Trail Overview

River Road West follows the Rio Grande in the southwestern area of the Big Bend National Park backcountry. Along the trail, you will find various established backcountry camping sites. These sites do require reservations, so please check with park staff or online at recreation.gov. This trail primarily consists of a fairly maintained dirt road with several hills, loose rocks, and ruts. Four-wheel drive is recommended, but if conditions are dry, a high-clearance vehicle may complete this trail. The trail can be traveled through either side, but be aware that sections of the trail may be too narrow for 2 vehicles, so backing up may be required. Motorcycles frequent this area and should have no issue.

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Difficulty

This trail primarily is a dirt road with various areas of loose rocks and ruts. Because of the remoteness of this location, you must prepare for any trail repairs. The area has no telephone signal, so traveling in group is recommended.

Technical Rating

Savannah Ames

May 08, 2026

Open

The trail is easy but as the trail summary identifies, this is incredibly remote. Download your maps for offline use! Bring lots of water! And make sure someone knows where you're going and when you should be back.

Hunter Albrecht

Mar 24, 2026

Open

CP Texas

Mar 21, 2026

Open

Very cool trail that takes you along the trees at the Rio Grande shore. An amazing tour of the park and views into Mexico. There are some blind turns and crests so be careful with your speed. Trail was full width with very few narrow spots.

Rugged Adventures

Dec 31, 2025

Open

The river road is open again. Some of the side roads to the campsites have washouts with bypasses to look out for.

Andy Ford

Nov 25, 2025

Open

Thinking, “how much harder could it possibly be?” Take it from my dad and me, it took us two, very trying days to get through. I am very experienced and it might’ve been fun with the right riding partner, but my dad, a newer rider accustomed to dirt, was not able to ride the sand and deep, loose gravel. It was an immense struggle. If you’re not an expert, you will perish or need to call SOS. Trust me.

Matt M

Oct 21, 2025

Open

River Road west is closed. Check the National Park services website for Big Bend National Park to see if this has reopened. There is an alert update about this temporary closure.

Patrick Klumpyan

Nov 09, 2024

Open

Nice trail. Deep sand along side of trail in two spots. Not difficult.