Persimmon Gap

Persimmon Gap is a mountain pass that cuts through steep limestone cliffs and connects the northern entrance of Big Bend National Park to surrounding areas. This natural corridor channels travelers through a dramatic rock formation carved over millions of years.

The pass served as a natural route for early settlers and traders moving through West Texas during the 1800s expansion era. This corridor became important for connecting remote communities and moving goods across the landscape.

Native American tribes utilized this natural corridor for seasonal migrations and established temporary settlements near water sources along the route.

Travelers should bring extra water and fuel before crossing, as services are located several miles away from the pass. The road becomes challenging in extreme weather, so plan your crossing during favorable conditions.

The rock layers here reveal deposits from an ancient sea that covered the region roughly 100 million years ago. These geological strata tell the story of a vanished ocean landscape that once dominated the area.