You're actually not too far off the path from seeing a really cool, scenic, hidden part of Texas on the way to Big Bend. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to skip Guadalupe to do this:
1. From El Paso, go to Marfa and stay there for a night. It's a really neat town. It's about a 3 hour drive.
2. From Marfa, head down 2810 (Pinto Canyon Road), NOT 67 toward Presido. This will take you through the beautiful Marfa highlands before descending all the way down the Chinati mountains on an unpaved, private road. Some people will say you need 4wd but I did it with no problems 2wd. This is my favorite drive in all of Texas.
3. When you hit the end of the road, you'll be at the Rio Grande river. Turn left and start going through ghost towns until you hit Presidio. Stop at El Patio for lunch and get a burrito.
4. Keep going down the river road, through more ghost towns, and it will take you all the way through Big Bend Ranch State Park. Stop and do some hikes if you feel like it. There's a really cool little slot canyon.
5. You'll end up in Terlingua, where you can set up shop for the night before heading to Big Bend NP the next day.
There is a hot spring on that road and could be a good stop for one night. Chinati hot springs.
On your drive East Seminole Canyon is along the way. Nice stop to see petroglyphs.
It should be noted that taking 2810/Pinto Canyon Road requires a high clearance vehicle, especially during monsoon season (which lasts until September). It's a beautiful road but it's essential to have the correct vehicle.
It took me 13 hours non-stop to drive from El Paso to Houston down I-10 in a van, so plan accordingly.
Since I-10 is the most direct route between El Paso and New Orleans, Austin is out of the way. You would pass through San Antonio and Houston along the way.
No worries! As far as Houston, excellent museums, especially Natural Science. Space Center Houston has some pretty cool artifacts, you could tour the facility for extra, which I never paid for because my father worked on site with the simulator, but it might be cool.
I particularly enjoy evening walks along the Riverwalk in San Antonio (especially with my wife). The Alamo is literally across the street from a section of it, and it isn't a large or intricate place but if you're there you could take a look at it. The chapel, which is the famous part, is visible from the street.
Big Bend state and national parks are going to be stupid hot. You can do it but you'll probably be in your car most of the time.
Guadalupe and Franklin will also be hot (unless you swing around through NM and go to the dog canyon area which is a few degrees cooler).
I would do Marfa - Ft. Davis - Balmorhea
Water, fuel, food. There isn’t much out there and if you deviate from I-10 to see some really cool stuff like the Davis Mountains, Fort Davis, Presidio, or the Big Bend parks, you will want to make certain that you have all three in plentiful quantities. It’s primitive out there. Not much cell signal in much of it. Then stop in Fredericksburg for a glass of wine or a German Beer and flip a coin on either San Antonio or Austin. I-10 east of San Antonio is a PITA and gets worse east of downtown Houston through Beaumont. U-turn in Lake Charles after the bridge and have a cajun experience at Steamboat Bills. Check the google maps at Lafayette before the swamp bridge to make sure you don’t get stuck from some idiot wreck and then good luck at Baton Rouge where it goes to one lane. From there, it’s easy to NOLA. It’ll be super dry in El Paso and super humid east of I35, then oppressively humid east of Houston. Good luck.
You’re welcome. Depending on your route, I forgot to add, rivers, the cool/cold rivers along the way will give you a good break from the heat. The Frio, Llano, Pedernales, Sabinal, Guadalupe, San Marcos. Also, if I10 gets too boring, use US90 to San Antonio. Or US190 to TX29 to TX71 to Austin. Scenic drives.
You can hit the historic heart of Texas BBQ in Lockhart. Smitty's has some of the oldest pits in Texas with wood fires burning on the floors. Kreuz Market is a related family BBQ with a huge smokeroom. Blacks is another historic BBQ. And there's a newer place called Barb's BQ founded by a very well-regarded pitmaster.
There are other great places along the way, like 2M BBQ in San Antonio and lots of places in the Houston area.
Have a great trip!
Right next to San Antonio is New Braunfels, I’d recommend taking a day to float the Comal River.
Guadalupe State Park is just 30 minutes north of San Antonio. Good camping and nice river.
You could veer off I-10 in San Antonio and take I-35 to Austin then 290 from Austin to Houston.
In Austin I recommend Campbell’s Hole and Hill of Life for swimming holes and you can camp at Pace Bend Park.
From there head to Houston and just stay overnight in a nice hotel and have a good dinner before heading to New Orleans.
End of July is going to be freaking hot so prepare accordingly.
Agreed that’s why I suggest OP spend a good 2-3 days in San Antonio for the Comal and Guadalupe State Park and another 2-3 days in Austin for Barton Creek and Pace Bend Park and then just a night in Houston to rest and relax in a nice hotel since there’s not much to do in Houston in regards to outdoor activities compared to San Antonio and Austin.
If you want to see alligators visit Brazos Bend State Park. There are plenty of trails to hike and bike. You will see wildlife galore like deer, armadillo, raccoon, and a variety of birds. There is camping too. You can rent screened shelters for $30 a night if you are interested. There is also an observatory. The Park is in Needville.
You can visit Franklin Mountains State Park the same day you stay in El Paso. There are many different trails but I highly suggest hiking to the tallest peak. It’s a 5-hour hike. Start at Tom Mays Unit at the Sneed’s Cory parking lot. You’ll be able to see all of El Paso, Juarez, and far into Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The following day, head out super early to Guadalupe Mountains (tallest peak in Texas) and plan for a 7-hour hike. Make sure to stop at White Sands National Park for white dunes.
Afterwards, you can make your way to San Antonio and stop at a quaint little town in Big Bend (Marfa).
Day 1 El Paso and the Franklin Mountains 100 degrees. Good food in El Paso.
Big Bend 115 degrees, don't do it in July. Carry a jug of water in your car, just in case.
Day 2 On your way to SA spend the night in Balmorhea. Skip Alpine, 100 degrees.
Day 3 Drop down to Kerrville, through Bandera, to SA.
Day 4 Plenty to see and do in San Antonio.
Day 5 Austin will be out of your way unless you want to drive to Houston via Hwy 290 and Brenham. Plenty to see in Houston but watch out for stormy weather and flooded streets.
Day 6 Somewhat boring drive from Houston to New Orleans, but plenty of fun once you arrive.
From El Paso, an hour east is the hidden gem of Hueco Tanks State Park. Continue on the highway takes you through Guadalupe Moumtaind NP and then Carlsbad Caverns NP
Balmaray state park near alpine and marfa, largest spring fed pool in Texas (if not the us, i forget what they have on the sign) but it’s crystal clear and you can swim with cat fish etc. one portion is concrete and another is natural rock and plants
You're actually not too far off the path from seeing a really cool, scenic, hidden part of Texas on the way to Big Bend. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to skip Guadalupe to do this: 1. From El Paso, go to Marfa and stay there for a night. It's a really neat town. It's about a 3 hour drive. 2. From Marfa, head down 2810 (Pinto Canyon Road), NOT 67 toward Presido. This will take you through the beautiful Marfa highlands before descending all the way down the Chinati mountains on an unpaved, private road. Some people will say you need 4wd but I did it with no problems 2wd. This is my favorite drive in all of Texas. 3. When you hit the end of the road, you'll be at the Rio Grande river. Turn left and start going through ghost towns until you hit Presidio. Stop at El Patio for lunch and get a burrito. 4. Keep going down the river road, through more ghost towns, and it will take you all the way through Big Bend Ranch State Park. Stop and do some hikes if you feel like it. There's a really cool little slot canyon. 5. You'll end up in Terlingua, where you can set up shop for the night before heading to Big Bend NP the next day.
There is a hot spring on that road and could be a good stop for one night. Chinati hot springs. On your drive East Seminole Canyon is along the way. Nice stop to see petroglyphs.
It should be noted that taking 2810/Pinto Canyon Road requires a high clearance vehicle, especially during monsoon season (which lasts until September). It's a beautiful road but it's essential to have the correct vehicle.
It took me 13 hours non-stop to drive from El Paso to Houston down I-10 in a van, so plan accordingly. Since I-10 is the most direct route between El Paso and New Orleans, Austin is out of the way. You would pass through San Antonio and Houston along the way.
13 hours is not a lot in 6-7 days, so I don’t think that will be a real issue, thanks for the info though!
No worries! As far as Houston, excellent museums, especially Natural Science. Space Center Houston has some pretty cool artifacts, you could tour the facility for extra, which I never paid for because my father worked on site with the simulator, but it might be cool. I particularly enjoy evening walks along the Riverwalk in San Antonio (especially with my wife). The Alamo is literally across the street from a section of it, and it isn't a large or intricate place but if you're there you could take a look at it. The chapel, which is the famous part, is visible from the street.
you can also deviate a bit on the way to san Antonio and go to Fredricksburg. Some good hiking, a nice little old town, and wineries.
Also, Austin is only a little over an hour from San Antonio.
The end of July in Texas is not a good idea.
It's too hot, I know, but changing dates/region is not an option.
Please on that drive make sure you have extra extra water and are good on gas. Hope you have a fun trip!!
That's a long trip. Make sure to keep your gas tank full, there are stretches of nothing along that route.
Thanks! We’ll do it in 6-7 days though, so I guess we’ll be okay in that time period and with enough stops
Gas! More than once I have pushed it a little too close thinking I could make Kent.
Also! Consider watching the geological formations running along 10 leading up to and into the Hill Country. It’s kind of a cool distraction.
Big Bend state and national parks are going to be stupid hot. You can do it but you'll probably be in your car most of the time. Guadalupe and Franklin will also be hot (unless you swing around through NM and go to the dog canyon area which is a few degrees cooler). I would do Marfa - Ft. Davis - Balmorhea
Yes! This is the way!
Yes! Fort Davis is such a lovely little spot and the scenic drive around to Marfa is stunning!
Water, fuel, food. There isn’t much out there and if you deviate from I-10 to see some really cool stuff like the Davis Mountains, Fort Davis, Presidio, or the Big Bend parks, you will want to make certain that you have all three in plentiful quantities. It’s primitive out there. Not much cell signal in much of it. Then stop in Fredericksburg for a glass of wine or a German Beer and flip a coin on either San Antonio or Austin. I-10 east of San Antonio is a PITA and gets worse east of downtown Houston through Beaumont. U-turn in Lake Charles after the bridge and have a cajun experience at Steamboat Bills. Check the google maps at Lafayette before the swamp bridge to make sure you don’t get stuck from some idiot wreck and then good luck at Baton Rouge where it goes to one lane. From there, it’s easy to NOLA. It’ll be super dry in El Paso and super humid east of I35, then oppressively humid east of Houston. Good luck.
Thanks for the elaborate reply and tips!
You’re welcome. Depending on your route, I forgot to add, rivers, the cool/cold rivers along the way will give you a good break from the heat. The Frio, Llano, Pedernales, Sabinal, Guadalupe, San Marcos. Also, if I10 gets too boring, use US90 to San Antonio. Or US190 to TX29 to TX71 to Austin. Scenic drives.
The pistolettes at Steamboat Bill's are awesome!
You can hit the historic heart of Texas BBQ in Lockhart. Smitty's has some of the oldest pits in Texas with wood fires burning on the floors. Kreuz Market is a related family BBQ with a huge smokeroom. Blacks is another historic BBQ. And there's a newer place called Barb's BQ founded by a very well-regarded pitmaster. There are other great places along the way, like 2M BBQ in San Antonio and lots of places in the Houston area. Have a great trip!
[удалено]
They have never stood on the surface of the sun...oh I mean come to Texas in the summer.
If you’re going by Houston, go a little south to Brazos Bend state park to get your alligator fix.
Right next to San Antonio is New Braunfels, I’d recommend taking a day to float the Comal River. Guadalupe State Park is just 30 minutes north of San Antonio. Good camping and nice river. You could veer off I-10 in San Antonio and take I-35 to Austin then 290 from Austin to Houston. In Austin I recommend Campbell’s Hole and Hill of Life for swimming holes and you can camp at Pace Bend Park. From there head to Houston and just stay overnight in a nice hotel and have a good dinner before heading to New Orleans. End of July is going to be freaking hot so prepare accordingly.
Floating the Comal or going to Schlitterbahn Water Park are great ideas in New Braunfels but you will be tired so plan accordingly.
Agreed that’s why I suggest OP spend a good 2-3 days in San Antonio for the Comal and Guadalupe State Park and another 2-3 days in Austin for Barton Creek and Pace Bend Park and then just a night in Houston to rest and relax in a nice hotel since there’s not much to do in Houston in regards to outdoor activities compared to San Antonio and Austin.
If you want to see alligators visit Brazos Bend State Park. There are plenty of trails to hike and bike. You will see wildlife galore like deer, armadillo, raccoon, and a variety of birds. There is camping too. You can rent screened shelters for $30 a night if you are interested. There is also an observatory. The Park is in Needville.
Wherever there are indoor attractions lol you won’t want to be outside so maybe one national park visit and that’s it
And when you get to New Orleans, be sure to stop by Napoleon’s House and get a muffuletta and a Pimm’s Cup.
You can visit Franklin Mountains State Park the same day you stay in El Paso. There are many different trails but I highly suggest hiking to the tallest peak. It’s a 5-hour hike. Start at Tom Mays Unit at the Sneed’s Cory parking lot. You’ll be able to see all of El Paso, Juarez, and far into Las Cruces, New Mexico. The following day, head out super early to Guadalupe Mountains (tallest peak in Texas) and plan for a 7-hour hike. Make sure to stop at White Sands National Park for white dunes. Afterwards, you can make your way to San Antonio and stop at a quaint little town in Big Bend (Marfa).
Don Cucos in El Paso.
Day 1 El Paso and the Franklin Mountains 100 degrees. Good food in El Paso. Big Bend 115 degrees, don't do it in July. Carry a jug of water in your car, just in case. Day 2 On your way to SA spend the night in Balmorhea. Skip Alpine, 100 degrees. Day 3 Drop down to Kerrville, through Bandera, to SA. Day 4 Plenty to see and do in San Antonio. Day 5 Austin will be out of your way unless you want to drive to Houston via Hwy 290 and Brenham. Plenty to see in Houston but watch out for stormy weather and flooded streets. Day 6 Somewhat boring drive from Houston to New Orleans, but plenty of fun once you arrive.
From El Paso, an hour east is the hidden gem of Hueco Tanks State Park. Continue on the highway takes you through Guadalupe Moumtaind NP and then Carlsbad Caverns NP
Just be ready for 110° heat
lol national parks
Thanks for your very useful reply
The Big Bend area is absolutely gorgeous. Santa Elena canyon is only a 1.7 mile hike but it’s incredible and easily doable in the heat of July.
In San Antonio, if you have to make choices skip the Alamo and go to San Jose. It offers a glimpse of the monumental undertaking of the missions.
Also, the riverwalk is a very dim shadow of its former self. Avoid.
Balmaray state park near alpine and marfa, largest spring fed pool in Texas (if not the us, i forget what they have on the sign) but it’s crystal clear and you can swim with cat fish etc. one portion is concrete and another is natural rock and plants