Advice, Big Bend Old Ore Road

[TexasBob]

We are planning a trip to Big Bend National Park in early March and tentatively have on the agenda to drive our Dune and do the 26 mile Old Ore Road. We are running Michelin LTXs on it now (have a full-sized spare I can throw in the back). I would welcome feedback from those familiar with the trail:

• Is this a good/appropriate trail for first-time off-roaders? That would be us.
• (Note, we've done lots of backpacking so plenty familiar with backcountry protocol, but never off-road vehicle stuff.)
• Are the LTXs up to the job (assuming air down to ~30 psi)
• Is it worth doing?

I have looked at video run-throughs and it all looks pretty straightforward and that IS what the Dune is made for, but I suspect the videos can be deceiving. I want to have an enjoyable few days break, not a stressed and unhappy wife. (For reference, she is an outdoors type and perfectly happy to throw on a backpack and do an 80 mile multi-day through the Rockies.) An alternative is to do the much shorter 5 mile out and back from the south entrance to Ernst Tinaja and do the hike there just to give it a try.

Thanks for any advice from those who have been there!

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[MikeInFlagAz]

We are planning a trip to Big Bend National Park in early March and tentatively have on the agenda to drive our Dune and do the 26 mile Old Ore Road. We are running Michelin LTXs on it now (have a full-sized spare I can throw in the back). I would welcome feedback from those familiar with the trail:......

It's been twenty years since I was last down that road. I was in a relatively stock '95 Jeep Wrangler at the time and camped within easy walking distance of the Ernst Tinaja and trail behind it. I enjoyed the trip and don't remember anything particularly difficult about the drive. Again, that was 20 years ago. I'd recommend that you stop at the visitor's center and let them know you're going to be traveling the road, and they'll be up to speed with the latest road conditions concerning recent rain events, washouts, or other conditions that might be a concern. The rangers are as eager as you to have your visit be a pleasant one. I hope you have time to explore the park. I've been there a few times; it's one of my favorites.

Mike

 

[TexasBob]

It's been twenty years since I was last down that road. I was in a relatively stock '95 Jeep Wrangler at the time and camped within easy walking distance of the Ernst Tinaja and trail behind it. I enjoyed the trip and don't remember anything particularly difficult about the drive. Again, that was 20 years ago. I'd recommend that you stop at the visitor's center and let them know you're going to be traveling the road, and they'll be up to speed with the latest road conditions concerning recent rain events, washouts, or other conditions that might be a concern. The rangers are as eager as you to have your visit be a pleasant one. I hope you have time to explore the park. I've been there a few times; it's one of my favorites.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I am embarrassed to say that despite having spent the last 20 years of vacations in national parks, and having lived in Houston for 30 years (!) this is our very first trip out to Big Bend. We're looking forward to it.

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