Low traffic and excellent road conditions combined with outstanding scenery, lots of hills and long mountain climbs make this a fantastic Road Riding destination. Even if you're coming out to mountain bike, don't leave the road bike at home. Most of the rides are out-and-back (the shortest paved loop in the Big Bend area is 200 miles) but the quality of riding is SO good and the scenery SO fantastic that you'll never notice. There are also several excellent possibilities for short tours in the area.

Big Bend Area

FACT: "Road Guide to the Paved Roads of Big Bend National Park" is a first-rate guide to road riding in Big Bend's largest Park.

"El Camino del Rio": 50 miles of paved road following the Rio Grande from Lajitas to Presidio, through beautiful canyon country. "National Geo Traveler" called it "One of 10 Most Scenic Drives in the U.S". Out-and-back makes a great century. Winding road and lots of hills, including the "Big Hill", a mile long 18% grade, and the steepest State Maintained paved road in Texas.

Terlingua - Rio Grande Village

Lots of climbing and a great downhill from Sotol Vista down to the Rio Grande, with some of the best views in the park. 30 miles one-way. There's a small store in Castolon about 22 miles into the ride.

Chisos Basin Road

From the the Chisos Basin turnoff the road climbs gradually for about 3.5 miles before getting steep for the last 1.5 miles and swithbacking over the pass into the Basin. Rides to Castolon, Terlingua, or Rio Grande Village are great options if you have a shuttle. All three are mostly downhill after you do the big climb out of the Basin. There's a Ranger Station in the Basin, as well as a restaurant and lodge.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Fort Davis Area

Located a little over 100 miles N of Terlingua, the Davis Mountains have arguably the best road riding in Texas. People come from all over to ride the Davis Mountain Loop and climb Mt. Locke to the McDonald Observatory.

General Information

Davis Mountains State Park has camping and a lodge, and there are several hotels and restaurants in the town of Ft. Davis. Don't miss the evening Star Parties at the McDonald Observatory.

Ft. Davis National Historic Site

Ft. Davis Chamber of Commerse

Davis Mountains State Park

McDonald Observatory

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