Old Mines Road

Total Miles
43.8

Elevation

237.89 ft

Duration

1.5 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

Old Mines Road is a 44-mile unmaintained dirt road that connects Laredo to El Indio, just south of Eagle Pass. This trail contains sections with uneven ruts, potential mud pits, and small ledges. If conditions are dry, this road can be completed in a 2WD with moderate clearance. Airing down is recommended as the dirt road is very rough for most of the trail. Recent rain or wet conditions make completing the trail increasingly difficult, so 4WD is recommended. Due to dips in the trail, mud pits are common, some exceeding 12 inches in depth. The dirt road becomes very muddy in the southern part of the trail. There is a bridge at mile 19 and another at mile 28 from south to north. Deep mud can be found on both bridges after rain. It is very important to be prepared for trail repairs or come with a spare tire as there are no service areas throughout the trail. There is little to no cell reception and due to its remote location, traffic is very rare. While on the trail, it is common not to see other vehicles. This route follows the Rio Grande border with Mexico, so expect the presence of Border Patrol agents and be aware that agents may reach out while on trail.

Photos of Old Mines Road

Old Mines Road
Old Mines Road

Difficulty

If conditions are dry, this trail can be completed in 2WD with decent clearance. During wet conditions, the trail becomes noticeably more difficult, requiring 4WD.

History

Old Mines Road is currently marked under Texas Farm to Market Road 1472 connecting Farm to Market Road 1021.

Technical Rating

3

Access Description

From the south (Laredo), head north on Mines Road past Laredo-Columbia Solidarity International Bridge until the paved road ends and the dirt road starts. From north (El Indio), head south on FM 1021 until the paved road ends and the dirt road starts.

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