A rain-triggered rockslide has left a portion of Farm to Market Road 170, commonly known as River Road, impassable west of Lajitas, according to the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office issued a public warning Monday, Oct. 26, advising motorists that rocks and debris have blocked the roadway.
“Due to rain there was a rockslide on FM 170 River Road, west of Lajitas,” the sheriff’s office said in its announcement.
The Texas Department of Transportation has been notified and crews are reportedly on their way to assess the situation and address the obstruction.
FM 170 is a scenic highway that follows the Rio Grande through the rugged mountains of the Big Bend region, connecting Lajitas with Presidio. The route passes through Big Bend Ranch State Park and is popular with tourists, motorcyclists and residents traveling between communities.
The highway’s steep canyon walls and mountainous terrain make portions of the route vulnerable to falling rocks and debris, particularly following heavy rainfall.
Authorities warned that the affected section is not drivable. Motorists should avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
No injuries or vehicle damage were reported in the sheriff’s office announcement. Officials have not provided an estimated time for reopening the roadway.
