Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- Details
- Published on Saturday, 04 July 2009 17:00
- Written by Mike Davidson
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is the most interesting of the paved sightseeing routes in Big Bend National Park, giving the greatest variety of habitats, geology and a variety of interesting short walks and interpretive pull overs.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive skirts the western slopes of the Chisos Mountains, climbing up to one the park's most outstanding views at Sotol Vista, then winding down to parallel the Rio Grande at Castolon Historic District and winding up at Santa Elena Canyon trailhead, where the pavement ends. Heading south from the Ross Maxwell junction, there are a number of pullovers to interpretive sites, trailheads to short and longer hikes, and scenic vistas.
Old Sam Nail Ranch - a short path leads to an abandoned old ranch building along Cottonwood Creek.
Chimneys Trailhead- A 5 mile round trip moderate hike to interesting geological formations, or continue on to Luna's Jacal on the Maverick Road, about 7 miles total.
Blue Creek Ranch - a ranch house made out of native rock near the trailhead to Blue Creek Canyon
Sotol Vista - The view shown below is one of the best in the park.
Burro Mesa Pour-Off - a 1/2-mile trail leads into a box canyon and a dramatic high pour-off.
Tuff Canyon - a short trail leads to an overlook and inside the canyon itself.
Castolon Historic District- Buildings from the early 1900's farming community including an old store, troop barracks, and private residences. A small store offers cold drinks, snacks, lunch material, ice cream etc.
Cottonwood Campground- Developed campsites with tables, running water, and chemical toilets, underneath shady Cottonwood trees, right by the Rio Grande. Excellent location for watching birds and wildlife.
There are several pullouts with views of the Rio Grande, before arriving at Santa Elena Canyon, a Big Bend "Must See". At this point, travelers may continue ahead on the all gravel Maverick Road 14 miles back to the western gate of Big Bend National Park, or backtrack on the paved Ross Maxwell Drive.
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Worth a Thousand Words
There are some views you just can't take in all at once. Like a dazzling sunset or breathtaking field of wildflowers—you just can't appreciate such beauty in the moment, a moment that is often over before you realize it, the forms and colors of that marvelous vista already fading in your memory. Perhaps it was with the goal of preserving such scenes that the first camera was invented, a goal that you may still share when you visit a place as beautiful as Big Bend and the surrounding area. Why not take a look through our new and improved photo galleries to see what amazing sights have been preserved by astounded visitors and appreciative locals? When you see the mountains, plains, flora, and fauna displayed in those images, you'll be glad the gallery contributors took their camera along.
Birding in Big Bend
Among the many activities available in Big Bend National Park that highlight the region's diversity of wildlife, birding can be enjoyable and promising. Big Bend engulfs a vast area, bounded by the the rushing Rio Grande valley to the south, containing high peaks in the Chisos Mountains, and boasting both desert and forest climates between the two. It embodies the very diversity that makes America great, providing countless opportunities to spot more than 450 birds in one area.
Your Big Year is Here
What are your new year's resolutions for 2012? Did you keep your resolutions for 2011? While the top resolutions each year include losing weight, learning something new, traveling, or getting out of debt, here's a new challenge you can take on this year: spot all the bird species in Big Bend National Park.
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Big Bend has some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, if not the entire US. Our big sky country rivals any other state and our night skies are as dark as anywhere for excellent star gazing. The beautiful light and great scenery make for a photographer’s paradise.
Trails and Wildlife
There are many things you may love to do in Big Bend National Park in the heat of summer, but running or jogging is probably not one of them. With 90+ degree temperatures, there simply is no such thing as a nice July run in West Texas. With the dry weather we've had this year, you have truly hostile workout conditions. That all changes this time of year, though, as temperatures drop and the sun gives us a break for a few months. What a great time to get out on some trails in Big Bend!
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