Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sam Nail Ranch
A short walk from the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, just five minutes or so in, you'll find
the ruins of the Sam Nail Ranch. The windmill still pumps for no one's benefit, and the
ruins of the house and shed can feel vaguely haunted, especially at dusk.
HISTORIC SITE
Castolon Historic District
Dwarfed by the looming Sierra Ponce, the cluster of buildings that make up the Castolon
Compound were built in 1920. A half-mile historic stroll offers a brief look at life on the
frontier in the Castolon Historic District. Start at the famous La Harmonia Store, which is
a mainstay for locals on both sides of the river as well as an ice-cream vending oasis for
tourists. A pamphlet ($1) sold in the store serves as a guide.
HISTORIC SITE
Activities
Scenic Drives
Big Bend National Park has 110 miles of paved road and 150 miles of dirt road, and scen-
ic driving is easily the park's most popular activity. Booklets are available for $1.95 from
the visitor centers to help you make the most of it.
Maverick Drive
The 22-mile stretch between the west entrance and park headquarters is notable for its desert scenery
and wildlife. Just west of Basin Junction, a side trip on the gravel Grapevine Hills Rd leads to fields of oddly shaped,
highly eroded boulders.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
This 30-mile route leaves Maverick Dr midway between the west entrance and park
headquarters. The Chisos Mountains provide a grand panorama, and the big payoff is the view of Santa Elena Canyon
and its 1500ft sheer rock walls.
Rio Grande Village Drive
This 20-mile drive leads from park headquarters toward the Sierra del Carmen range, run-
ning through the park toward Mexico. The best time to take this drive is at sunrise or sunset, when the mountains glow
brilliantly with different hues.
