Solo Motorcycle Camping Trip to Big Bend | West Texas Road Trip on a Harley Davidson

The Big Bend region of west Texas is one of the best motorcycle destinations in the state. If you're looking for the best motorcycle rides in Texas, look no further. For four days, we're traveling through the entire region to find the best roads, enjoy some motorcycle camping, and eats on a solo motorcycle camping trip.
I'm riding a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special in this video, courtesy of @harleydavidson. This is my first time riding an adventure bike! Be sure to watch the entire series to see my entire motorcycle trip unfold.
Places we'll see:
🏍️ Pecos Bridge: The highest highway bridge in Texas cross the mighty Pecos River and serves as the boundary for what is considered to be West Texas.
🏍️ Langtry Ghost Town: Also known as the Eagles Nest, Langtry was once a booming west texas town and served as a locomotive stop. Today, it's home to a handful of residents, the Juge Roy Bean museum, numerous historical markers, and a general store.
🏍️ Desert Air Motel: This renovated 1960s motel in Sanderson is a welcome site to travelers along highway 90.
🏍️ Marathon, Texas: Considered a gateway town to Big Bend, Marathon features a handful of restaurants, the historic Gage hotel, art galleries, and installations.
🏍️ Big Bend National Park: Big Bend is one of the most Adventure Bike friendly places in Texas when the dirt roads are passable. It's also a great place to go motorcycle camping in the cooler months. We'll be checking out the Chisos Basis, the Window Trail, Dinosaur Exhibit, star gazing, and more.
🏍️ DB's Rustic Iron BBQ: Terlingua is a gateway town to Big Bend and is a popular stop for tourists looking for a bite to eat. While places like the Starlight Theatre are common bucket list stops, DB's Rustic Iron BBQ has some of the best BBQ in Brewster county.
🏍️ The River Road: Highway 170 between Lajitas and Presidio is probably the best motorcycle ride in Texas.
🏍️ Marfa, Texas: This quirky west texas town is known for its artsy residents who have, over the years, brought life back to the town. We'll be grabbing tacos and checking out a saloon before riding Highway 17 through the Davis Mountains.
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If you're new here:
Hi! I'm Staci. I've been taking solo motorcycle trips since 2011 and am here to help you do the same. My channel primarily focuses on two-wheeled travel, motorcycle camping, cooking, and gear reviews. Whether you're a new motorcycle rider or an experienced traveler, there's something here for everyone!
🚨Subscribe to this channel & ride along with me! 🚨
⬇️⬇️⬇️ Support the channel & keep me on the road! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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🏍️ Read the blog for more motorcycle travel tips: www.ridetofood.com
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Gear I used to film this video:
🎥 360 Camera: amzn.to/3iEgPi5
🎥 Action Camera Mount: amzn.to/3PSKnJt
🎥 Helmet Chin Mount: amzn.to/3DkkJIu
📸 Vlogging Camera: amzn.to/3I3chyk
Full List of Gear I Use to Create Videos: ridetofood.com/camera-gear/
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Riding Gear I am Wearing in this Video:
Helmet: imp.i104546.net/9W09VE
Jacket: imp.i104546.net/MX7gKJ
Gloves: imp.i104546.net/Vy62eE
Boots: imp.i104546.net/x9NqR5
View my entire collection on Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/GjMJe2
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Thank you to my partners who helped make this video possible:
@harleydavidson
@BellPowersports
@RevZilla
@RokformUSA
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Blog: www.ridetofood.com
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#MotorcycleTouring #WomenWhoRide #adventure #HarleyDavidson #MotorcycleTrip #AdventureBike
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Riding Across the Pecos Bridge
02:18 Langtry Ghost Town
03:40 The Desert Air Motel
04:25 Where to Eat in Marathon, Texas
06:01 Big Bend National Park
07:01 Finding Fossils in Big Bend
08:40 Motorcycle Camping in The Chisos Basin
10:57 Flash Floods Changed My Plans
12:41 DB's Rustic Iron BBQ: Big Bend must Eats!
14:37 Hiking the Window Trail in the Chisos Basin
16:28 Packing up My Camping Gear
18:05 The BEST Motorcycle Ride in Texas: The River Road
20:59 Riding through the Davis Mountains on Highway 17
22:58 Adventure Touring Changed My LIFE!

[@tavraney3289]

Man the brisket looks good . Now I'm starving

[@ridetofood]

It’s worth a trip to big bend for! 😎🏍️💨

[@backroadmax2344]

Your videos are always so good! Loved this !

[@hugomontellano9623]

Enjoyed the trip, thank you for sharing

[@janmerchan5809]

I absolutely love it, as always thank you

[@chunkycharlie5759]

Simply fantastic! Thank you for another wonderful video!!

[@penaj58]

Great video Staci!! I love Texas all of it!

[@jasonadams5187]

Awesome video and awesome content can’t wait for the next video Thank’s

[@xjeffyb4656]

Once again, great video, great views, and great looking food! You really do show how beautiful some of these parks really are.

[@timjohnson5163]

Another great production. Beautiful scenery, well shot and edited. Seemed like you had those roads all to yourself. Keep these great videos coming!

[@christopherfleming9564]

Another great video. Makes me want to ride to Texas! Food looked great! Looking forward to the next one.

[@hippytrev7452]

awrsom ride as always Mate.. love watching your trips... cheers from Down Under...

[@teresabrittingham3340]

Love your camping videos

[@chrismiller4354]

Awesome video. I’ve traveled quite a bit of the eastern side of the US on a motorcycle. Just got into adventure bikes as well. Thanks Staci for the beautiful footage of Big Bend. Can’t wait to get there in the future.

[@moerider4611]

Really enjoyed the narrative. Love the photography. The food looks amazing. Safe travels 😊.

[@Flynn_43]

woohoo another ride to food video! Amazing roads and some mouth watering food.

[@GeorgeKremer]

Thanks so much for a great video and tips on great places to see and awesome places to eat! As I watched you ride through West Texas in that golden light, I had to look outside at my own bike and realize that it's ZERO DEGREES this morning(!), so watching and listening to a ab/fab trip through that scenic country was just the fix I needed! Now I am really anxious for our snow to finally melt so I can head south to check out the places you mentioned! Wicked Awesome! Happiness is not just around the next curve, it is the curve! Keep riding!

[@rickybobby1055]

I really enjoyed your adventure! Makes me want to hit the road on my T7.

[@Rayjones8686]

Great video love the scenery

[@hessman5198]

Love the videography and the drone footage. Hopefully I'll make my way there from W. Tn. someday.

[@greaser_cycles]

Yet another fantastic series. You never disappoint.

[@ridetofood]

Thank you! 😊

[@Hogdriver88]

Awesome ride through that area. The BBQ plate looked amazing - I feel full just from looking at it.

[@JCrozier1]

Excellent as always. I definitely think I'm going to do an Arkansas loop this year because of your videos.

[@hd01roadking]

Great watching another video of yours. Great work as usual. Thank you very much.

[@ridetofood]

Thanks Lloyd!!!

[@williamtaylor874]

fantastic vid bill ! from england we just got back from texas ride safe !

[@TheHdleif]

Found your channel a little while a go, seen most of your vids now, and i love them. This series is great, you have wonderful footage, driving and drone are perfekt. Love the history lessons. get a bit hungry watching all the good food you try.😋 Keep up the great work! 😊😊

[@603Rydes]

I don't have any suggestions since you make anything you come across on your travels interesting. Always happy to see that you have a new video up.

[@waynesiminski8268]

Yet another enjoyable Ride to Food video. Always enjoy the history and facts you provide Staci. Thanks as always for the great entertainment.

[@ridetofood]

Thanks Wayne!

[@toddbirge2800]

i love your energy and your passion for food and riding, I watch before i go to work every morning. Gets me in the right mindset for the day. Thank you

[@TheHuester44]

Wonderful soundtrack throughout this video Stacy 😊

[@daughtersoftheroad]

Always incredible. Can't wait to hit the road with you!

[@ridetofood]

LETS GET THIS PARTY PLANNED ALREADY!

[@gregleblanc9357]

Big Bend is still on my bucket list. Eventually I hope. Great video.

[@paulbrinker4973]

Thank you for sharing your adventures. I get to see parts of this beautiful country that I might have missed, and see places that I'll put on my bucket list. Ride safe little sister, may God keep you safe, and give you a long ride thru life.

[@RidingInSearchofEnlightenment]

What an adventure! Another great edit. Thank you for the content!

[@ridetofood]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@clivedodunski5017]

Hay great post, I Luv seeing around your Great Country & always enjoy it when you go camping and when you stop at places for food and drinks, whatever you have is a bonus to see what you do. Clive live, frm New Zealand🙂👋

[@josephharris3581]

I get so excited when I see you have a new video! You never disappoint. Keep up the good work!

[@ridetofood]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy them. 😊

[@leonbeck6254]

The texas wind is wild. Great views. Thanks.🎅🏼🏍🇺🇸

[@ridetofood]

It can definitely get pretty crazy!

[@stlchuckhd]

Another great vlog Staci! Thanks 👍🇺🇸

[@ridetofood]

Thanks for always watching them, Chuck!

[@dennisbratten2542]

Great job putting that video together, Staci! The scenery was wonderful and the food looked great! I'm ready to hit the road after watching that!

[@ridetofood]

Glad you enjoyed it, Dennis! 😊

[@brianbichell1551]

Another great video! Cardio went fast watching it this morning. Thanks!

[@ridetofood]

Hahaha awesome!!!

[@matthewcarlacci]

That time lapse of the stars are amazing.

[@ridetofood]

They’re big and bright 🤠👏👏👏👏✨✨✨

[@phillipdaulton9861]

Wow, Staci, you’ve outdone yourself on this one! Beautiful drone segments. Fantastic colors during the golden hours. You’re not biased as a native - West Texas is beautiful! I’ve been to Big Bend six times - can’t get enough of this park.

[@ridetofood]

Thank you! So glad you enjoy that area as well! 😊

[@nctexan1970]

Thank you. Just thank you. My love for Texas runs through my blood and I love all your footage.

[@ridetofood]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@joeeasterling5652]

I love all of West Texas! From Junction all the way through the Big Bend and down to McAllen.

[@vicchalmers5146]

I'm from New Zealand. Love watching your vids.

[@mogumede8211]

How inspiring. Now I have to carve out more vacation or even unpaid time off to take a small detour to this area. I've got the feeling it will be good for my soul.

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely amazing work friend, this was filmed and presented so professionally. Love it!

[@ridetofood]

Thank you! 😊

[@dmedina6835]

Another great video - stay safe

[@MichaelH416]

Another great video! I love your work Staci. Keep it up. You remain my one of my favorite motorcycle vlog out there. Right balances of food, scenery, history, and riding. Bravo.

[@ridetofood]

Thank you! This is definitely one of my favorite videos I’ve made so far. Glad ya enjoyed it!

[@fistfulofgoldwing]

Super excited to watch this one. The Big Bend has been my home-away-from-home since the late 90's, and i'm super jazzed to be finally riding the OldWing through there in just a couple of weeks. Checking out some new roads you're covering in these videos, THANK YOU for the preview! I look forward to more great content from you.

[@ridetofood]

You’re going to have such a great time!!! Enjoy! 😊

[@richardwinters9723]

Always enjoy your videos, great job!

[@ridetofood]

Thank you!

[@mightyquinn8727]

Hey Staci great to see you on the road again! I really appreciate you and your videos ❤

[@ridetofood]

Thanks for watching! This is from the same series as the last few videos I’ve put out in case you missed them!

[@mightyquinn8727]

I can easily re-watch your videos especially the Arkansas tour! Keep being you!!

[@douglascovil8836]

Really enjoy your channel. You provide an excellent mix of riding, good food and story telling. Thanks for taking time to share your adventures and I look forward to the next vlog. Travel safe!

[@ridetofood]

Thank you! 😊

[@bhoffner9910]

I saw your post on Instagram that this video would be up today. I couldn’t wait to get home and watch it. Just a fantastic job showing off how amazing West Texas is.

[@ridetofood]

It really is magical. Glad ya enjoyed it!!

[@Brandon-ts5tk]

Great Video! This should be TV series. I've been to Lajitas to golf many times and debating taking the motorcycle trip. Now I can't NOT think about when I can make the trip happen. Thanks for taking us along!

[@jimweagant8920]

Another great video and ride thanks for sharing it

[@ridetofood]

Thanks for always watching them, Jim!

[@1988shyam]

Loved the night sky shot.

[@MarkBrown-nq2sf]

Great video with fantastic scenery. The night sky was spectacular.

[@ridetofood]

The stars at night, are big and bright ✨🤠👏👏👏👏

[@kellyspann9845]

Great video. I was born and lived in Odessa for many years and any time I was off work I went to Big Bend. I have been just about everywhere in Big Bend. I had to move to North Texas because of my job but I still go there on vacation. I love that place and love to hike there too. I always hike the window trail. Years ago you could ride horses to the window and a few other trails around there. That was a lot of fun but they don't anymore. Yes the Brick Vault is good if you can catch them open. Great food and beer. Keep up the great adventure.

[@tvd1188]

Gotta say your videos are wonderfully put together. Great eye for good shots, great editing and lovely design. I wish most youtubers would understand story and pace like you do.

[@ridetofood]

Thank you!

[@CD-lm5xq]

Another EXCELLANT video Staci. I can't wait for the 2023 videos hopefully on the new "ride". Thanks for the calender! Maybe see you in Idaho someday!!

[@ridetofood]

I should be buying the new bike this Friday if not Monday!!! Thank YOU for helping make that happen! 😊

[@3AmigosMotorSports]

Your videos are great!! I picked up a HD 1250S a few months ago and cant wait to go on some adventure camping trips. Thanks for all your great tips on moto camping cant wait to get out explore and RIDE TO FOOD! Keep up the great content.

[@ridetofood]

Thank you! Camping season is right around the corner! :)

[@rodolfogarza2042]

Great trip!!! I like the music you use on your videos,thanks for sharing!!!

[@ridetofood]

Yay! Thank you. 😊

[@randybeale]

Great Video...Damnit! Keep adding places to my list, how will I ever get to all these places! Thanks Staci. Looking forward to see what '23 adventures you have in store.

[@ridetofood]

Updates on 2023 coming soon!! 😎

[@garyehrhardt3136]

Yeah you're back, great video S

[@ridetofood]

This one took two weeks to edit so it took a while for me to get a video up!

[@RideAmerica]

Have only seen a few of your vids but always great stuff. That old school hotel key - how cool. Reminds me of my childhood and traveling with my parents and those old school keys with the hunk of plastic.

[@ridetofood]

Gotta love the vintage keys!

[@Crittermoto]

Dam! Rustic Iron BBQ looked like a chart topper 👍🏻 What a purty location. I gotta visit! Great video! Cheers 🇨🇦

[@baggerbuley]

Adding that brisket and sausage into the ramen is next level! Great video! Very inspiring! 🤘

[@jeffreyhunter7891]

Fun video Staci, I live in snow covered Minnesota, so watching your videos is a form of escape! Thanks so much, you are fun to follow! I see you fun road trips as a route for my Miata. If you remember, my wife and I spent 5 day around Eureka Springs because of your adventures there.

[@ridetofood]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for following along!

[@mikeedwards9240]

See now you're in my home state..how cool.

[@ridetofood]

Texas forever!

[@richardmourdock2719]

I loved this!. First went to Big Bend in the 70s as a student, lately have returned as a retiree on a motorcycle about a dozen times. The park has changed, but the food and Highway 17 is the best... and will now visit the Lost Horse at Marfa. Looks like a classic southwest Texas dinery. Good work!

[@regulatorg573]

Wow that brisket looked top notch! And those tacos!! Wow! Great video! Thanks!

[@ridetofood]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@artwallace5925]

GREAT video, Staci!! You have definitely moved Big Bend up my to-ride list up quite a few spots. :)

[@ridetofood]

You will love it! (As long as you don't go in the middle of summer when it's 100+ outside) lol!

[@HotrodsMotorcycling]

Finally, a new video 🙂 the best motorcycle and travel channel on KZbin.

[@ridetofood]

I do my best to edit these as fast as possible! This one took two full weeks to create lol

[@rickalexander3573]

That is one of the best videos I've seen. I love your editing,and how the video flowed. I work for the railroad and have been over the Pecos on 90 and the rail bridge. I always go out I-10 and cut over in Fort Stockton on 67 and come out pretty close to Alpine. You are right about River Road 170,one of the coolest roads I've been on. I've always ridden a Road King out there,but just recently got a Honda Africa Twin,and going there in February 2024 and hit all the dirt roads. The Harley Pan American is a very cool bike! Maybe I'll see you out there one day,be super carefull riding by yourself!

[@BarbeCute]

Hi, I love discovering wonderful places frequented by motorcyclists all over the world. Especially when they talk to us about history, geography and food 😅 A thumbs up for you 👍 as well as a subscription 🔔🏍 Big V to you from France ✌

[@erikpatton3431]

One of your best videos!

[@ridetofood]

Thanks Erik!!!

[@MrFCuadrado]

Dude! Every time 🤯. Amazing work! I just finished some work on the Dyna. Can’t wait for west TX. 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@ridetofood]

You’ll love it out there!!!! Thanks for always leaving such positive comments! Appreciate you. 😊

[@patrickshanman7417]

So stoked now to go !!

[@ridetofood]

Yes!!! 🤘

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

One of my favorite videos of yours. I love west Texas, probably because I spent my formative years in El Paso. Hope you can get back to see the bluebonnets while they're in season. They're amazing this year.

[@ridetofood]

I will definitely miss them this year but I did get to see them when I was in Big Bend in 2020! Gotta love bluebonnet season! 💙

[@jhernan11]

Great vid! HEB Texas Pecan coffee has been a staple in my house for a while now! Can't wait to get out to Big Bend one day!

[@ridetofood]

It’s THE best coffee! 👏☕️

[@HerTwoWheels]

Petree!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@ridetofood]

TALK ABOUT THE MYSTERIOUS BEYOND AM I RIGHT

[@tobedetermined4180]

@@ridetofoodyou are a true creator sharing with us your adventures without trying to sell us anything. You’re our favorite channel, keep doing what you’re doing, we will follow!

[@joselosoya1231]

thank you for the video ❤

[@BrittLackey]

Great video!!! I think you changed my mind. I will ride to big bend for peace and quiet in stead or Daytona for a spring trip this year.

[@ridetofood]

I'd choose Big Bend over Daytona as well! hah!

[@revy_moto]

Just found you, been watching afew videos in a row. Great work!

[@ridetofood]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@stuartheaydon-lc6qe]

Hi, I'm enjoying all your videos, seeing amazing America! Keep up the great work. Stay upright beautiful, Stu from Australia

[@ridetofood]

Thank you! Will do!

[@life_behind_bars]

I love your videos so much. Mostly because you are doing what I would love to do. Hop on the Harley and travel the country. Unfortunately my brain is incapable of slowing down and just enjoying the journey. I constantly have this feeling looming over my head that I have to be somewhere and I'm late. I haven't relaxed since the early 90's. So until I learn to take it easy and stop and smell the roses, I will continue to live vicariously through you. Thanks so much for the videos.

[@ridetofood]

Glad I can help in one way or another! :)

[@paullee4042]

As always great content. My step brother is always telling me to come visit him in TX for great ridin.

[@ridetofood]

There’s some great eats and great riding in Texas! Perhaps you should go visit! 😊

[@Scotty_life]

Great video! Worth the wait. 😊

[@ridetofood]

Yay! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Scotty_life]

@@ridetofood absolutely. Love all of your videos.

[@dederonair]

Thanks for all your hard work, it is so enjoyable watching what you do! Really need to add Big bend to my calendar, been putting it off for years, and Im running out of National Parks "nearby" lol

[@ridetofood]

It’s a good one and it ain’t close to nothin! Lol

[@ingridhohmann3523]

Enjoyed this very.much ❤️

[@ridetofood]

Yay!

[@nicklanderos3773]

Great vlog 🫡 you’re definitely living the life

[@ridetofood]

haha I do my best. thank you!

[@boomer8393]

Enjoyed the video. That is one of the few bikes I really want to ride, set up exactly the way you have it set up. I would be interested to see more Texas landmarks - especially along the border - as there are plenty, giving you ample opportunity to explore the state and share what you find, cheers!

[@muhammadedisantuso1375]

The important thing is to keep the enthusiasm and continue to do what you do, think positively and always work at the best quality. I'm always very happy to see you work well

[@ridetofood]

👍👍

[@mikefyten7761]

Staci....new to your channel. Awesome stuff! I rode through FM170 and Big Bend back in 2020. Your vid reminded me of the great trip that was. I came in from the west, form Arizona. I have 3 bikes and ride and ride. On the trip to Big Bend I kept going all the way to Key West, FL and back to AZ. Look forward to watching more of your stuff. Thx.

[@ridetofood]

Awesome!!!!

[@twocupstwodrams7535]

My Jetboil french press is calling. Thank you for sharing, Ride Free

[@ridetofood]

Enjoy! 😊🏍️💨☕️🏕️

[@richardmourdock2719]

Stacy, I always love your stuff. Great videography and just enough, but no too much talk. The videos speak for themselves, especially with the good tacos. I first went to Big Bend before the roads there were paved. Still love the place. Been there every year since 2012... Stay safe, keep posting.

[@ridetofood]

Thank you!

[@tenererider7605]

YES!!! Brick Vault is worth every mile getting to it!! Awesome BBQ, Beer, & Scenery. First time there us guys were headed to BB on adventure bikes. Second time there same, but on big Harley's. Heading there next month on a couples ride to BB on big Harley's. Can't wait to stay at Gage Hotel and eat more of that great BBQ & Brew's!!! So go for sure!!!

[@ridetofood]

Awesome!!!

[@PMCraig]

Absolutely beautiful scenery! Ahhh, so many roads, so little time… That ginormous flying dinosaur skeleton at the visitor center was crazy! I’m super cautious in bear and mountain lion territory but can you imagine having to keep an eye to the sky to look out for one of those things?! I had to smile when I saw your one dinner, Ramen noodles cooked in a JetBoil. I’ve done that a time or three! Thanks as always, you’re the best!

[@ridetofood]

The Fossil Exhibit was pretty cool!!! Gotta love camp ramen! And yes, always gotta keep an eye out for the kitties!

[@robertfilla8359]

Great job, Staci. Good coverage of my favorite Texas destination. Usually make it from Houston out to Big Bend twice a year, Spring & Fall. Have old riding buds out that way and always stop at the Pecos Bridge for a beer and photo op. . You should do a segment on the Dark Skies at the McDonald Observatory. Great riding there too. Be safe, Texas Gurl.

[@ridetofood]

Yes! I want to try and make it to the observatory at night sometime. I’ve only gotten to see it during the day

[@danielnajera2177]

Friends and I rode from El Paso down to Big Bend and explored the area. We usually stayed in the litt.e town of Terlingua. A.ways had a lot of fun.