Ruta Provincial 39 – Patagonia Steppe Circuit
Endless steppe and petrified forests in wild Patagonia
RP-39 cuts a lonely line across Santa Cruz Province’s seemingly endless steppe, connecting the fossil-rich badlands near Koluel Kaike with the remote estancias of the interior plateau. This is quintessential Patagonia – endless horizons broken only by volcanic mesas, massive guanaco herds, and the occasional weathered gaucho outpost. The route passes through Monumento Natural Bosques Petrificados, where 150-million-year-old petrified forests emerge from the desert like ancient sculptures.
Moderate difficulty with excellent gravel surfaces, but the remoteness and notorious Patagonian winds make this no casual drive. Any high-clearance vehicle will handle the surface, but crosswinds can flip roof-top loads and snap awnings. Fuel up in Calafate – next services are 400+ kilometers away. Best March through November when winds are slightly less vicious. Wild camping everywhere, but bring serious wind protection. This is the Patagonia of legends: vast, unforgiving, and absolutely unforgettable.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 186 mi / 299.3 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | El Calafate, Santa Cruz |
| Land manager | Santa Cruz Provincial Government |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a high-clearance 2WD handle Ruta Provincial 39, or do I need 4WD?
High-clearance 2WD is the minimum and works fine in dry conditions — the gravel surface is manageable without 4WD. That said, Patagonian winds deposit loose material and rain turns sections greasy fast, so 4WD gives you real insurance on a route this remote.
When is Ruta Provincial 39 accessible and what happens to the road in winter?
Best season runs March through November. Winter (June–August) brings snow, ice, and brutal wind that can make the gravel impassable and strand you far from help — the steppe offers zero shelter.
Do I need permits or pay fees to drive this route?
No permits or fees are required for the road itself — it's a provincial route managed by the Santa Cruz government. If you enter any protected zone or estancia land along the way, check locally in El Calafate before departing.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I actually expect?
The sustained Patagonian wind is the real challenge — gusts routinely exceed 100 km/h and can physically push a vehicle sideways on exposed stretches. There's no single gnarly obstacle; the difficulty is cumulative: 186 miles of gravel, zero services, and conditions that change fast.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and is there water available along the route?
Fuel up completely in El Calafate — there are no guaranteed fuel stops along the 186-mile route. Carry at least 20 liters of extra fuel. Water crossings exist but treat all sources; pack enough drinking water for 2-3 days minimum since estancias are sparse and may not be accessible.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.