Potential Big Bend Trip

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A_Train

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All - I went from a 2014 Raptor to a 2019 and have signed up for Raptor Assault in August. We're from Houston and I considered bringing my father but he has heart issues and the elevation in Utah kind of scares me(he had a pretty big heart attack in Lake Tahoe(Reno) a few years back. That being said, I'm thinking of canceling Raptor Assault and planning a trip to Big Bend with him. The question is are there trails wide enough for the Raptor to use? My neighbor told me years ago that I should rent a local Jeep because the trails are narrow. I have no idea.

Anyway, I appreciate any feedback that you may have. Thanks in advance!

Anthony
 

GordoJay

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I took a full sized Dodge over some of those trails years ago and don't recall any issues ... but I didn't drive the river road, which is still on my bucket list to spend most of a week camping and hiking. Maybe in November, though, not August.
 
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A_Train

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I took a full sized Dodge over some of those trails years ago and don't recall any issues ... but I didn't drive the river road, which is still on my bucket list to spend most of a week camping and hiking. Maybe in November, though, not August.


Thanks for the info! Should be all good in a Scab Raptor then.
 

wheelman55

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BBNP still has not opened the unpaved roads like River Road. When it does open, its easily driveable in Raptor. Be sure to slow way down at any dry river crossings to avoid any front end bottom outs. There was a lot of rain during the closure and there is sure to be a good amount of erosion.

I’ve driven River Road in well under two hours in Raptor, vs 4ish hours in the ‘93 F250. It’s 54 miles of good backcountry scenery.

Maverick Road if recently graded is like a highway in the Raptor. Remember to be kind to the slower drivers.

Here’s a link to use to keep updated on closures. Read to the bottom to see the road closures.

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/big-bend-covid-19-status-updates.htm

Also recommended is doing the drive up into the Christmas Mountains. You need to make a reservation here:

https://terlinguaranch.com/christmas-mountains/

It’s easy driving for Raptor...might take a couple of three point turns at some of the switchbacks. If you want to continue the adventure after the Christmas Mountains summit: from the lodge head back a mile or so, turn left at Lake Ament road.

A couple of miles or so in Lake Ament road takes a hard left, when you think you should go straight, there might be a sign. If you overshoot you’ll hit a locked gate. back track and take the turn.

Once back on Lake Ament road wander around heading south. All of these roads appear on Apple Maps, but not always on Raptor nav. Meander your way to the Gate 2 road and exit back on TX 118. You can easily spend a couple of hours back there. You will see how the other 1% live :)

Keep the speed down on the ranch as people live there full time.

Have a great time with your dad.
 
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A_Train

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BBNP still has not opened the unpaved roads like River Road. When it does open, its easily driveable in Raptor. Be sure to slow way down at any dry river crossings to avoid any front end bottom outs. There was a lot of rain during the closure and there is sure to be a good amount of erosion.

I’ve driven River Road in well under two hours in Raptor, vs 4ish hours in the ‘93 F250. It’s 54 miles of good backcountry scenery.

Maverick Road if recently graded is like a highway in the Raptor. Remember to be kind to the slower drivers.

Here’s a link to use to keep updated on closures. Read to the bottom to see the road closures.

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/big-bend-covid-19-status-updates.htm


This is great info! Thanks for the help!

Anthony
 

Roc Nichols

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Make sure your dad takes some Nitro pills with him. And stop in the Ranger Station let them know who you are and vehicle info just in case your Dad needs to be extracted. Be safe and have fun its a great trip.
 

sixshooter_45

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All - I went from a 2014 Raptor to a 2019 and have signed up for Raptor Assault in August. We're from Houston and I considered bringing my father but he has heart issues and the elevation in Utah kind of scares me(he had a pretty big heart attack in Lake Tahoe(Reno) a few years back. That being said, I'm thinking of canceling Raptor Assault and planning a trip to Big Bend with him. The question is are there trails wide enough for the Raptor to use? My neighbor told me years ago that I should rent a local Jeep because the trails are narrow. I have no idea.

Anyway, I appreciate any feedback that you may have. Thanks in advance!

Anthony

There are certain trail apps. which allows you to enter the dimensions of your vehicle and will then report which trails will work with those parameters.

Sorry, but I forgot which app. It was but some research or someone else here probably would know.
 

wheelman55

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I’ve done all of the BBNP backroads in the Raptor except for Black Gap and I’m told that I’ll fit through it.

The Big Bend State Park on the other hand has many roads that are not Raptor friendly.
 
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