Primitive Roadside Campsites— Old Ore Road

Campsite along the Old Ore Road

 

This 26 mile-long primitive road follows the early 1900s historic route used to transport ore from Mexican mines to the railroad station in Marathon. This road has excellent vistas of the Chisos Mountains and Tornillo Creek, and passes through the foothills of the Deadhorse Mountains, including the cliffs of Alto Relex. A high clearance vehicle and good tires are necessary. It takes approximately 3 1/2 hours to travel this road from end to end.
Ranger tip: The northern half is much rougher than the southern half.

There are 11 Primitive Roadside Campsites located along the Old Ore Road (listing South to North):

 

• Primitive Roadside Campsite— Candelilla
• Primitive Roadside Campsite— Camp de Leon
• Primitive Roadside Campsite— Ernst Tinaja
• Primitive Roadside Campsites— La Noria
• Primitive Roadside Campsite— Ernst Basin
• Primitive Roadside Campsite— Willow Tank
• Primitive Roadside Campsites— Telephone Canyon
• Primitive Roadside Campsite— Roys Peak Vista
• Primitive Roadside Campsite— McKinney Spring

 

 

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  What to check before you head out!

  Backcountry Road Safety

  Be prepared and equipped. A disabled vehicle on Big Bend's isolated roads can be a life-threatening situation.

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  Be a Big Bend Steward

  Leave No Trace

  During your visit to Big Bend, do everything you can to minimize your impact on the desert landscape..