01ACRViper

just trying to make plans for the yearly trip to Big Bend this winter we don't want to do the Basin again, as that would be the third time we stayed there. I acquired my sister's old Jeep grand cherokee this summer, so i have a few more options than i did with my little car. We were thinking of either staying at a primitive site a few miles down Old Ore road, near the south end, or doing a 5 day trek across River Road, camping every 10 miles or so. Has anyone driven river road? i'm not sure what to expect driving wise, or even scenery wise. i'm sure it'll be beautiful, just not sure if i want to isolate us all away from peaks to climb. any help would be appreciated :hs:

a few pictures from the adventures i had with my new jeep this summer

http://www.beckerphoto.net/galleries

Alchemist2000

We traveled the River Road from the east end to Marisical Mine and back on a trip to Big Bend in March 2004. On that trip, that portion of the River Road was in the best shape of any of the primitive roads we drove in the park. We took the Jeep, but I don't think we ever had it in four wheel drive. It was much easier driving than the Old Ore Road, but I suspect that varies with how wet it has been, the last time they scraped the road, etc. I wouldn't necessarily count on it always being in that good of shape.

It took us about an hour to get to Mariscal Mine. We placed a geocache at that location, GCHZ8D There are some links on that page to pictures we took on the trip. (Scan down to below the cache description but before the log entries and look for the little camera icons.) We had a blast exploring the mine and highly recommend it if you take the River Road.

On that trip the park was jam-packed full, at least by Big Bend standards, but there was plenty of solitude out on the River Road. Having said that, it was not as deserted as we might have expected. If you look closely in the one picture from Mariscal Mine, you can see multiple cars in the parking lot in the lower left.

The River Road would be an interesting trip, but five days sounds a bit long to me unless you are building in a lot of side excursions. I have never done it, but I would love to hike the Mariscal Rim Trail

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

BigBendHiker

I have wanted to venture to the Mariscal Mine. Can you go on the road with a high clearance 2WD vehicle (Ford F-150 truck)? What is there to see at the mine that is interesting?

tenbitsranch

There are other roads in the Big Bend area that can be driven for those who want a little more adventure.

Did you know that the Big Bend Area of Texas has 100s of miles of rugged dirt roads that ATVers, dirt bikers and 4x4ers can use! Each year the Terlingua Community puts on a dirt bike road race on these roads. Many local use these road for fun on their ATV’s and dirt bikes. Why not get a group together and take an off road vacation in the Big Bend…..

The TEN BITS RANCH is situated among the spectacular scenery of Texas’ Big Bend country approximately 10 miles north of Big Bend National Park and Terlingua, Texas. The Ranch provides elegant, seclude accommodations for couples or small groups wishing to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Ranch has a 10 guest maximum occupancy in order for us to provide individual attention and the best possible service. Our guests will enjoy a continental style breakfast each day of their 2 night minimum package. Full service amenities and our secluded desert setting offer a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere for the adventurous traveler who values a unique vacation experience, comradeship and excellent service over minimal cost. Evening entertainment will also be included which may include campfires, sky watching through our 8-inch astronomical telescope, and live music (weather permitting). Guest rooms are themed around our old west town of “Chimney Rock” and include a Bank, School House, Gunsmith, and Mercantile. All rooms feature a fireplace, covered, private deck, private bathroom and authentic décor. The Ranch also offers beer and wine for a minimal fee. Smoking is not permitted in any Ten Bits Ranch facility. Please visit our Web site at www.tenbitsranch.com for additional information and rates.





Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Wick, Owner/Operator

Ten Bits Ranch

www.tenbitsranch.com

866-371-3110

Alchemist2000

Yes, I would think so unless the conditions are unusually bad. I would think high clearance is generally more important that four wheel drive. The rangers would always be your best source of info.

It is just the old ruins of the processing plant to turn the merucry ore into mercury, but I found it fascinating to see how they made all of this work literally out in the middle of nowhere.