What is a "Primitive Dirt Road?"
Primitive dirt roads are maintained for high-clearance vehicles only, and may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. These roads may be rocky with areas of soft gravel or sand that makes travel unsafe for sedans or RVs. Road conditions are highly dependent on weather; rain often makes these roads difficult to drive or impassable. Check with a ranger for current road conditions.

Old Ore Road
26 miles (43km)
Used in the early 1900s to transport ore from Mexican mines to the railroad station at Marathon, the Old Ore Road generally follows the route used by mule and pack trains a century ago. The road has excellent views of the Chisos Mountains across the Tornillo Creek drainage to the west. Ernst Tinaja, five miles from the southern end of the road, is a popular destination.

Glenn Springs Road
16 miles (26km)
This road skirts the eastern slopes of the Chisos Mountains and leads to the Glenn Springs Historic Site. As the road descends from Glenn Springs to the River Road, it generally becomes smoother.

Pine Canyon Road
4 miles (6km)
From the Glenn Springs Road this short road leads to the Pine Canyon Trail.

Juniper Canyon Road
5 miles (8km)
From the Glenn Springs Road this short road leads to the Juniper Canyon Trail and Dodson Trail junction. This road is rocky and rough and usually requires 4-wheel drive.

Black Gap Road
8.5 miles (14km)
This road connects the Glenn Springs Road with the River Road. This road is not maintained, and 4-wheel drive is required at all times. Black Gap Road photos (700k pdf) provide insight of this challenge.

The River Road
51 miles (82km)
The River Road traverses the southern portion of the Big Bend. While generally following the course of the Rio Grande, the road usually runs a considerable distance from the river, especially in its middle section. Due to the length and usually rough condition of the road, allow a full day to drive from end to end. Numerous roadside campsites (permit required) are located along the road, allowing for an extended exploration. The west end of the road is lesser used, and generally in a rougher condition; the road crosses numerous washes, and is often impassable after rains.