ALPINE TO RIO GRANDE VILLAGE – 143 miles

Your journey begins in Alpine, where you’ll find ample options for food, fuel, and lodging.

Be sure to fuel up, and as you head south, keep an eye out for herds of Aoudad, the majestic African wild sheep transplanted here. Turning east, you’ll transition from paved to dirt roads. Reduce your speed and navigate carefully. A rest stop at Terlingua Ranch offers food, cold drinks, and Accommodations.

Entering Big Bend National Park, you’ll encounter a brief but exciting stretch of primitive two-track, which may feature patches of deep sand. After reaching Highway 385, the route becomes paved and continues to the Fossil Bone Exhibit and Panther Junction, which has food, fuel and entrance passes.

For experienced riders, an optional harder route on Old Ore Road provides a challenging 29-mile experience through rugged desert terrain, including rocky climbs, off-camber turns,

switchbacks, and sand. There are no bailouts on Old Ore Road, and while this section is not for the faint of heart, the challenge is worth the reward.

Meeting the mighty Rio Grande, visit Boquillas Overlook for panoramic views and the optional excursion into Mexico at Boquillas Crossing. Don’t forget your passport!

Section 1 concludes at Rio Grande Village, where you can find fuel and supplies at the general store (available from 9 am to 5:30 pm). Be sure and pay your entrance fee at the visitor center if you haven’t already. There is no lodging here, but a campground is available. For additional lodging and camping, head to Chisos Basin, located high above the desert floor, or exit the park and stay in Study Butte or Terlingua. Reservations are required in advance for all park accommodations.