From Marfa to Presidio is fine. Some good grades here and there, but not so tough. That said, from Presidio to Lajitas and beyond is a challenging run. Like I said in my review, the engineers of this highway didn't bother trying to level the surface - they just strictly followed the existing contours. This is one road where closely following the speed limit is a good idea. The views in some places close to the river are breathtaking. The other areas are desolation. Don't forget to gas up in Presidio!

We saw no one and felt very safe. We did position the truck to block easy entry to our site, but I don’t think you’ll have issues.

Yes

OK Dale here we go, I'll answer best I can. you will have no problem with a road less traveled around here. We went in Oct and personal I'd say Spring and Fall are the best times. Because i know your in TN but you don't know HOT. I'd avoid like hell the summer months. Yes you can visit the ghost town no problem on the bike. However i will worn you it's probably not what your thinking. It's not large however it is neat. and a must see. Scenic rides are pretty much any in the park however one of the best drives is thought the state park. GO TO THE STATE PARK! the drive is amazing and stop and visit the movie set and walk thought it. (watch for snakes) Yes lodging is very limited in the direct area of the park (national and state) and depending on where you stay can be pretty lame accommodations and pretty pricey swanky accommodations. not much in between. WE stayed at Far Flong Outdoor center and it is by far the best most middle of the road affordable accommodations in the area and is the most center located. I can not recommend this place enough. amazing, and priced right. I don't remember any bike shops in the area but there are a ton of auto repair shops in terlingua. of a town that seem like 10 people there is like 4 auto repair shops. Eat at the Starlight Theater. Not for anything more then just because. to say you have. spend 5 min on the "pouch" with the locals again just to say you have. Not sure if you saw the TV show on NATGeo called Badlands or not but you should find and watch it prior to going. it's very interesting about a murder that happened there a few years back. NOT THAT ITS A BAD PLACE (it's not), that's not my point but you'll get to see alot of the area in the TV show. And likely see some of the people in the tv show around town. We did this past Oct before the TV show came out and when it was on TV said hey we had dinner with that guy (Doc) and so on. Fuel in terlingua is available and not bad for accessibility. One word of warning you are at the MX border and because of this about every 3rd car we saw was a Border Patrol or Cop or Sheriff. So no speeding or driving crazy or your asking for it. if in the national park you want to hike there is a water fall that they have removed form the park maps but is still open that is worth the hike. it's not hard. I'd say moderate. you'll have to ask someone. don't ask a ranger they will tell you it's closed it act like what are you talking about but ask at a store or something and they will tell you. Hope this helps a little bit. i know there is very little about this area and it's very hard to find and you feel like your going blind. we did but it turned out fine. FYI if your thinking about staying in alpine.. it's a long freaking ways away. i'd stay in terlingua if possible because it's 10 min form the national park and 15 from the state park.

Here is some info on reserving a room: Cabin availability and reservations are made by phone: (512) 389-8919 If you are on Facebook, I recommend connecting with their Facebook Page "Big Bend Ranch State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife." My husband and I actually camped out the night that we were there. Vi Dotter, via their Facebook page and Facebook email, was extremely helpful in planning our trip. When we got to Sauceda Station, they guided us to their big dining room, and we ate our picnic lunch there. It was clean, comfortable, and very pretty.

Sorry I can't answer that for you. We took the road toward Presidio from Terlingua through the state park and it was paved 2 lane, lots of up and down and lots of curves. We only made it 1/2 way. You might try going to their web sight. Judi

Me and my husband did a half a day river trip with big bend river tours. we were not able to do a rafting trip because the river was to low but the canoe trip was still amazing it was worth the money the staff and the guides were so nice and helpful and had great facts and informatio. Hope this helps.

stay off a wet Bofecillos road unless you have a 4 x 4 (between 170 and 169)

It is at Fort Davis, in the McDonald Observatory. They have a pretty informative web site.