Scenic Drives in Big Bend: Exploring FM 170 and Ross Maxwell

Introduction: Where the Road is the Destination

In Big Bend, mornings start wide open and silent, and by midday, the roads are your front-row seat to some of the most spectacular views in Texas. While many seek out trails, there’s another way to experience the beauty of the region; behind the wheel, windows down, camera ready. Scenic drives like FM 170 and the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offer unbeatable ways to explore in comfort, with countless stops to take in the geology, wildlife, and vistas of the desert Southwest. If you’re planning a summer visit especially, these routes belong at the top of your itinerary.

FM 170: The River Road
Considered by many the most beautiful road in Texas, FM 170, also known as "The River Road" winds between the cliffs and the Rio Grande through Big Bend Ranch State Park. Stretching roughly 114 miles from Study Butte to Presidio, this drive hugs the border and offers incredible river views, dramatic canyon drop-offs, and winding cliffside turns that will take your breath away.

Favorite stops include:
The Hoodoos Trail: A quick, scenic hike through surreal rock formations.
Closed Canyon: A narrow slot canyon carved into ancient volcanic rock.
Fandango Dom Rock: Also known as "Big Hill" this is the most breathtaking overlook along the drive. Hike to the top above the main viewpoint for the full experience.

This route feels cinematic, especially in the early hours or late hours of the day when the light is golden. Whether you're taking it slow or stopping often, FM 170 is pure desert magic.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Inside Big Bend National Park, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offers 30 miles of geological history, historic sites, and overlooks that stretch to the horizon. From the park entrance, this route guides you past volcanic formations, dry washes, and desert expanses, leading all the way to Santa Elena Canyon.

Notable stops include:
Sotol Vista Overlook: One of the best panoramic views in the park.
Mule Ears Viewpoint: Iconic twin peaks framed by desert terrain.
Sam Nail Ranch: A shaded walk through an old homestead.

If you do noting else inside Big Bend National Park, drive Ross Maxwell, you will not regret it!

Why Summer Drives Are Ideal

Scenic drives are the perfect way to explore Big Bend during summer. You’ll cruise through open landscapes, with frequent opportunities to pull over and wander. It’s an experience that combines comfort and discovery, especially with the light playing across rocks and desert vistas.

After a morning on the road, return to Summit Big Bend to relax in your private retreat. Whether you're watching the afternoon sky from your glamping suite or unwinding with a view, it’s the ideal way to enjoy the landscape without ever feeling rushed.

Off-the-Path Stops Worth the Detour

Make your journey even better with a few detours:

Lajitas: A charming desert outpost home to the goat mayor and the Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Terlingua Ghost Town: A local icon with quirky shops and rich mining history
Presidio: A cultural hub where the desert meets the river

These stops add character and local flavor to your route, rounding out your scenic drive with a deeper connection to the region.

Conclusion: Take the Long Way Around

There’s no wrong way to explore Big Bend, but some of the best stories begin on the road. FM 170 and Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offer a chance to see the park from a different angle; calm, scenic, and completely unforgettable. This summer, take the wheel, slow down, and discover why these drives are every bit as memorable as the trails.

Make This the Summer You Remember

Big Bend in summer has a rhythm all its own. Quiet mornings open to endless sky, trails that feel untouched, and golden light spilling across the desert as the day fades. When night arrives, the sky becomes a show of its own; the Milky Way rising early, stretching wide and bright above the horizon. This is the kind of place that stays with you. These are the moments that define a trip. Don’t wait for a better time. Pack your bag, head out early, and experience it all firsthand.

Book your stay at Summit Big Bend and discover the magic of Big Bend