---
title: "Big Bend EV Trip Pack — EV Backroads"
description: "Use eight desert roads in and near Big Bend. Start with short park roads. Add longer, rougher, and more remote routes in separate stages."
canonical_url: "https://www.evbackroads.com/adventures/big-bend-desert-roads"
last_updated: "2026-08-09"
---

![Old Ore Road in Texas](/media/photos-ai/39-old-ore-road.webp?v=20260808)

![Big Bend route collection](/media/map/adventure-regions/big-bend.svg)

ADVENTURE ROUTE COLLECTION · TEXAS

# Big Bend: Desert Roads Progression

Use eight desert roads in and near Big Bend. Start with short park roads. Add longer, rougher, and more remote routes in separate stages.

QUICK READ

Route stages

8

Plan length

5–8 days

High point

4,818 ft

Typical season

Check each route

Base area

29.3450, -103.0431

Save trip pack offline Print trip plan Mark plan ready BIG BEND COLLECTION 8 stages, in order
- [01 Dagger Flat Auto Trail easy](#stage-1)
- [02 Grapevine Hills Road easy](#stage-2)
- [03 Old Maverick Road easy](#stage-3)
- [04 Glenn Springs Road moderate](#stage-4)
- [05 Pine Canyon Road moderate](#stage-5)
- [06 Paint Gap Road moderate](#stage-6)
- [07 River Road difficult](#stage-7)
- [08 Old Ore Road difficult](#stage-8)

WHY IT FITS

## Why this progression can fit your trip.

The first routes teach desert travel near paved roads. Later stages add wash crossings, longer distances, and fewer exit options.

WHAT CAN CHANGE THE ANSWER

Heat, rain, flash floods, park rules, and wash damage can end a route. Check the land manager and weather before each stage.

ROUTE PROGRESSION

## Add one skill at a time.

Drive only the stages that fit your vehicle, experience, weather, and current access. A later stage is not a required finish.

01 easy

### Dagger Flat Auto Trail

Route distance

7.6 mi

Allow

1–2 hours

Start on a short park road. Use it to check heat, dust, tire pressure, and map use.

SKILL ADDED

Build a desert-road baseline near pavement.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=29.49014&lng=-103.06662&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/texas/trails/4659-dagger-flat-auto-trail)

![Topographic route map for Dagger Flat Auto Trail](/media/adventures/regions/maps/dagger-flat-auto-trail.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Dagger Flat Auto Trail, from start to finish

Climb

+646 ft

Descent

−99 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

02 easy

### Grapevine Hills Road

Route distance

7.7 mi

Allow

1–2 hours

Add another short out-and-back. Keep the speed low where washboard or loose gravel reduces control.

SKILL ADDED

Add surface changes without a long commitment.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=29.38485&lng=-103.21910&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/texas/trails/4660-grapevine-hills-road)

![Topographic route map for Grapevine Hills Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/grapevine-hills-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Grapevine Hills Road, from start to finish

Climb

+10 ft

Descent

−879 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

03 easy

### Old Maverick Road

Route distance

12.8 mi

Allow

2–3 hours

Use this longer road to practice dust spacing, tire checks, and a firm turnaround time.

SKILL ADDED

Add distance and sustained desert travel.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=29.22324&lng=-103.53011&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/texas/trails/4662-old-maverick-road)

![Topographic route map for Old Maverick Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/old-maverick-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Old Maverick Road, from start to finish

Climb

+640 ft

Descent

−76 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

04 moderate

### Glenn Springs Road

Route distance

16 mi

Allow

Half day

Add a longer backcountry road. Confirm the complete route and any current restrictions before you start.

SKILL ADDED

Add remoteness and a longer return to services.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=29.17831&lng=-103.15788&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/texas/trails/4657-glenn-springs-road)

![Topographic route map for Glenn Springs Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/glenn-springs-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Glenn Springs Road, from start to finish

Climb

+420 ft

Descent

−1,547 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

05 moderate

### Pine Canyon Road

Route distance

4.2 mi

Allow

Half day

Add rougher ground on an out-and-back. Stop before erosion or rock exceeds your clearance.

SKILL ADDED

Add clearance checks and a protected return reserve.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=29.25161&lng=-103.20061&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/texas/trails/4836-pine-canyon-road)

![Topographic route map for Pine Canyon Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/pine-canyon-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Pine Canyon Road, from start to finish

Climb

+1,344 ft

Descent

−0 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

06 moderate

### Paint Gap Road

Route distance

4 mi

Allow

Half day

Use this route to practice route confirmation and wash inspection. Do not drive around a closure or damaged section.

SKILL ADDED

Add navigation and a more exact turnaround decision.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=29.39234&lng=-103.30447&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/texas/trails/4661-paint-gap-road)

![Topographic route map for Paint Gap Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/paint-gap-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Paint Gap Road, from start to finish

Climb

+99 ft

Descent

−315 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

07 difficult

### River Road

Route distance

53.5 mi

Allow

Full day

Plan River Road as a remote full-day route. Carry the water, tire equipment, and communication needed for a delay.

SKILL ADDED

Combine distance, wash crossings, heat, and isolation.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=29.04738&lng=-103.28236&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/texas/trails/4658-river-road)

![Topographic route map for River Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/river-road-big-bend.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### River Road, from start to finish

Climb

+1,234 ft

Descent

−856 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

![Old Ore Road in Texas](/media/photos-ai/39-old-ore-road.webp?v=20260808)

ROUTE VIEW · AI-ASSISTED EV PLACEHOLDER WHERE NOTED 08 difficult

### Old Ore Road

Route distance

27.1 mi

Allow

Full day

Keep Old Ore Road as the final stage. Use current park information and a vehicle that fits the complete route.

SKILL ADDED

Combine rough rock, long distance, and limited exits.

Access note: CLOSED until further notice after thunderstorms created unsafe conditions. Associated backcountry campsites are also closed.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=29.34501&lng=-103.04307&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/texas/trails/3287-old-ore-road)[Check current access](https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)

![Topographic route map for Old Ore Road](/media/maps/39-old-ore-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Old Ore Road, from start to finish

Climb

+520 ft

Descent

−1,585 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

ROUTE READINESS

## Do seven checks before you leave pavement.

01

### surface

Desert dirt, gravel, wash crossings, and embedded rock

02

### clearance

Extra clearance for the later roads

03

### remoteness

Water, shade, recovery, and communication are part of the route plan

04

### charging

Plan the paved approach and return before you enter the park backcountry

05

### cell Coverage

Treat service outside developed areas as unavailable

06

### weather

Do not enter a wash when rain can reach it

07

### turnaround

Use written energy, water, tire, and daylight limits

BEFORE YOU GO

## Make these decisions while you have a signal.

- Check Big Bend access and permit rules
- Carry more water than the planned day needs
- Download the route and charger plan

TURN AROUND WHEN

## Follow the limits that you set.

- A wash has moving water or fresh storm debris
- Heat or tire condition exceeds the plan
- The return reserve reaches its limit

CARRY

## Prepare for common problems.

- Water, shade, and first-aid supplies
- Two tire repair options and a compressor
- Satellite communication and offline maps

![Topographic route plate for Big Bend: Desert Roads Progression](/media/maps/39-old-ore-road.webp)

FEATURED ROUTE MAP Use the full trail path for orientation. Confirm current access with the land manager.

OPEN THE LIVE MAP

## Check the drive home.

See the route with open chargers and road-distance charging gaps. Planned stations do not change current coverage.

[Build this trip plan](/plan?pack=big-bend-desert-roads)[Open near this trail](/map?lat=29.34501&lng=-103.04307&z=9&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/texas/trails/3287-old-ore-road)[Browse all adventure collections and trip packs](/adventures)[Share what changed after your trip](/guides/trail-commons?kind=trail&sourceAdventure=big-bend-desert-roads)

## Sitemap

See the full [EV Backroads sitemap](/sitemap.md) for every published page.