This 13-mile improveddirt road connects the western entrance of Big Bend National Park and the Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead. Although usually bumpy, this route is generally well-maintained and accessible to all vehicles throughout the year. Beautiful desert scenery and badlands offer a backcountry experience to even the most timid of motorists.
Three campsite areas contain a total of five primitive campsites along the Old Maverick Road.
Click on a primitive roadside campsite for descriptions and images:
Backcountry Road Conditions Find out the current status of Big Bend's primitive roads before you set out more...
Backcountry Road Guide Purchase a detailed road guide from the Big Bend Natural History Association more...
Did You Know?
The Harte Ranch section of the North Rosillos Mountains was added to Big Bend National Park in 1987. Property owners Houston H. Harte and Edward H. Harte donated the 67,000 acre ranch to the Texas Nature Conservancy in 1985 with the understanding that it would eventually become part of the park.