3. Study Butte to Presidio

STUDY BUTTE TO MARFA – 124 MILES

Departing Study Butte/Terlingua, stop in Lajitas for fuel and snacks before a blissful stretch of paved road as you cruise alongside the Rio Grande on FM170 before embarking on an optional 47-mile detour into

Big Bend Ranch State Park. This scenic out-and-back route ends at the Sauceda Bunkhouse, where you can replenish water or stay overnight, with a reservation.

Highway 169 features a mixture of gravel and pavement with expansive views as you head north. Section 3 concludes in Marfa, known for its eclectic vibe and artsy charm and features a multitude of great lodging and food options.

CAUTION: This section is over 170 miles if you stop in the State Park, so after you leave the Terlingua area, stop in Lajitas for food and fuel, and don’t forget to pick up your Big Bend Ranch State Park entrance pass at the Barton Warnock Visitors Center. Riders coming from Marfa should visit Fort Leaton for permits before entering the park. In either direction, riders can detour into Presidio for fuel, food, lodging, and permits with an entry point into Mexico.

Barton Warnock - State Park Permits

• 2,391 ft

Big Bend Ranch State Park

• 4,287 ft

Fort Leaton - State Park Permits

• 2,562 ft

Lajitas - Food, Gas, Lodging

• 2,349 ft

Marfa - Food, Gas, Lodging

• 4,692 ft

Marfa Lights Public Viewing Area

• 4,904 ft

Mayor of Lajitas

• 2,358 ft

Presidio - Food, Gas, Lodging

• 2,585 ft

Sauceda Ranch Bunkhouse

• 4,156 ft

Site of Alamito

• 3,766 ft

Starlight Theater (The Porch)

• 2,897 ft

Terlingua - Food, Lodging

• 2,818 ft

BBX3 - Study Butte to Marfa

123.6 mi
4,464 ft
-2,371 ft

BBX3 ALT Gas - Presidio

27.7 mi
663 ft
-663 ft

BBX3 EXT - Big Bend Ranch State Park

46.7 mi
2,250 ft
-2,249 ft

Interactive map preview

Open the full map for layers, filters, and route planning tools.

Open full map

Your next adventure starts here

Create your own maps with custom routes, waypoints, and layers. Then share with your friends to kick off your adventure planning.