Texas

Big Bend National Park is one of the best remote destinations in the US. It has plenty of views, river roads, desert and flowers.You can get up-to-date info on park conditions and Stephen Scace of Austin, Texas offers this local knowledge:

Solis and Talley campgrounds, on either side of Mariscal Canyon, are prime spots for burgling vehicles. It's very remote, and folks leave stuff in their cars while they paddle the canyon. Not great camping anyway. Black Dike at the west end is unusual and kinda neat. Fresno, up near Mariscal Mine is higher up and away from the river, drier and breezier. Exposed. But close to the mine, which is a really cool place--don't breathe the cinnabar dust.

It's hot. Real hot. Terlingua hits 120 F in the summer. And the rainy season is July, August, September. Rain isn't so bad, but can wash out roads and leave you stranded..for days, which again might not be so bad if you've got food and water.

The Black Gap Road is--or was--very rough. It is often washed out, but I hear it's been bladed "recently". It's great. Very scenic. The Elephant Tusk trailhead campsite is pretty exposed, but the view is great. Glenn Spring, near the east end of the Black Gap Road, has a fascinating history. The spring is beautiful.

I like the Old Ore Road a lot--Ernst Tinaja (neat place, crappy campsite), McKinney Ranch, McKinney Springs, Telephone Canyon are all good.

All the dirt roads are remote and seldom patrolled. Take at least two gallons of water, always, besides the minimum gallon per day of planned travel. Dehydration really hurts. If you travel alone, you have to figure you are responsible for yourself, mostly 'cause there ain't no one else around. So be prepared.

And of course, speaking of cool and pavement, the run up to the Chisos Basin is mighty fine. Oh yeah, gas at Panther Junction and Study Butte, and supper's best at La Kiva, if Pam's still cookin' there on Wednesday nights.