Adventure along the Dagger Flat Auto Trail

Dagger Flat Auto Trail, also known as Dagger Flat Road, is a very scenic graded gravel road located in the Big Bend National Park, in the western part of the U.S. state of Texas.

Dagger Flat Auto Trail

Nestled in the heart of the Chihauhuan desert, the road is 11.90 km (7.4 miles) long and takes visitors to a remote valley where a unique forest of Giant Dagger Yuccas is located. The area is known for the giant dagger yucca forest at the end of the road. These yuccas can reach tree-like heights of 30 feet (9 m) with diameters up to two feet (61 cm). In late spring they send up spikes of cream-colored flowers, and each inflorescence can weight nearly 70 pounds (32 kg).

The surface of the narrow, winding road is graded gravel and usually passable by most vehicles, but rain may cause mud and make it difficult for lesser vehicles. The road is a little rough at times but you don't need a high-clearance vehicle. Be alert for slow-moving and stopped vehicles. The speed limit is 25 miles per hour. The road ends at 1.070m (3,510ft) above the sea level. Starting from the paved Main Park Road, the elevation gain is 169 meters. Over this distance the average gradient is 1.4%.  Typically open to most vehicles, this road is also good for mountain biking. Sandy areas or muddy conditions may exist seasonally; rain makes this road difficult to drive or impassable. Please inquire about current road conditions.
Pic: https://thelifeofyourtime.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/big-bend-national-park-day-3-epilogue/