BIG BEND TEXAS Route Updates
Updated September 22, 2025
Join our Facebook Group for more route updates.
Visit the official Big Bend Texas BDR-X Facebook Group page for ride reports, photos, and discussions with other riders in your area HERE.
August 11, 2025 (updated September 22, 2025)
Multiple Park Closures in Effect
Following the flooding damage in July of this year, multiple dirt roads within Big Bend Natl Park are currently closed.
- These closures affect many roads on the BDR-X including Old Ore Road, Black Gap Rd, Hot Springs Rd, Maverick Rd, and River Road
- There is no ETA for reopening these roads for the winter riding season. Click HERE to check the official Big Bend website for updates as you plan your trip.
- Additionally, Panther Junction Gas Station Store is closed for a remodel, but gas is still available.
- We have also learned that portions of Section 4 are flooded and impassable as of this week. There is no fuel available on this section, and a major bypass could be required if you encounter flooded and impassable roads. See photos for reference from 9/15
From the Big Bend Natl Park website:
River Road East is open from the eastern end to the Glenn Spring Road junction. Glenn Spring Road is open. The paved road between Castolon and Santa Elena Canyon (Park Route 16) is open, but there is mud and water on the road in some locations. River Road is closed west of the Glenn Springs Road junction. Old Ore Road, Hot Springs Road, and Black Gap Road are all closed. Unpaved roads require 4-wheel drive. Your safety is your responsibility, be prepared to self-rescue.
Due to heavy rain and flooding events in July, the following closures are in effect until further notice:
- The following dirt roads are CLOSED: Hot Springs Road, Old Ore Road, Black Gap Road, and River Road West. Old Maverick Road is open, but 4×4 is currently needed.
- The following paved road is CLOSED: Route 16, from Cottonwood Campground to Santa Elena Canyon Overlook.
- Many backcountry drive-in campsites are CLOSED. Check at Panther Junction Visitor Center to find out which campsites are open.
- Please exercise extreme caution when driving any road in the park. Do not drive into low water crossings if water is flowing across the road.
- To view weather forecasts for Big Bend and Brewster County, please go to this page of our website.
See attached screenshots for reference.
Purchase the official map for the Big Bend BDR-X HERE
Always download the latest version of the GPS tracks just before you go HERE
May 23, 2025
New Tracks Available for Download
A new version of the Big Bend TX BDR-X tracks is available labeled BDRX-Big-Bend-May2025.gpx
This update includes a few minor refinements and a few major updates:
SECTION 3:
- The previous route travelled from Study Butte to Presidio. The new Section 3 bypasses Presidio and heads north to Marfa.
- Fuel, Food, and Lodging are available in Presidio and riders should detour into town for gas if they intend to also ride the optional EXT track into the State Park.
- Section 3 is now 124 miles, but is over 170 miles if you also go into the State Park.
- Riders can get fuel in Lajitas, and must secure their State Park Permits in Lajitas or Presidio prior to entering the park.
SECTION 4:
- The previous route travelled from Presidio to Van Horn. The new Section 4 starts in Marfa and rides down beautiful Pinto Canyon to rejoin the previous segment on Chispa Rd.
- This section is 144 miles and there is NO FUEL available anywhere along this section. Carry extra fuel if your range is close to this.
- In inclement weather, Godzilla Hill is considered impassable and riders should return to Marfa.
SECTION 5:
- The previous route went south from Fort Davis to Marfa, then to Alpine. With the addition of Marfa as a section end, the updated route travels directly from Fort Davis to Alpine.
See attached screenshots for reference. Updated section descriptions can be found on the main route page HERE
Purchase the all new official map (expected late May 2025) for the Big Bend BDR-X HERE
Always download the latest version of the GPS tracks just before you go HERE
November 4th, 2024
Section 3 – Terlingua Ranch Tracks Update
We’ve recently learned that certain roads within Terlingua Ranch lack public easements. As a result, we have removed the Terlingua Ranch portion from Section 3 of the route. We’re exploring potential alternatives, but for now, please respect the private property in this area and avoid riding this segment to help maintain positive relationships with local residents and landowners.
This map reflects the change, and the GPX tracks have been updated. Remember to download the latest route tracks before your trip.
May 5, 2025
Chisos Basin set to close for Renovations August 2025
Big Bend National Park will be closing access to Chisos Basin starting August 2025.
This closure will limit lodging opportunities in the area. Riders wishing to lodge or camp at Chisos may need to detour to Terlingua/Study Butte for motels or camp at Rio Grande starting Fall 2025.
Read the article HERE
Check for recent updates in the park HERE
Purchase the official map HERE
Always download the latest version of the GPS tracks just before you go HERE
FOLLOW US!
