Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive*
Distance: 60 Miles (round-trip, not including the spur roads)
Time Required: 3-4 Hours (making frequent stops)
Highlights: Fine views of the Chisos Mountains and the Window from far below. The overlook to the Homer Wilson Ranch ruins and the spur road to Sotol Vista are both well worth a look. The road descends dramatically, and you can see the wide span of open desert spread out before you. Be sure to take the spur roads to Burro Mesa Pouroff and Mule Ears Peaks, as well. Soon the road passes near Tuff Canyon, a delightful treat. Castellan Peak is now prominent in its colorful majesty, surrounded by a terrain rich in volcanic ash and lava deposits. The historic Castolon area is next. Then, some 8 miles later, at the end of the drive, is the grand finale, Santa Elena Canyon.*Not suitable for trailers over 20 ft. and RV's over 24 ft. past Sotol Vista.

The Road to the Basin*
Distance: 14 Miles (round-trip)
Time Required: 1-2 Hours
Highlights: An obvious shift in vegetation from high desert plants and shrubs to mountain fauna and dense forest highlight the drive into the Chisos Mountains. The mountains seem impassable, but the road winds in very sharp curves and steep grades around the imposing peaks. Soon the road reaches a summit where the views of the Window far below are spectacular. In the Basin is a campground, lodge & cabins, restaurant, convenience store, ranger station and the homes of several park employees. Take the time here to stroll around and enjoy the splendor of this cool mountain oasis, far and away from the heat of the Chihuahuan desert.*Not suitable for trailers over 20 feet and RV's over 24 feet in length.

The Road to Rio Grande Village
Distance: 44 Miles (round-trip)
Time Required: 2-3 Hours
Highlights: Excellent displays of desert vegetation; and, especially during the early morning and twilight hours, abundant wildlife, including: white tail and mule deer, coyotes, javelina, and bobcats. Natural features include a view of the Chisos Mountains to the west, the colorful embankment of Tornillo Creek, and the massive escarpment of the Sierra Del Carmen range (in Mexico) along the eastern skyline. There are a number of pullovers along this road, many with interpretive plaques. Be sure to stop at the Rio Grande Overlook (just out of the tunnel) for a glimpse of the greenbelt that lines most of the river through the park. The spur road to Boquillas Canyon (8 miles round-trip) offers a closer view of the small border town of Boquillas, Mexico and the mouth of the canyon (the highest of the three big canyons that line the river through the park).
 

Hot Springs Road
Distance: 4 Miles (round-trip)
Time Required: 1 Hour
Highlights: About halfway into this short drive, suitable for passenger vehicles, the road cuts into the side of a creek bed, exposing layer upon layer of rock. It is a thrilling drive, with narrow passages through the tiny canyon. There are historic buildings near the parking area at the end of the road. And, of course, the popular hot springs, just a half mile walk down river.

Pine Canyon Road
Distance: 11 Miles (round-trip)
Time Required: 3-4 Hours
Highlights: This road is very rough in many spots, and should only be attempted with a vehicle of higher clearance and good traction, preferably a truck or SUV. It is a very primitive area, infrequently traveled, and one could very well have the area to themselves. The terrain is fantastic, offering broad views, as well as coming into close range of colorful peaks. The hiking trail into Pine Canyon, approximately 4 miles round-trip, is an easy to moderate hike, well worth doing if you made the effort to drive that far.

Old Maverick Road
Distance: 13 Miles (one-way)
Time Required:1 Hour
Highlights: This drive (generally suitable for most vehicles, but check with park rangers as it washes out frequently) runs from the western entrance of the park to Santa Elena Canyon, and is typically done as a leg of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. If not, then double the distance and time to allow for a round-trip. If you do it one-way, I suggest starting at Santa Elena Canyon, as the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is more spectacular driving from North to South. Highlights include the ruins of Luna's Jacal (a dugout home of mud and rock) and the painted valley (as I call it).