.jpg%3F1462663388&w=3840&q=75)
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overview
30 mile drive that is designed to highlight the most scenic parts of the western side of the park.
Plan Around Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overview
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overview Details
If you are looking for a way to see some of the most spectacular highlights of Big Bend, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is the way to go. This 30 mile drive was designed to highlight the most scenic parts of the western side of the park. It is named for the park's superintendent and geologist Ross Maxwell who served the park from 1944 - 1952 and who laid out the route for this drive. If you want to explore all of the different side-routes and overlooks, you will need a little over half a day to see everything this drive has to offer in terms of scenery, hikes and attractions. This road is not a loop so be prepared to either enjoy the scenery coming from the other direction if you have to end where you began, or you can take the gravel, 13 mile, Old Maverick Road to the town of Maverick just outside the park, if you start at the Panther Junction Visitor's Center.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overview
Compare nearby parks around Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overview when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overview
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Overview while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
30 mile drive that is designed to highlight the most scenic parts of the western side of the park.
3.1 mi away
Sam Nail Ranch
Easy 0.3 mile hiking loop off of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive that leads to the remnants of a ranch that is great for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
5.1 mi away
Ward Spring Trail
The Ward Spring Trail is a moderate, 2.9 mile out and back trail and the trailhead can be accessed at mile marker 5.5 on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
5.7 mi away
Chisos Basin
The Chisos Basin's cooler climate makes it a much more hospitable home than the desert so wildlife sightings are very common, including black bears.
