Paint Gap Road

Total Miles 7.6
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Spring, Fall, Winter
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This is a trail off of Maverick Road (one of the main roads going through Big Bend National Park). You begin on gravel for the first portion of the trail. About halfway through you enter a more rocky terrain. Though the trail is only 7.3 miles in and out you are going pretty slow because it is a bit rough. I do suggest 4x4 capability as does the park. There are some ups and downs and rutted-out areas. The views are beautiful. This is an in-and-out trail so you will come to a loop at the end which brings you out exactly as you entered.

Photos of Paint Gap Road

Difficulty

There are mounds that hold water and mud. Once to the more rocky area, there is a short hill climb that goes over a ledge. Rutted-out spots cause a bit of spinning at times.

History

At the very end of the trail, there are ruins from an old ranch.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

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Brian Williams
Nov 25, 2025
Open
Short fun drive. Starts on fast dirt then immediately turns to rock. If you don’t mind pinstripes, it’s a great drive with amazing views. Some old ranch fencing and ruins at the end of the trail.
Cameron Coffey
Oct 13, 2024
Open
Gravel road. Rough in some areas with some dips. The back half gets a little more unmaintained with larger gravel/rock. Just aired down and cruised in four high all the way back to the last campsite.

Paint Gap Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance

Paint Gap Road Map

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