Part of the reason for heading out to Big Bend National Park was to just take my car out for a really long drive. Knowing we would likely face some difficulty reserving a campsite, we hoped our best chance would be with one of the primitive roadside camp sites offered by the park. No bathrooms, no running water and your vehicle has to make it over some rough roads to get to your site.

Big Bend National Park Texas Austin Roadtrip Subaru WRX Sierra Del Carmen
At the Ernst Ridge Tunnel

Right at home on the twists and turns, my Subaru WRX also felt great on the gravel and dirt roads all over the park. The WRX namesake was given thanks to Subaru’s history in the World Rally Cross races and that feeling is still unescapable.

Big Bend National Park Texas Austin Roadtrip Subaru WRX Sierra Del Carmen
Looking out at the Sierra Del Carmen Mountain Range and Mexico

Due to relatively low ground clearance, the WRX isn’t exactly known as an off-road monster compared to its bigger brother, the Outback. We wanted to make sure we would still have access to the deeper parts of the park, if needed, so my dad brought his 2013 model.

Big Bend National Park Texas Austin Roadtrip Subaru WRX Sierra Del Carmen
Subaru Family at Boquillas Canyon Overlook

In Marathon, I found some 93 Octane gasoline, which is rare in Austin. Luckily, the newer WRX models can accept a range of octane thanks to it’s direct injection motor. The WRX is designed, or tuned, with high octane gasoline in mind and the lower octane varieties result in decreased performance and fuel economy.

Big Bend National Park Texas Austin Roadtrip Subaru WRX Sierra Del Carmen
At the Rio Grande Overlook

While we could have been a little more frugal by taking a single vehicle, I knew there was also a chance I would stay at the park a day or two longer than my companions. Some folks may be less than enthused to hit the road again for the half-day return trip back home, that feeling escapes me and my WRX.

More from Big Bend to follow.

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