This is our first drive on an
unpaved road in Big Bend
National Park.
Old Ore Road is about
20 miles long.
This area has sparse
vegetation.
Candlilla is one of the
backcountry campsites
in the Park.
You need to purchase a permit
to camp in one of these out of
the way camping areas.
Here's the campsite.
I love the changing
vistas.
Juan De Leon died
on July 19, 1932.
The details of his death
are shrouded in mystery.
Another backcountry
campsite.
Small yellow flowers
cover the ground.
This overhang is cool!
Eric tests another cactus for
softness... He's disappointed.
Time to climb into the
Jeep & see what else
awaits us along
Old Ore Road.
I get a good look at the
columns on the mountainside.
Old Ore Road is a slow road to drive. It's very rocky with washouts.
Eric is coming down a
challenging incline.
The type of rock changes,
abruptly.
A sign for two more
backcountry campsites.
I found something
man made.
This is a US Geological Survey
Benchmark from 1903.
The altitude above sea level
is 2,947 feet.
I'm stepping back from
the edge of the overlook.
Eric enjoys the view while
he eats lunch.
Eric waves goodbye to
Old Ore Road.
This 20 mile stretch took
us 4 1/2 hours, with our
lunch break.
1 comment:
Loved this post! Dad, boyfriend and I just took this trail the other day during our visit and had a wonderful time. We found two benchmarks also! The washouts we encountered were pretty significant due to several big storms before our arrival and two during our stay. A little tricky to navigate in a Chevy Z71 4x4 crew cab, but my dad's a seasoned off-roader and we got through it with lots of bumping but no body damage. Glad you had a good time and make sure you don't wait too long to go back; it's like a new trail every year!
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