Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
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The thirty-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive leads to the Castolon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon. Along the way the road showcases some of the historic and geologic features this region is famous for.
Sam Nail Ranch NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou One of the many homesteads once active in the Big Bend, the remnants of Sam Nail Ranch now provide shade and habitat for desert wildlife. A windmill still pumps water and attracts an interesting variety of birdlife. Sit quietly on the bench and listen for javelinas moving through the brush, or enjoy watching painted buntings, green-tailed towhees, and mockingbirds. 
Homer Wilson Ranch NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou This overlooks provides a view of the headquarters of the Homer Wilson Ranch, one of the largest in the region prior to the establishment of the park. A short trail leads down the ranch buildings and connects with the Blue Creek Canyon and Dodson trails. 
Sotol Vista NPS Photo/Jennette Jurado From the viewpoint perched high above the desert floor you are rewarded an unparalleled vista of the entire western side of Big Bend National Park, including magnificent Santa Elena Canyon in the distance. 
Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou Take the 1.5 mile side road to the base of the colorful cliffs of Burro Mesa. A 0.5 mile trail leads into a hidden box canyon with a high, dry waterfall. A variety of desert plants and superb geology surround you at this worthwhile roadside stop. 
Mule Ears Peaks NPS Photo/Blake Trester Mule Ears Viewpoint 
Tuff Canyon NPS Photo/Reine Wonite Tuff Canyon was carved out of soft volcanic tuff (compressed ash). The deep and narrow canyon is easily observed from two viewing platforms. If you wish, you may enter and hike through the gorge. 
Castolon Historic District NPS Photo/Reine Wonite Established as a cavalry camp in the early Twentieth Century, Castolon later served as the headquarters of the La Harmonia Company. A visitor center and camper store are located here. The Cottonwood campground is located nearby. 
Santa Elena Canyon NPS Photo/Big Bend National Park The Rio Grande has sliced a 1,500-foot vertical chasm out of pure limestone to form one of the most magnificent canyons in the park. As you look down Santa Elena Canyon, the left wall of the canyon is in Mexico, while the right wall is in Texas. A fabulous trail follows the river upstream then drops down to the canyon floor. Taking a float trip through the canyon is also an enjoyable venture. 
View along Old Maverick Road NPS Photo/Reine Wonite The Old Maverick Road runs between Maverick Junction and Santa Elena Canyon. It is a 14-mile improved dirt road that passes along the Terlingua Creek badlands on the west side of the park. A number of historic sites are located along the road. |
Did You Know?
The western pipistrelle is the smallest bat found in Big Bend National Park. It is often the first bat to appear at dusk, but can sometimes be seen in broad daylight. More...