Highway 170 west (Big Bend): Good road?

[vstromboli]

I'm planning a trip to Big Bend Natl. Park from D/FW between Christmas and New Years and was discussing the route to a friend who has frequented the area. When I told him I was taking Hwy 170 west out from the park then up US 67 to Ft. Davis he mentioned that Hwy 170 was a dirt road, not a paved highway. My GPS does not indicate this to be the case. Does anyone have the answer or have comments about this route (picture below)?

[SilverBuffalo]

My wife and I rode the river road about a month ago,
It was highly recommended and we were not dissapointed.
It is a paved rollercoaster of a road with some really cool spots along the way.
The Contrabando movie set, teepee rest area, and be sure to stop at the top of the mountain (last 3 pics)

[hp1bmw]

Some friends of mine were down ther two weeks ago. They said that the river road was under construction inbetween Lahitas and Persidio. Passable, but only dirt in some areas unless it is wet.

Jim

[SilverBuffalo]

He's right.
There was some construction a month ago, maybe 4-5 miles of hard packed dirt right at the beginning, not enough to worry about.

[k12steve]

I'm planning a trip to Big Bend Natl. Park from D/FW between Christmas and New Years and was discussing the route to a friend who has frequented the area. When I told him I was taking Hwy 170 west out from the park then up US 67 to Ft. Davis he mentioned that Hwy 170 was a dirt road, not a paved highway. My GPS does not indicate this to be the case. Does anyone have the answer or have comments about this route (picture below)?

Simply orgasmic!!!!!

It and 118 from Ft. Davis to I-10 are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay kewl.. ;)

[bob_menton]

Simply orgasmic!!!!!

It and 118 from Ft. Davis to I-10 are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay kewl.. ;)

If you're on 118, don't forget to ride the 166 loop. The McDonald Observatory on 118 is also a nice stop. Mountains? In TEXAS ????? You betcha!

- Bob

[vstromboli]

Thanks for all the suggestions. This is gonna be awesome and it looks like the weather gods will be shining upon me as well. :)

I called the Chisos Lodge in Big Bend last night and confirmed that parts of 170 from Lajitas to Presidio are indeed under construction but was told that the dirt sections are still passable on a bike. Of course if it rains that would be another story.

[vstromboli]

I had a great trip to Big Bend. If anyone's interested, here is my photo album/report (http://www.dotski.com/motorcycle/bigbend/).

[lad]

Thanks for sharing Jacques, that was a great slide show.

[James_Texas]

I had a great trip to Big Bend. If anyone's interested, here is my photo album/report (http://www.dotski.com/motorcycle/bigbend/).
Enjoyed the pics, brings back a lot of memories.
We are going for pre THC Roundup in Alpine and then on to Kerrville for THC in Kerrville.
Hope to see some of Ya'll there........

[munson]

I had a great trip to Big Bend. If anyone's interested, here is my photo album/report (http://www.dotski.com/motorcycle/bigbend/).
Very nice preso! I'll pass it along to some friends who are planning a trip in the Spring.