El Camino del Rio (Big Bend River Road): the drive, the stops and where to sleep

Distance

About 50 miles (80 km)

Time

1 day

Best time

October–April

One of America's great desert drives, following the Rio Grande through canyons and over a 15% grade at the Big Hill. Texas FM 170, Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Highlights

• The Big Hill overlook
• Closed Canyon trail
• Hoodoos along the Rio Grande

The route

1. Lajitas, TX
2. Big Bend Ranch State Park, TX
3. Presidio, TX

Road trip tips

• Summer heat is extreme and services are rare — fill up in Lajitas or Presidio.