Travelogue Texas Big Bend National Park | Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
 

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Texas Big Bend National Park | Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Written by Shirley T   
Sunday, 17 January 2010 10:39
Nestled at the western slope of Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive covers a paved route of 30 miles, accessible from two junctions namely Castolon-Santa Elena Junction and Maverick Junction. Both entrances work well for high clearance vehicles but Old Maverick Road does not work for a typical sedan like ours.
Welcome to Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
The road to a giant rock!
The park's famous road is named after the first superintendent of Big Bend National Park, Ross Maxwell (1904-1993) in honor of his contribution to lay the route and featured the geological insights at this area. Served the park from 1944 to 1952, Maxwell was formerly a research geologist who worked on geological survey in the park.
Glimpse of Chisos mountains
Twists and turns
The drive lives up to its name. Scenic! Scenic and scenic! Listed with several exhibits and overlooks to look forward to, it showcases some famous historic and fascinating geologic features of this region. Do not miss the first few miles from Castolon-Santa Elena Junction as the sight Chisos mountains would fill up your windshield. Look out for the 'V' shaped notch which is the back-side view of 'The Window'!
Stunning Cerro Castellan peak at 21-mile
Cerro Castellan Peak (3293 ft) - pyroclastic rock layers topped by lava dome
I found this article entailed major highlights of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, basically on what to expect from mile to mile in addition to providing informative insights of rocks and geological features in layman's manner. Either you love to know more before your trip or upset of not getting in tune with some of geological text, this piece written by Ranger Angelina Yost of NPS is a good start.
Strange red rocks or a napping dinasour?
Mesa and Chihuahuan Desert View
We spared one full day to slowly cruising along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive with several stops including Sam Nail Ranch, Homer Wilson Ranch, Sotol Vista Overlook, Mule Ears Viewpoint, Castolon Historic District, Santa Elena River Access, Santa Elena Canyon Overlook and Santa Elena Canyon Trail.
Surround by dikes
Black rocks atop the white hills from volcanic vent
Seeing is believing...I leave with you some pictures to enjoy.
The slit (middle) is Santa Elena Canyon
Santa Elena Canyon walls from afar
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the canyon
Rio Grande and Santa Elena Canyon - A sight to behold!
Santa Elena Canyon - we come, we see...
Santa Elena Canyon - Veni, vidi, vici?
Happy exploring!

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