Motorcycle Route Author

By Brainsprain (35 McR Points)
on May 18, 2012
Rider Reviews
Written Directions
In Big Bend National Park, begin at the intersection of 118 and Costolon/Santa Elena Canyon. Head south on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The road ends at the Santa Elena Canyon Overlook and Trial unless you want to take the gravel Old Maverick Road back to Maverick Junction to make a loop.Scenery
You will see weeping vistas of semi arid dessert, mountains and cliffs, rock formations of a variety of rock types, and at the end the incredible cliffs that physically divide the U.S. from Mexico. No fence is needed. The forces of the universe make crossing nearly impossible. Yet, you can hike into the Santa Elena Canyon (in Mexico) if the Rio Grande is not running which it wasn't when I was there (April, 2012). Words are inadequate to describe Big Bend. Beautiful is not a word I'd use. Sublime is a better.Drive Enjoyment
The road is a well maintained park road with many historical and geographic markers. It twists and turns with a few switchbacks and tight turns. The downer for some may be the speed limit of 45 and that the Park Service monitors speed. I made a friend who got a ticket. You may be able to go 52 safely which I did a lot. It's hard to keep it down in such open space and my V-Strom was impatient at being held back.Tourism Opportunities
I guess this depends on the meaning of amenities. There are numerous hiking trails and off road rides one can take. There is no gas available so you need to gas up before entering the park. There is only one gas depot in the park which is near Panther Junction. Near the end of the road, there is a park store and visitors center. Various drinks and snacks are available as are restrooms and picnic tables in shaded areas. At the end there is a nice picnic area with some shade trees. I was able to park my bike in an unofficial space under a tree. It was 100 so I was grateful. There are numerous places to pull off and overlook parks. All are worth considering.Motorcycle Road Additional info
It is hard for me to believe this route has not been posted before. It is a fun ride and delightful, perhaps it will be more so on a cooler day. Some historic places include the Sam Neil Ranch and the Homer Wilson Ranch. Formations of note are the Chimneys and the Mule Ears.Top Images

jimfoy
December 10, 2012
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I rode this earlier this week. It is one of the most beautiful routes I have ever seen. Rugged mountains, sweeping vistas, giant canyons -- it has it all. Some think that the nearby river road from Terlingua to Presidio is better, but in my mind this one is tops.
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FJRFreak
March 17, 2015
43 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
This is a fun, twisty-hilly road, in good shape, with beautiful scenery to stop and read or hike, etc. The final destination at Santa Elena Canyon is worth the trip. We did this just last week and the weather was beautiful. Be prepared to HAVE to stop and hike into the canyon. My only compliant about riding in Big Bend is the speed limit is a low 45mph.
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andyman
January 9, 2014
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Amazingly beautiful road all the way down to the river. Yes the speed limit is a bummer but it is worth it. This is a must ride, not on a fun scale but on a scenery scale. Marvelous!
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Photo Gallery of Castolon-Santa Elena Canyon Ride (4 Photos)

My FJR in front of Santa Elena canyon taken from the first overlook stop. Camera phone doesn't capture the beauty to give the site justice. Taken on March 12, 2015.
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The opening to Santa Elena Canyon up front and personal after the very short hike from the 2nd overlook parking site. Of course, that's the Rio Grande with Mexico on the left hand side. Some people were out in the ankle/knee deep river enjoying the day. There is a trail from here into the canyon about a half mile.
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View from the inside of Santa Elena Canyon after the short hike into it from the 2nd overlook parking site. What a nice break.
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Video
Santa Elena Canyon Road takes you through one of the Mountain ranges of Big Bend National Park to the beautiful and majestic Santa Elena Canyon. Bring your camera. Take a hike up the walls of the canyon on a well placed catwalk.
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Interactive Views Along This Route
Start point
Latitude 29.32101
Longitude -103.38243
End point
Latitude 29.16722
Longitude -103.61035