West Texas isn’t just dust and heat — it’s where overland legends are made. If you’re looking to put your Ford Bronco (or any overland rig) to the test while soaking in desert beauty and rugged terrain, there’s one trail that stands above the rest: Black Gap Road in Big Bend National Park. 🌵🛻🔥
📍 Where Is It?
Black Gap Road is deep in Big Bend National Park, stretching between Glenn Spring Road and River Road East. It’s one of the only trails in the park marked for high-clearance 4×4 vehicles only — making it the perfect proving ground for your build.
🧭 Coordinates: 29.1191° N, 103.1411° W
🚙 Why It’s a Must-Drive Trail
- Real Challenge: Steep climbs, loose rocks, and technical passes test your driving skills and your Bronco’s grit.
- Desert Vibes: Miles of remote terrain where the only sounds are your engine and the wind.
- Bucket List Status: Ask any Texas overlander — Black Gap is a rite of passage.
🐎🌄
🔧 What You’ll Need
- A capable 4×4 (your Bronco’s time to shine)
- Recovery gear: winch, traction boards, tow straps
- Full-size spare tire
- Offline maps (no service out there)
- At least 1 gallon of water per person per day
- Sunscreen, snacks, and good music
🏕️ Where to Camp
Primitive roadside camping is allowed with a backcountry permit. Campsites along River Road East offer incredible sunrise views and total silence.
⛺ Pro Tip: Set up near the junction of Black Gap and River Road East for an unforgettable starlit night.
📸 What to Capture
- Your Bronco crawling over ledges
- Desert sunsets painting the Chisos Mountains
- Campfires under a star-choked sky
- Trail dirt on your face (the good kind)
📷🔥🐾
⚠️ Know Before You Go
- Permits required to drive and camp on Black Gap Road
- Flash floods happen fast — check weather forecasts
- No cell service — bring a GPS and tell someone your plan
- Pack out what you pack in — leave no trace
🗺️ Trail Conditions & Alerts – NPS
🧭 Final Thoughts
If you’re rolling through West Texas and don’t hit Black Gap Road, did you even overland? It’s wild, raw, and unforgettable — just how we like it.
Check your gear, air down those tires, and send it. Big Bend doesn’t mess around. And neither do we.
Catch you on the next trail.
