Exploring Big Bend- Old Maverick Road to Santa Elena Canyon

Buckle up for a bumpy ride! Join us as we head down Old Maverick Road to Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park

May 2025

This 14-mile stretch runs from the Maverick Junction Entrance all the way to the canyon and takes about an hour to drive. A common question is whether you need four-wheel drive—and the answer is no. However, be prepared: the road is often rough and washboarded. If you’re prone to car sickness like I am, it might be a bit of a wild ride! That said, the historic sites along the way and the stunning views make it absolutely worth it.

We started the day on a mission to find the yellow ocotillo—but we were a little too late. With the heat, all of them had already turned. My dad was determined at first but gave up pretty quickly. Still, ocotillos remain one of my favorite desert plants.

We paused to take in the views of Terlingua Creek and the surrounding landscape. The scenery along this road is absolutely stunning. You’ll cross through the creek bed at one point, which is the roughest stretch for your vehicle. Fortunately, the road was much smoother this time compared to our last visit. Just a heads-up: this road can be completely impassable after heavy rain, or in much worse condition than what you see in this video—always check with a ranger before heading out.

Our first stop was Luna’s Jacal, the historic home of Gilberto Luna. He arrived in the area in 1916 and made a living herding goats and farming along the banks of Alamo Creek. He was highly respected and lived here with his large family, all of whom adapted impressively to the harsh desert environment. Luna lived to be 108 years old.

We continued on to Santa Elena Canyon—a place that still takes my breath away every single time I see it.

Santa Elena is an easy, rewarding hike, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Big Bend National Park. It’s wild to think this entire area was once covered by sea—between 60 and 130 million years ago. This spot is an absolute must-see.

When you arrive, you’ll notice the dramatic separation of limestone: the Mesa de Anguila on the Texas side and the Sierra Ponce on the Mexican side. Watching the Rio Grande carve its way between two countries is truly incredible. With canyon walls soaring over 1,500 feet, the whole scene feels almost otherworldly. Take your time, go slow, and soak it all in.

If you're planning a trip to Big Bend, be sure to check our YouTube video notes for tour recommendations and more info about our restaurant!

See ya out west!

-Mallory

Exploring Big Bend: Buena Suerte

Looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Big Bend area? We just explored Buena Suerte, a ghost town and former mining spot that’s the perfect excuse for a desert getaway.

This trip with us has been on my dad’s radar for a while, and we finally got a day off after our busy season. For those who don’t know us yet, my dad and I are super close. When my husband and I moved to Terlingua after buying a little pizza place, my dad wasn’t far behind. We're lucky to have him as our personal guide, and he also runs Jeep and ATV tours with Far Flung. If you’re interested in booking a tour, give Far Flung a call for more details!

We set out for Buena Suerte, and I’d recommend having a guide if you want to access the site by vehicle. I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved this trip.

Along the way, we took time to snap photos and explore the land. The road to the ghost town is part of the Marfa-Terlingua Road, which was the original route from the mines to the towns. Just imagine the people who once made this trek. The history blows my mind sometimes.

One of the things I love most about living here is the plant life. We spotted a few living rock cacti, and I learned that they’re actually protected due to being an endangered species of wild flora. We also took a moment to admire the stunning limestone and gypsum – it looked like a mountain full of diamonds! Gypsum is used in a wide range of applications, from drywall to certain foods and pharmaceuticals. This stop was one of my favorites.

When we arrived at the ghost town, I was absolutely blown away. From what I understand, the Fresno mines began operations in the 1940s and ceased in 1973. During both world wars, the United States was the leading producer of mercury, so this area primarily served as housing for the mine workers. There was even a post office here at one point.

We wandered through the grounds, soaking in the history and the breathtaking views. Can you imagine this place once buzzing with life? My dad then took us to the Fresno Mine, where we got to see the remnants of the entire operation. I love history, and it’s fascinating to imagine what it would’ve been like back in its prime.

This place is filled with stunning plants, wildlife, and a deep history that takes you back in time. I highly recommend booking a trip to see Buena Suerte. If you’re heading to the Big Bend area, be sure to ask for Chris at Far Flung. I can promise you an unforgettable experience!

See ya out west!

-Mallory

Off the Map: Ranch Adventures, Canyons & Old Mining Sites

We recently had the opportunity to explore an 11,000-acre ranch with one of our dearest friends, and it was easily one of the most incredible experiences we've had in the desert.

This place was packed with history and wild, untouched beauty. The kind of land that feels both ancient and alive. We spent the day bouncing around in a side-by-side, climbing up a mountain ridge with panoramic views that stretched for miles, and learning more about our surroundings. It was one of those days that just reminded us of exactly why we love living out here.

Throughout the adventure, we hiked into canyons carved by time, discovered old pictographs on rock walls, saw graffiti from the early 1900s, and visited watering holes that have supported life in the desert for centuries.

We learned about the volcanic activity that has shaped the region’s dramatic terrain and came across relics of the past, including rusted farming equipment from the early 1900s and the remnants of an old mining site that began in the late 1800s. Every stop revealed a new layer of the story, and by the end of the day, we were covered in dust, filled with awe, and completely grateful for the chance to see this side of West Texas.

It’s a day we’ll be talking about for a long time.

Feel free to check out my YouTube video on this trip. Please note, this is private property. The photos and videos were created to show only the beauty of our region.

See you out west!

-M