Scenes from our July 4 bike ride down Pinto Canyon Road

The road heading southwest out of Marfa, FM 2810, is known as Pinto Canyon Road, and the first 30 miles or so are paved, making it a terrific ride for cyclists.  Yesterday we took a ride about 12 miles out and 12 miles back and saw four cars and just as much wildlife!

BONUS
Cycling in 1895
A report on the July 4th 1895 cycling event!

Click on the images to get a closer view

View on Pinto Canyon Road

Our friend, S. Billingsley shot this wonderful image from Pinto Canyon Road, FM2810, south of Marfa.  We've been happy to share his photographs of our region with all of you this week.  Sending our heartiest thanks to S.!

The View from Pinto Canyon Road

Head southwest from Marfa on FM2810, and you're in for a rugged treat....after 30 miles or so of smooth road and scenic beauty, the pavement abruptly stops and the road becomes a 4x4 adventure into spectacular scenery!  You'll drive through remote and rocky canyons of the Chinati Mountain range, pass the entrance for Chinati Hot Springs, and eventually make your way to Ruidosa.

Poke around in Ruidosa a bit and you'll soon see a stunning 1914 adobe Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, now a just a shell. The Texas Historical Commission and others have provided resources for the stabilization of the structure, but there's still need for restoration of this beautiful church.  You can read about it here.  The Texas Historical Commission also wrote a wonderful article about off-the-beaten-path locations in our region, and included Pinto Canyon Road and the Sacred Heart Church in their adventure..read it here.

Texas Mountain Trail Classics: Driving Pinto Canyon Road

Thanks to Randy Mallory and the Texas Historical Commission for the use of this photo!

There are many exciting drives in the region--Williams Ranch Road in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Maverick Road, the River Road, Old Ore Road in Big Bend National Park, many of the roads in Big Bend Ranch State Park--but Pinto Canyon Road remains a sentimental favorite of many.  For high clearance vehicles only, this rough and scenic road runs between Marfa and Ruidosa.

The first 32 miles of FM2810 from Marfa are paved and run through beautiful grassland, scenery captured in films like "There Will Be Blood" and "No Country for Old Men," but soon the road becomes gravel and one lane and that's where the adventure begins.

The road runs through private land and is posted as such, and you're invited to enjoy the view from the road, but not invited to travel into private property or cross fencelines.  Still your adventure won't be diminished by staying on the road, for every turn brings a new glorious view.  Near the end, near Ruidosa is the entry to Chinati Hot Springs, a historic complex of adobe cabins, hot tubs, a swimming pool and camping possibilities..definitely worth a stay if you want to linger in the area..and you probably will!

This road is remote, and infrequently traveled, so you MUST be prepared.  Be sure your vehicle is in good working shape, and your spare tire is ready to marshal into service.  Pack plenty of water...you're still in the desert and you'll need more than you might expect.

Pinto Canyon Road Ride

Yesterday we took a bike ride down the paved portion of Pinto Canyon road (FM 2810) heading southwest out of Marfa. This scenic road takes you by buildings from the site of Fort D.A. Russell and just a bit further to the east on the Fort's property, the Chinati Foundation.  This road was also the route of the Marfa 100 bike ride, a September ride to benefit Livestrong and Marfa Public Radio. 

The road cuts through private ranch land and beautiful vistas.  In fact, this area was filmed for some recent Hollywood productions, including No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood.  Local folks ask you to enjoy the views from the road itself; please do not cross fencelines or tresspass into private property.  Further south on this road, the pavement ends, and it becomes a wild and wooly 4x4 drive for the most adventurous motorists.

For more information on cycling in the Texas Mountain Trail region, visit our cycling page:  www.texasmountaintrail.com/bike

Pinto Canyon Road

One of the best 4x4 adventures in the region is the drive from Marfa to Presidio on FM2810, known as the Pinto Canyon Road.  Driving south of out Marfa, the smooth asphalt turns to rocky adventure suitable only for the most rugged of vehicles and the most adventurous drivers.  While it is tempting to explore off-road, don't, as the road is surrounded by private land and some landowners to not welcome visitors on their property.  That fact doesn't detract from the sheer adventure of traveling the road itself.  Have fun and expect a bumpy ride!

Let's Go! Adventure on Pinto Canyon Road

One of the best drives in the region is Pinto Canyon Road, which connects Marfa to Ruidosa.  Traveling south out of Marfa, the road is smooth and paved (and scenic), but after awhile it gets rugged and definitely only for the best prepared drivers and high profile automobiles.  The road gets increasingly scenic and spectacular and adventureous as you travel south...driving it is an epic experience!

The paved portion of the road is the location of two events this fall, the Marfa 100 bike ride (a Metric Century) and the Blackwell School Races.

Please note that on long stretches of the drive, the road cuts through private property and your travels should be restricted to the road only.  Detours onto private land are not permitted by the landowners, so stay on the main road, stay in the car and enjoy the bumpy drive!

Thanks to Randy Mallory and the Texas Historical Commission for the use of this photograph!

Pinto Canyon Road

One of the great adventures in the region is reserved for drivers with sturdy high-clearance, all wheel drive vehicles.  Pinto Canyon in Presidio County (leaving sw Marfa towards Ruidosa) is an ADVENTURE with rugged surfaces and terrific views.  Because the road cuts through privately owned land, be respectful of landowners by sticking to the road...and have a great time!

The View from Pinto Canyon Road, FM 2810

Heading southwest out of Marfa on FM 2810 (also called Pinto Canyon Road), you first see grasslands, then these rolling hills, then rocky treacherous terrain (fit best for high clearance, all-wheel drive vehicles), and every mile is a delight or adventure or both!  The road takes you to Ruidosa, a tiny hamlet along the Rio Grande.

Part of the road is smooth and paved, but after a few miles it becomes quite rough.  While it is tempting to want to get out and explore the rugged stretches by foot, keep in mind that the road cuts through private land and access off the road is not allowed.  Still, the amazing scenery makes the drive MORE than worthwhile!

The Rough Part of Pinto Canyon Road

Yesterday's entry showed the gentle rolling landscape at the north end of Pinto Canyon Road, FM2810 heading out of Marfa. Here's the rocky part further south, best traveled by all-wheel, high clearance vehicles. Pinto Canyon Road cuts through private property, please respect the landowners and take care not to venture off the road and onto private land.

South of Marfa

Head south out of Marfa on FM2810 to see some great scenery. The first part of the road is paved, and then it becomes rough and rocky best for high clearance vehicles with all-wheel drive. The road cuts through private property; enjoy your drive, but take care not to cross fencelines.

Views from Pinto Canyon

A great drive awaits travelers with high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles--Pinto Canyon in Presidio County.

This is a great shot by Mark Donet of Alpine, as he drove south from Marfa to Ruidosa.