Ross Maxwell Panoramic Road

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!

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.

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!

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!

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 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.

Before you set off

Embark on an unforgettable 77 km journey along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which offers a breathtaking excursion through the diverse and enchanting desert landscapes of West Texas, leading to the majestic Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Big Bend National Park: This sprawling park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, hosting over 450 bird species, 75 mammal species, and 1,200 plant species within its vast and varied terrain, which includes river canyons, desert expanses, and mountain ranges.
• Castolon: A historic district offering a glimpse into the past with its preserved buildings, while also providing scenic views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert and the distant Chisos Mountains.
• Santa Elena Canyon: Marking the end of the drive, this awe-inspiring canyon boasts sheer limestone cliffs rising up to 1,500 feet above the Rio Grande, offering a dramatic backdrop for hiking and river activities.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal times to explore this region are spring and fall when the desert flora, including a variety of cacti and wildflowers, bursts into life, and the wildlife is most active. The mild temperatures during these seasons make outdoor activities more pleasant.

Potential Risks:

• Weather extremes: Despite the beauty, the desert climate can pose challenges with summer temperatures exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing.
• Remote location: The isolated nature of Big Bend National Park means limited access to amenities. Ensure you have enough fuel, water, and provisions for the journey.
• Wildlife: While the park's diverse animal life is a major draw, it's essential to respect the wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and not feeding the animals.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is named after the first superintendent of Big Bend National Park, who played a significant role in developing park facilities without compromising its natural beauty.
• The Road conditions are generally good, making the drive accessible for motorists of all skill levels and suitable for most vehicles.
• The route offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as bird-watching, star-gazing due to the area's designation as a Dark Sky Park, and exploring over 150 miles of hiking trails.
• The drive is budget-friendly, with affordable camping options and free access to many of the park's attractions.

A good choice for:

A Road Trip along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is not merely a means of transportation, but a journey of discovery through the stark and beautiful wilderness of the Texas desert. It is a route that offers not only stunning vistas and a sense of solitude but also a deep connection to the natural world and the rich history of Big Bend National Park.