06/09/2026
Often hailed as the most spectacular drive in the Lone Star State, Farm to Market Road 170 (FM 170)—famously known as the River Road—stretches between Lajitas and Presidio. Hugging the twists of the Rio Grande and cutting straight through the rugged heart of Big Bend Ranch State Park, it offers incredible vantage points for photography, geology, and desert solitude.
The Summit at Big Bend
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Here are the most scenic spots and pull-outs you absolutely shouldn't miss along the route:
1. The Big Hill
If you only stop at one place, make it this one. This is the highest point on the highway and features a dramatic, steep 15% grade (the steepest paved road in Texas).
Texas Highways
The View: The turnouts at the crest offer a dizzying, panoramic look at the Rio Grande snaking through the canyon far below, flanked by massive volcanic cliffs on both the U.S. and Mexican sides. The sense of scale here is immense.
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2. The Hoodoos
Located right on the roadside, this spot features a surreal landscape of bizarre geological formations.
The Summit at Big Bend
The View: Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock with a harder capstone resting on softer, eroded rock underneath. There is a short, easy loop trail that lets you walk right down among these giant, mushroom-like stone figures along the riverbank. It’s an exceptional spot for catching the golden hour light.
The Summit at Big Bend
3. Closed Canyon
A massive slit in the rock faces of the Colorado Mesa reveals one of the few easily accessible slot canyons in Texas.
The Summit at Big Bend
The View: While you can see the imposing entrance from the trailhead pull-out, a very short walk brings you inside a narrow, towering corridor of ancient volcanic rock. The dramatic play of deep shadows and narrow beams of sunlight bouncing off the polished canyon walls makes for spectacular, moody landscape shots.
4. Dom Rock (Fandango Movie Site)
Film buffs and landscape lovers alike pull over here. This massive, distinctive rock structure overlooks a wide bend in the river.
The View: It served as a prominent location in Kevin Costner’s 1985 cult classic film Fandango. Beyond the cinematic trivia, climbing up slightly above the main vehicle pull-out grants a sweeping view of the river valley that feels entirely untouched by time.
5. Contrabando Icon & La Casita
Located closer to the Lajitas side, this area was used for decades as a rugged movie set for films like Dead Man's Walk and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada.
The View: While time and flash floods have reclaimed most of the faux-western village structures, the historic adobe building known as "La Casita" (which actually predates the movie sets) still stands. Set against the stark desert backdrop, it offers a beautifully poignant image of old borderlands architecture.
6. Teepee Picnic Area
A whimsical but highly photogenic roadside rest stop featuring concrete picnic shelters shaped like traditional teepees.
The View: Aside from providing a rare patch of midday shade, the contrast of these retro, kitschy structures set against the raw, sweeping wilderness of the Chihuahuan Desert makes for an iconic Texas road trip photograph.
💡 Pro-Tips for the Drive
The Summit at Big Bend
Lighting: The volcanic rock faces change color drastically throughout the day. Early morning and late afternoon bring out deep reds, ochres, and purples that completely transform the scenery.
Connectivity: Cell service drops to zero for almost the entirety of this 50-mile stretch, so it’s best to download a map or pack a physical guide before heading out.
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Hitting the open road in West Texas and finally made it to one of the most iconic spots in all of Big Bend Ranch State Park: the Big Hill Overlook on River Road! 🌵🏜️
Words and photos hardly do justice to the sheer scale of this place. Standing up here, looking down at the mighty Rio Grande snake its way through the rugged canyons, separating Texas from Mexico, is truly humbling. The steep 15% grade to get up here is no joke, but the views are absolutely worth every second.
The geology is mind-blowing—the layers of rock and volcanic history exposed by the river's path are a testament to the power of nature over millions of years. It’s hard not to feel small in the face of such ancient beauty.
We spent quite a bit of time just soaking in the panorama, the silence (broken only by the wind), and the incredible vastness of the Chihuahuan Desert. It's a reminder of why I love exploring these remote, wild places.
If you ever get the chance to drive FM 170 between Lajitas and Presidio, do not skip this stop! It’s easily one of the most scenic drives in the entire state. Pack a camera, bring plenty of water, and prepare to be amazed.
Has anyone else made the pilgrimage to the Big Hill? I'd love to see your photos! Share your favorite River Road memory in the comments below. 👇👇👇
