyon, you will pass through the Big Bend National Park. Here, you can admire the majestic views of the Rio Grande River, the Chisos Mountains, and the Santa Elena Canyon. You will also find the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, a great place to enjoy a short hike and take in the stunning views of the canyon walls. Finally, you will arrive at Santa Elena Canyon, a stunning natural wonder. Here, you can take a boat tour and explore the canyon walls from the river. This is only the beginning of your journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Santa Elena Canyon

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Santa Elena Canyon is an amazing natural wonder located in the United States, at the end of the Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road. This road trip is a great way to explore the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert, as it passes through some of the most stunning scenery in the region. Once you arrive at Santa Elena Canyon, you will be welcomed by a stunning view of the Rio Grande River, which marks the US-Mexico border. The canyon walls rise up to 1,500 feet and provide a perfect backdrop for a picturesque view. If you’re looking for some activities, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Elena Canyon. You can go birdwatching and observe some of the many species of birds that inhabit the area. You can also take a hike along the trails, which offer stunning views of the canyon and the river. For the more adventurous, you can take a rafting trip down the Rio Grande. For those who are traveling by air, the closest international airport is El Paso International Airport (ELP). Santa Elena Canyon is a must-visit destination for anyone taking a road trip along the Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road. With its breathtaking views and plenty of activities to do, you won’t want to miss this amazing natural wonder.

Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road at a glance

Hopefully, our road trip idea gave you numerous inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
It is a ready-made idea that can be conveniently turned into a complete journey – possibilities are innumerable.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a number of things to remember to make your road trip safe. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who opt for car hire or camper hire in Texas.
Travelling around Texas in a car requires you to pay attention to the local traffic rules. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any cost when travelling around Texas. Tourists should remember that the amount of alcohol you can consume is not that high and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 40km/h, when driving around the build-up areas may lead to a speeding fine. When travelling in non-build-up areas, you should stick to the maximum speed of 72km/h. When travelling on highways, the maximum speed is 129km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and drive with your headlights on during the day.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. Of course, depending on the budget option that interests you, the amount of money that you have to spend on your tour expenses will differ. A wide range of budget configurations is described below.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 77km across Texas may cost around 13 EUR. Economy accommodation options may cost holidayers around 77 EUR. The travel expenses related to food and restaurants within this option may cost up to more or less 72 EUR. Travellers will have to pay about 45 EUR if they choose the cheapest car hire option as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from roughly 162 EUR to roughly 207 EUR.
Travellers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 13 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. Cost amounting to 121 EUR can be expected by all drivers who are looking for standard accommodation options. When choosing this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost more or less 108 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car can expect a cost of about 54 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 296 EUR for holidayers who would like to try vehicle hire and 242 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will come up to the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay approximately 445 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend about 355 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 90 EUR. If you are interested in the highest standard of the trip, the gasoline cost will be up to about 13 EUR. You should expect to pay about 144 EUR for restaurants and food and roughly 198 EUR for accommodation options if you are interested in the top standard of services during your itinerary.
Our adventure will also be excellent for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their requirements. When it comes to this means of transport, you should expect the costs of around 225 EUR. Travellers will spend about 25 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the trip. Holidaymakers who opt for camper hire should expect to pay approximately 55 EUR for accommodation and about 72 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above-mentioned details in a straightforward way.
If Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road has inspired you, our website is full of beautiful scenic drives and road trips. The great versatility of ideas will definitely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.

Facts for safer driving in Texas

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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