ms60ocb Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 In March I will travel east into Texas and want to spend some time in the Big Bend area. The Alpine Museum and Judge Roy Bean are among the places of interest. This trip I do not plan to pull the fifth wheel south of US 90 but would like to drive route FM170 along the Rio Grande between US 67 and TX 118. What might I expect along that route, condition of road, services, is it good for lots of pictures ? I hoping the Cactus will be starting to bloom. Clay F350 Dually DRV MS 38PS3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrfrank Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 FM 170 from 67 to 118 is good road, a little steep in places. There are no services on 170 except at Lajitas, Presidio and Terlinguia at each end do have services. There is a nice RV park in Lajitas called Maverick Ranch, part of a golf resort there. You should have no issues getting there if you come down 118. We took a 42 FT Class A there last winter for a week. Any place that you park your 5er on highway 90 will cause you to have to drive 3 - 4 hours round trip just to get to the Big Bend NP area. Do not miss the park, it is beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinsa Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 I can confirm that FM170 between Terlingua and Lajitas is fine. I have not taken it through Big Bend Ranch State Park to Presidio; but from what I understand about the state park, it has rough roads. If you would like, post your question on the forums at Big Bend Chat. (www.bigbendchat.com) There is a frequent post-er under the username of Ranger Tim who is a park ranger at BBRSP. He'd be able to answer your question thoroughly. The people on that forum are very knowledgeable about the Big Bend area. Edited to add: I see someone answered you while I was typing this up. (Lol) So now you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 We've driven 170 with our 40' motorhome with no issues. It's very scenic, hardly any traffic and will be a pleasant drive in March. The cactus begin blooming in February in that area so yes, you'll see them. If you haven't toured Big Bend Nat'l Park, definitely do so. We stay at Rio Grande Village campground - dry camping but right next door is a concessioner RV area with full hookups. The campgrounds are in a lush setting along the Rio Grande. We've also stayed at Cottonwood campground in the park which is a beautiful setting, also, right on the river. Keep in mind that Cottonwood doesn't allow generators. You said you're not planning to take your RV south of Hwy 90. You're in for a lot of driving if you want to tour the above regions. I suggest you move into the national park and do your touring from there. Another stop I'd recommend is Davis Mountain State Park and tour McDonald Observatory. They have an awesome night program. It's a gorgeous area. We didn't care for Alpine. Balmorhea State Park near I-10 is another beauty. Have a good trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ms60ocb Posted January 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2016 Thanks for all the GOOD info. This trip is to plan for next year, I'm on a little time schedule this year but next year hopefully try more then a week close to the Rio Grande. Clay F350 Dually DRV MS 38PS3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaYaBug Posted January 19, 2016 Report Share Posted January 19, 2016 You might want to be aware that the 2nd week of March is spring break for Texas schools and both parks get very busy with college kids and families. If you are going to camp in the NP, SP or areas close to the parks, you might want to make reservations as soon as you know your plans. Depending on fall/winter rains, flowers and cactus will start blooming late Feb. Spring in the Bend is my favorite time of the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 Two things. First, from Lajitas to Presidio, there is a short steep section of about 3/4 mile. About 1/4 mile of 14% grade going up and about 1/4 mile of 14% grade going down. This hill is about 10-15 miles west of Lajitas. The rest of the road will be OK. March is Big Bend is extremely crowded. Spring break will have the place packed from about March 5th through the 20th. ALL the campgrounds in the park will filled. If you do want to stay in a NP campground, if you go in about 8am and try to find someone who is leaving and then wait till they do to take there site, it is possible to get a campsite that way. Also it will very busy from about March 1st to about the 27th. US-90 from San Antonio to Van Horn, Tx is a good highway. We have traveled it many, many times over the last almost 50 years. It is not a fast route but nice desert driving. Be sure to spend a couple of nights at Seminole Canyon State park and hike the 1 mile round trip guided tour to see the Petroglyphs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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