Ruta Nacional 25 – Rio Deseado Canyon Circuit
Patagonian badlands and 150-million-year-old forests
Ruta Nacional 25 cuts through Santa Cruz’s most dramatic badlands, where the Rio Deseado has carved deep canyons exposing 150-million-year-old fossils and petrified forests. This geological wonderland runs from Puerto Deseado inland to the town of Las Heras, passing through the otherworldly landscapes of Jaramillo and Monumento Natural Bosques Petrificados. The route’s technical highlight is the descent into Cañadón del Río Deseado, where ancient volcanic ash has created a maze of hoodoos and eroded spires.
Moderate difficulty requiring good ground clearance for washouts and loose volcanic rock sections. The main challenge is fuel planning – carry extra as services are sparse over 400+ kilometers. Spring through fall offers the best weather, though Patagonian winds are constant. This route rewards with exceptional fossil hunting opportunities, dramatic camping spots on canyon rims, and some of Argentina’s most alien landscapes. Perfect for overlanders seeking geological wonders off the beaten path.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 174 mi / 280 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2460 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz |
| Land manager | National Parks Argentina |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock high-clearance 2WD handle the full 280km circuit?
Yes — the minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD. The mixed surface includes compacted gravel and dirt tracks that are manageable without 4WD in dry conditions, but low-clearance vehicles like standard sedans will bottom out on the rougher sections near the canyon rim.
Is the route passable in winter?
Best avoided May through September. Patagonian winter brings ice, snow, and mud that can make the dirt sections impassable even in 4WD. October through April is the reliable window, though spring (Oct-Nov) can still bring surprise storms.
Do I need permits to drive the circuit or camp along it?
No permits required for driving the route itself. Some sections fall under National Parks Argentina jurisdiction — if you're entering a designated park area like Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo nearby, there's a small entry fee payable at the gate. Dispersed camping outside park boundaries is free.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I expect?
The canyon descent sections near the Rio Deseado are the most technical — loose gravel on steep grades with no guardrails and significant drop-offs. Nothing that stops a competent driver, but it demands full attention, especially if wind is up, which in Patagonia it almost always is.
How far is the fuel range between reliable gas stations on this circuit?
Puerto Deseado is your last reliable fuel stop before heading into the interior — carry extra. The gap between fuel sources can exceed 200km on some route variations, and rural stations in Santa Cruz frequently run dry or keep irregular hours. A 20-liter jerry can is not optional here.
Trail track
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