Hike The River Road: Lajitas To Presidio

Liz Claflin

Scout

Hike The River Road: Lajitas To Presidio

11/25/25

This is not a hike, its a scenic drive! You would not want to backpack this. This drive runs along the Rio Grande River through Big Bend Ranch State Park. Its a gorgeous drive that would take about 1.5 hours if you never stopped, which would be a travesty! Make sure to obtain a visitor pass before doing this drive. You can get it online or at one of the visitor centers at either end of the drive. There are a few pullouts offering scenic views. But you’ll also be bombarded with scenic views the entire drive, even without stopping! I give this drive five stars, but I considered giving it four simply because the section of the drive between the Hoodoos and Presidio is far less scenic than the rest of the drive. But ultimately, its a spectacular drive! Notable stops along the way (from east to west): Warnock Visitor Center; Contrabando Movie Set Site; East Contrabando Scenic Overlook (1/4 mile hike); Closed Canyon Trail (1.3 mile hike); Hoodoos Trail (about 1 mile); Fort Leaton. Keep an eye out for animals along the way! We saw a fox, javelinas, horses, and a deer. There are bathrooms at mant parking areas and also a few places for a picnic.

5.0