ross maxwell scenic drive

This drive, and the stops and hikes along the way are what you come to Big Bend to see and do. It's 30 miles one way and takes you through the amazing range of terrain and geology. Drive, stop, look, walk, hike and enjoy.

This is a long drive. we left the lodge and took the whole drive. it is a must if you are in big bend national park

This is a 32 mile drive. It takes about 1 hour with no stops. A nice mix of canyons, desert, mesas, mountains and the scattered remains of old adobe buildings. Be sure not to bi-pass the old Army compound of Castolon- it was a frontier trading post that is still opened. 8 miles from Castolon there is a canyon overlook that offers a view down in the Rio Grande. The drive ends at a parking area where there is a lovely 1.5 mile hike into the mouth of the canyon

I'm not a big fan of sitting in the car for extended periods of time. I'd much rather be hiking, but this was definitely worth the ride. I recommend spending a whole day making your way down the drive, stopping for hikes and views as much as possible. Take your time and enjoy it!

Best to time this drive with the sun at your back. But the views are outstanding no matter when you visit. Highly recommended.

You drive this on your way to Castalon (where there is a store - not too well stocked, but can find snacks and drinks and a helpful cashier). Every turn you just want to stop and take more pictures! I think this part of the park is prettier than towards Rio Grande ... enjoyed this part of the park the most!

There is so much to see along this drive. Be sure to find a map or guide that will tell you what mountains you are seeing. You can get them at the ranger stations. You can stop along the way at various locations and take some incredible photos. Lots of geology and nature. Highly recommend.

Great drive and a dozen different places to stop and gaze at the beauty. Stop at the Sam Neil farm, donkey ears, and the end canyon. Also the burro pour out is a nice place too.

A highlight of any visit to Big Bend National Park is this visually arresting drive through the Chihuahuan Desert, a lonely but picturesque route that culminates at Santa Elena Canyon and the Rio Grande.

It is nice, I can't say it is something outstanding. If you in Big Bend park sure you must do it. Plus I recommend on the way back use unpaved Old Maverick road suitable for any cars.

Around every corner and about every 5 miles the views changed. We saw different beauty on the trip back, different views and as the sun changed overhead the shadows became so spatacular!

This drive was a perfect ending to our visit to the park, highly recommended. Only issue was that a small portion of the road was closed due to recent flood damage.

The drive takes one all the way to the Santa Elena canyon and offers some good views of the mountains in the park. We didn't spend much time at the stops, since we wanted to utilize the time hiking the canyon trail. There are some good sunrise spots as well.

The drive is worth it, and make sure to do the pulloffs to get good views and pictures. We arrived in the park about 830 in the morning and drove every bit of paved road in the park and were done by 4.

One of the most beautiful drives in America. So many different formations that take you back to prehistoric times. The colors are enhanced at sunset. Just breathtaking!