📷 Carol M. Highsmith, Public domainThe River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena
Follow FM 170 along the Rio Grande from Presidio to Terlingua, then into Big Bend National Park for Santa Elena Canyon and the hot springs.
- Distance
- 442 km (275 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 54 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 9
- States
- TX
- Updated
- July 5, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 442 km (275 mi) with 9 stops, from Marfa to Marathon. About 4 h 54 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Texas
Route description
From Marfa take US-67 south for about 100 km to Presidio, a border town on the Rio Grande. Just east of town, Fort Leaton is a good first stop to see an adobe fortress and to pick up information on Big Bend Ranch State Park. Fill up with fuel in Presidio: the next reliable stations are in Lajitas and Terlingua, 80 to 100 km away.
FM 170, the River Road, is one of the most scenic drives in Texas. It runs between canyon walls and the river, with a 15% grade over the Big Hill. It is paved and fine for most RVs, but long rigs should take it slowly. Stop at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center near Lajitas for state park permits and to hear about short hikes such as Closed Canyon.
Terlingua is an old mercury-mining town of ruins and a cemetery, and the main base for supplies and lodging near the park. Enter Big Bend National Park at Maverick Junction and follow the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon; the Old Maverick Road shortcut is unpaved and best in a high-clearance vehicle. Plan a full day for the drive, the canyon trail and the viewpoints on the way.
Cross the park east past Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village and the hot springs, reached by a narrow gravel road that is not suitable for RVs or trailers. The best season is October to April; summer heat along the river is extreme. Leave the park north on US-385 to Marathon, about 110 km from Panther Junction, where you rejoin US-90 and fuel is available again.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Marfa
TX - 2108 km
Presidio
TX - 36 km
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
HistoryPresidio, TXAn adobe trading post from 1848 on FM 170 just east of Presidio, with thick mud-brick walls and exhibits on the borderland. It also serves as an information point for Big Bend Ranch State Park.
- 475 km
Big Bend Ranch State Park (Barton Warnock Visitor Center)
NatureLajitas, TXThe eastern gateway to the largest state park in Texas, with a desert garden and exhibits on the Chihuahuan Desert. Pay park entry fees and get trail information here for the River Road’s trailheads, such as Closed Canyon and the Hoodoos.
- 518 km
Terlingua
TX - 621 km
Santa Elena Canyon
NatureBig Bend, TXThe Rio Grande leaves a 450 m deep limestone gorge at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park. A 2.5 km trail leads into the canyon; wading Terlingua Creek is needed after rain.
- 743 km
Big Bend National Park
NatureBig Bend, TXDesert, mountains and the Rio Grande in one remote park. Santa Elena Canyon is the easiest walk into the gorge.
- 831 km
Big Bend Hot Springs
NatureRio Grande Village, TXA historic stone tub of 40 °C spring water on the bank of the Rio Grande, reached by a short walk past an old post office and motel ruins. The final 3 km of gravel road is narrow and not suitable for RVs or trailers.
- 9140 km
Marathon
TX
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Marfa → Presidio · 67 mi · 1 h 12 minOvernight nearby, for example: Desert & Sierra Panorama RV Park (2 mi); Vista de Bofecillos (14 mi).
- Day 2: Presidio → Santa Elena Canyon · 74 mi · 1 h 20 minOn the way: Fort Leaton State Historic Site, Big Bend Ranch State Park (Barton Warnock Visitor Center), Terlingua.Overnight nearby, for example: Cottonwood Campground (6 mi); Maverick Ranch RV Park (12 mi).
- Day 3: Santa Elena Canyon → Big Bend Hot Springs · 46 mi · 0 h 49 minOn the way: Big Bend National Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Rio Grande Village RV Park (2 mi); Rio Grande Village Campground (3 mi).
- Day 4: Big Bend Hot Springs → Marathon · 87 mi · 1 h 33 minOvernight nearby, for example: Marathon Motel & RV Park (< 1 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and December–February. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Chisos Basin Road, Big Bend NP (TX). Size limits for motorhomes and trailers (length 23 ft 11 in (7.3 m)). Alternative: Stay at Rio Grande Village or Cottonwood instead.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is The River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena?
4-day road trip of about 442 km (275 mi) with 9 stops, from Marfa to Marathon. About 4 h 54 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for The River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena?
We suggest 4 days: about 4 h 54 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does The River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena start and end?
It starts in Marfa and ends in Marathon.
Which states does The River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena pass through?
Texas.
Where can you camp along The River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena?
OpenStreetMap lists 134 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Rio Grande Village RV Park, Marathon Motel & RV Park and Cottonwood Campground.
When is the best time for The River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
