Old Ore Road

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4.8/5 (5 reviews)
Terlingua, Texas (Brewster County)
Last Updated: 11/28/2021

Trail Information

Highlights

Used during the 1900s to transport ore from mines in the south to trail stations farther north, Old Ore Road is an excellent half-day route providing exceptional views of the Chisos Mountains and Tornillo Creek. Whether staying in nearby Study Butte-Terlingua area or camping in Big Bend National Park, the route is an absolutely must-do for 4x4 enthusiasts visiting the area.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (6)
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 01/17/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Love this trail, not difficult when dry.
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/12/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

This is a fun and scenic trail to run while in the Big Bend National Park. I recommend you run it from north to south, as the views of the Chisos Mountain Basin and even the green of the Rio Grande River valley are visible as you run the middle and southern end of the trail. The northern portion of the trail has the most washed-out areas and rocks. However, the Rocky Ledge Hill at waypoint 14 was our favorite part due to the scenery. If you start from the northern end you may want to go through the Dagger Flat Auto Trail before starting this trail, especially if the Giant Dagger Yuccas are blooming. Be sure not to miss the short hike (just under 1 mile round trip on easy terrain) to Ernst Tinaja at waypoint 16. Since it is so dry at Big Bend right now, this trail ran easier than a rating of 4. We aired down and ran with the sway bar disconnected, but never needed 4-low. For planning purposes, it took us (stock Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon on 33" tires) 3 hours and 45 minutes to run the trail, including time to air down and air back up, but not counting pictures/hiking/lunch. It was a great 1/2 day of desert wheeling!
Trail Review: Old Ore Road - Donna Kepf
Trail Review: Old Ore Road - Donna Kepf
This trail guide's difficulty was changed on 11/28/2021
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800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/21/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The rating is spot on IMO. Was fun and interesting drive. I feel like the duration of time is a little off from what is posted. It took us about 5-1/2 hours to finish it, maybe we're just slow lol.
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300
Open
Visited: 04/16/2019

A very scenic trail but not technical (guy that flipped his unimog on it might disagree with me). A very pleasant drive. Can be combined with Dagger Flats road at the north end.
Trail Review: Old Ore Road - John G.

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