Traveling to Texas in June from Wisconsin. Looking at going to the southwest side maybe big bend area.Any must sees? Then heading back up thru New Mexico and Colorado. Thanks
I was just down there over Christmas. We stayed in Alpine which is 100 miles from Big Bend. Marathon is a little closer but the only hotel there is about 200 a night and if you're not in the new part, you don't get a TV. It is about 70 miles from Big Bend. Other lodging options are Terlingua, Presidio or Lajitas.
The roads down there are in great shape and DO NOT miss driving the River Road, Hwy 170 from Terlingua to Presidio. Lunch in Presidio at El Patio is OK but nothing to write home about. Better food across the border in Ojinaga, bring a passport. Fun to make the border crossing at Boquillas where you take a boat across the river, ride a donkey into town and eat drink then head back. Passport, or passport cards required. Visit the Terlingua Ghost Town if you have time. A nice way to end a day after a hot ride is to head over to Balmorhea to swim in the spring fed pools. Lajitas Golf Resort is nice but VERY expensive. Here's a few pictures from our recent trip:
rwhisen thanks for the reply. pictures were great. this little corner of US is one of the last my wife and I have not traveled. In your opinion is it safe down that close to border? We will probably be with two other couples so that should help.
rwhisen thanks for the reply. pictures were great. this little corner of US is one of the last my wife and I have not traveled. In your opinion is it safe down that close to border? We will probably be with two other couples so that should help.
You'll be fine, no problems at all down there. The terrain is really rugged so there isn't a whole lot of cross border smuggling. People are nice and glad to see tourists (especially their dollars!). Enjoy yourselves, visit Marfa too, there is a special place they have built for viewing the "Marfa Lights". Expect to see a heavy presence of state troopers, Border Patrol and ICE enforcement. Don't speed.
Big Bend is a long way down there across a lot of dry plains. Not saying not worth it, just pointing that out. How many days across TX you thinking? Second most of the BiBe suggests.
Lot of great natural spots through hill country west of Austin down past San Antone. 3 sisters, San Marcos, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, down to Uvalde. Lot of history, hills and twisty roads. Years ago, state of TX put out some good travel guides.
Stay hydrated..meaning water, sports drink, salty snacks as it will be hot in June@
Also, there's not a lot of gas stations down that way so make sure you get gas whenever you see a station..
Prior to going map out your trip on Google or Harley Ride planner and mark gas stations..and print it and put in your pocket..If you use your phone for GPS prepare for it not to work. Phones use Cell towers for service and cell service is almost non-existant down that way..
I've done the west Texas rides but it's not something I'd choose to do in the summer for "fun" I'm partial to the deep East Tx routes around the lakes, through the pine trees etc when the sun is beating. I save the hill country and way out west for spring/fall
Unless there is a particular reason to come to Texas, I wouldn't spend the time and treasure to go to the Big Bend area. It is really nice, but two days of nothing to get from the top of Texas to Big Bend.
01-02-2018, 06:19 PM
