Texas is big, flat and scorching in the summertime. Nevertheless it additionally has lengthy stretches of seashore, cosmopolitan cities and very good meals, notably Tex-Mex, Mexican and barbecue. After Alaska, it’s the second greatest state with America’s largest freeway community. However its most scenic roads are tucked away in faraway locations, like north within the Texas Panhandle and west alongside the Rio Grande and Mexico border. These distant places take awhile to achieve however because the saying goes, “All the pieces is Larger in Texas” which implies prolonged drives on lengthy stretches of freeway to achieve spectacular points of interest are simply a part of the Lone Star State expertise.
- Massive Bend & Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- El Camino del Rio
- Davis Mountains Loop
- Texas Hill Nation
- Canyons of the Texas Panhandle
Massive Bend & Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive – 260 miles
From Marfa to Alpine, Marathon, Persimmon Hole, Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village, Chisos Basin, down/again Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Massive Bend’s west entrance
Whereas it’s true that a lot of Texas is pretty flat, the western half options deserts punctuated by rocky buttes, canyons and mountain ranges topping out at almost 8,800 ft above sea stage. The state’s two nationwide parks are positioned on this area, too. Guadalupe Mountains lies east of El Paso and borders New Mexico. The higher-known Massive Bend Nationwide Park occupies a curve alongside the U.S./Mexico border. This excellent pure space has a number of scenic routes each inside and adjoining to the park. Ross Maxwell is probably the most well-known drive, however there’s lots to see earlier than you attain its remoted location.
Because the Rio Grande flows slowly from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, it types the complete border between Texas and Mexico. The “Massive Bend” happens when the southward-moving river flows north earlier than turning south once more. From river habitats to abandon landscapes and imposing mountains, Massive Bend is extremely numerous. It’s additionally one of many few parks the place summer season journey is discouraged. As a result of it will get so scorching, many companies shut down. Fall, winter and spring are by far the most effective seasons to go to, so you should definitely take into account reserving a campsite. There are just a few personal campgrounds exterior the park whereas inside Massive Bend you’ll discover 4, operated by the Nationwide Park Service and its concessioner. Backcountry tenting can also be allowed however you’ll want a allow.
All main roads to Massive Bend lead via one in every of three eclectic cities – Marfa, Alpine or Marathon – and it’s value driving US 90 to see all of them. Mendacity about 200 miles southeast of El Paso and 100 miles northwest of Massive Bend Nationwide Park, Marfa sits the farthest west on US 90. From Marfa, it’s 26 miles east to Alpine and one other 31 miles east to Marathon. Marfa is the most effective identified, revered in motion pictures and magazines as a creative outpost within the West Texas desert. The city itself is definitely extra understated than you may count on with many galleries, eating places and retailers tucked away on aspect streets. There’s one thing about Marfa that’s actually cool. It has an artsy vibe with out being touristy or boastful. The following city east, Alpine, is bigger and options extra lodging and eating places. It’s additionally residence to Sul Ross State College, a small faculty the place you’ll discover the Museum of the Massive Bend. The western paintings, pictures, maps and Massive Bend Legacy exhibit set the stage for a go to to the area. The third city, Marathon, is far smaller and presents an RV park, upscale lodge and a few eating places, together with the Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue, thought of by many to be a high Texas BBQ location.
There are three highway journey oddities to say, too. In case you’re heading into Marfa from the El Paso space on US 90, about 37 miles west of Marfa close to the city of Valentine search for Prada Marfa. Erected subsequent to the freeway in 2005, this everlasting artwork set up mimics a tiny Prada retailer, proper all the way down to the genuine luxurious merchandise. Then, on the east aspect of Marfa, nearly 9 miles out of city on the best way to Alpine alongside US 67, look ahead to the Marfa Lights Viewing Space. On a fortunate night time you may spot the phenomenon which some say are UFOs or ghosts. Nevertheless, scientific varieties suppose the Marfa Lights are extra doubtless brought on by car headlights, atmospheric reflections and even campfires. Subsequent, in Alpine, a two-mile roundtrip hike up Hancock Hill results in the Sul Ross Desk. In 1979, faculty college students carried a desk to the hilltop to check whereas having fun with the expansive views. One additionally wrote in a pocket book which was left in a drawer after which added to by guests. As we speak, the unique desk has been changed a number of occasions, and folks nonetheless climb to the highest to take a seat and depart their ideas. As every pocket book fills, it’s taken into city to be completely saved on the Archives of the Massive Bend. Lastly, you may need heard about one other tiny retailer reproduction positioned alongside US 90 close to Marathon however sadly, this mini Goal, full with buying cart, was demolished in 2020.
There are two most important methods to achieve Massive Bend Nationwide Park. One choice is to go south on State Freeway 118 from Alpine which results in the park’s western aspect. Nevertheless, our itinerary explores Massive Bend’s japanese aspect earlier than transferring west. Providers are restricted and costly within the park so earlier than venturing out, be certain the gasoline tank is full or the battery charged and also you’ve received loads of water and meals. Then, drive south of Marathon on US 385. Simply as you’re leaving city, search for turkey vultures that is likely to be sitting on poles warming their huge wings. From Marathon, it’s about 42 miles to the nationwide park’s entrance station and Persimmon Hole Customer Middle.
Massive Bend is surrounded by the huge Chihuahua Desert and as you comply with the primary highway via the park, stark mountains loom on both aspect. Canine Canyon and Satan’s Den are widespread mountain climbing trails alongside this part and about 18 miles from Persimmon Hole, search for the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. It’s eight extra miles to Panther Junction the place you’ll discover one other customer heart, a gasoline station and the park’s headquarters.
Massive Bend has three notably fairly drives, beginning with Park Route 12 which runs 20 miles to the southeast, connecting Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village. The freeway descends almost 2,000 ft to the river with incredible views because it cuts via historical limestone. Alongside the best way, Dugout Wells options picnicking and a nature path that’s widespread for birding and finding out cactus, cholla, ocotillo and different desert crops. Nearer to the river, you may soak in scorching springs that people have loved for hundreds of years. As we speak, the ruins of a bathhouse constructed within the early 1900s maintain the 105 F water earlier than it flows into the Rio Grande. The highway ends at first of a superb hike that follows the river and worldwide boundary into the mouth of Boquillas Canyon. Mexico lies on the other riverbank. Rio Grande Village has tenting, gasoline and a customer heart however verify beforehand as some companies are closed in summer season. Mountaineering, biking, birdwatching, fishing, stargazing and horseback using are all widespread Massive Bend actions. Kayaking, canoeing and guided rafting journeys on the Rio Grande are enjoyable, too, however you’ll want a backcountry allow.
Again at Panther Junction, the second superb scenic drive begins three miles west. From the primary freeway, take a left onto Chisos Basin Highway. It’s a hanging distinction to the Rio Grande Village route as Chisos Basin climbs greater than 2,000 ft from the desert flooring into the mountains. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps within the Thirties, this superior six-mile-long highway boasts sharp curves and grades as steep as 15%. So if you happen to’re driving an RV, verify restrictions earlier than you go. Comparatively cooler temperatures, mountain peaks and oaks, junipers and pinyon pines give this space a novel vibe from the remainder of Massive Bend. Along with tenting and mountain climbing, Chisos Basin has a customer heart, lodge and restaurant.
Massive Bend’s third scenic drive is taken into account by many to be its most interesting. From the Chisos Basin turnoff, proceed 10 miles west after which flip left onto Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Named after the park’s first superintendent, Ross Maxwell was a geologist who particularly designed this route to point out off Massive Bend’s exceptionally numerous topography. Search for probably the most outstanding landforms, Mule Ears Peaks, created by historical volcanoes and erosion. Ross Maxwell’s 31 miles wind via hundreds of thousands of years of geological historical past earlier than ending on the Rio Grande. One of many park’s most spectacular trails follows the hillside and riverbank for a couple of mile into Santa Elena Canyon. Carved by the river, 1,500-foot-high limestone cliffs body the water, with Mexico to the left and the US to the best.
From right here, you may both return on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive or take the shorter 13-mile Outdated Maverick Highway, well-maintained gravel that’s normally tremendous for many automobiles however could also be impassable after heavy rains. Be sure you monitor native circumstances. Again on the Ross Maxwell junction, it’s 8 miles to the park’s western entrance, the place Outdated Maverick Highway additionally intersects the primary freeway. Proceed 82 miles north on State Freeway 118 to Alpine. Or go 4 miles to Terlingua the place our subsequent scenic drive, El Camino del Rio, is featured beneath.
El Camino del Rio – 62 miles
From Terlingua to Presidio
That is one in every of my favourite scenic drives within the U.S. El Camino del Rio, which can also be known as River Highway and FM 170, has all the finest qualities of a high highway journey: historical past, superb overlooks, sudden websites, distinctive hikes and quite a few different outside actions. Plus, the route follows a global boundary which simply feels unique. You may both begin in Alpine and drive 84 miles south through State Freeway 118 to Terlingua. Or decide up this route as you’re leaving Massive Bend. The nationwide park’s western entrance is simply eight miles east of Terlingua, a dusty ghost city that’s grow to be residence to artists, retirees and outside fans. Along with constructing ruins and an previous cemetery, immediately this early 1900s mining settlement has artwork galleries, reward retailers, eclectic lodging and tenting, eating places and bars. And on the primary Saturday of each November it hosts hundreds of “chili heads” who come for a championship chili cookoff that began in 1967. However don’t search for an organized downtown. A part of Terlingua’s enchantment is its ramshackle, Outdated West look.
From Terlingua, comply with FM 170 west 11 miles to the Barton Warnock Customer Middle. Whereas Massive Bend Nationwide Park lies just a few miles to the southeast, the El Camino del Rio passes via the southern a part of Massive Bend Ranch, Texas’ largest state park. FM 170 is the one paved route into Massive Bend Ranch, offering entry to gravel two- and four-wheel-drive roads. Mountain biking, mountain climbing, backpacking, horseback using and numerous watersports are the primary actions, and the customer heart has info, permits and licenses. Massive Bend Ranch is an Worldwide Darkish Sky Park so stargazing and astrophotography are unimaginable right here, too. West Texas lies within the Chihuahua Desert, the most important desert in North America, and the customer heart has a two-acre backyard the place you may view and study native crops.
A mile down the freeway from the Barton Warnock Customer Middle is Lajitas, an previous Military submit that’s now the Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa, with a extremely regarded 18 gap championship golf course. The resort additionally runs the close by Maverick Ranch RV Park. Lajitas is the place the freeway joins the river, and as its Spanish title implies, El Camino del Rio means “the river manner.”
The River Highway is a paved rollercoaster pitching up and down the hills and cliffsides overlooking the Rio Grande. It’s not likely a tough or scary drive however you definitely gained’t get sleepy from the stimulating curves and surroundings. The freeway is formally marked as Farm to Market Highway 170. Created by laws in 1949, Texas’ farm to market roads are an in depth community of secondary roads connecting rural or agricultural areas to cities and cities. Sandwiched between rock and river, El Camino del Rio is likely one of the most picturesque drives in Texas. For 50 miles, this farm to market highway parallels the Rio Grande and worldwide border. Whenever you’re not having fun with views of Mexico, search for hoodoos, sculptured pinnacles of weathered rock. Volcanic eruptions and lava flows created the world’s mountains whereas ash deposits eroded to kind the hoodoos. In the meantime, the waters of the Rio Grande carved the spectacular canyon. There are pullouts, picnic areas and permit-required tenting spots alongside the drive.
Twenty miles from Lajitas, search for the parking space for the Closed Canyon Path, a straightforward 1.4-mile roundtrip hike that follows a slim slot canyon. From Closed Canyon, it’s 4.5 miles to the Hoodoos and Balanced Rock Path the place a brief trek results in numerous photogenic rock formations. You too can stroll alongside the Rio Grande with lush habitat and decrease temperatures, a cool distinction to the encompassing desert.
From right here, El Camino del Rio continues one other 22 miles to Fort Leaton State Historic Web site, the place restored buildings and displays supply perception into border life within the 1800s. The fort additionally has information, permits and licenses for Massive Bend Ranch State Park. It’s one other three miles to the scenic drive’s finish in Presidio with gasoline, meals and a border crossing to Mexico. From Presidio, proceed 60 miles north on US 67 to Marfa. Or you may return 62 miles through the River Highway to Terlingua.
Davis Mountains Loop – 135 miles
From Alpine to Fort Davis, across the loop and again to Fort Davis and onto Balmorhea State Park
No, “Texas Alps” isn’t a reference to Houston’s skyline or the Runaway Mountain journey at Six Flags Over Texas. However with peaks topping out at 8,382 ft, the Davis Mountains, aka Texas Alps, are a excessive altitude retreat within the stifling, unforgiving Chihuahua Desert. Positioned within the heart of West Texas, this scenic drive is a straightforward day journey from Marfa or Alpine, if you happen to’re utilizing both city as a homebase for Massive Bend. From Marfa, it’s 17 miles northeast on State Freeway 21 to Fort Davis.
The prettier method follows Freeway 118 northwest from Alpine. That is additionally probably the most direct route to achieve the primary attraction, Chihuahuan Desert Analysis Institute, 21 miles from Alpine. At 5,100 ft above sea stage, the institute has greater than 5 miles of mountain climbing trails for exploring grasslands, rock outcroppings and a canyon. Different points of interest embody the Desert Botanical Gardens, Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum Assortment and Heritage Mining Exhibit.
From the institute, it’s 5 miles to Fort Davis, elevation 5,050 ft. It’s the best city in Texas with a few inns and RV parks, eating places and an ice cream store. It has an Outdated West vibe and if you wish to study frontier occasions via memorabilia donated by pioneer descendants, drop by the Outdated Overland Path Museum. It’s open on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Fort Davis and its precursor, Chihuahua, got here to be not lengthy after the adjoining army submit was based in 1854. As we speak, the Fort Davis Nationwide Historic Web site preserves quite a few ruins and buildings, together with six buildings restored and furnished to the Eighteen Eighties interval. There are additionally a number of mountain climbing trails. Fort Davis performed a key function within the settlement and growth of the American Southwest. It was a strategic submit alongside the San Antonio – El Paso Highway, a serious commerce path to California. Till it was shut down in 1891, the fort protected freighters, mail coaches, settlers and vacationers. It was additionally a outstanding submit for Buffalo Troopers, African American cavalry troopers who served within the American Indian Wars military.
From Fort Davis, head 4 miles west on Freeway 118 to Davis Mountains State Park. The highway follows Limpia Creek because it passes via Limpia Canyon. Essentially the most hanging options are lava columns shaped by volcanic exercise that created the Davis Mountains some 35 million years in the past. The park presents mountain climbing, horseback using, backpacking, birding and mountain biking. There’s tenting or you may e book a room at Indian Lodge, the park’s historic 39-room motel with a restaurant and swimming pool. Stargazing can also be large, as it’s all through the area due to excessive elevation, clear skies and isolation from city lights.
Actually, the following cease is world-renowned for its research of the sky. As Freeway 118 leaves the state park, it winds greater into the Davis Mountains, with broad views of the surrounded peaks, valleys and desert. It’s twelve miles to the McDonald Observatory, run by the College of Texas. You might have heard the observatory’s every day astronomy radio program or journal, each referred to as StarDate. The Guests Middle has a theatre, science museum with interactive displays, café and reward store. Guided excursions of analysis areas together with solar viewing classes are supplied afternoons from Tuesday via Saturday. After the solar units on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, come again for “Star Events” when you may observe the moon, planets and galaxies via massive telescopes on the Public Observatory.
From the McDonald Observatory, Freeway 118 continues meandering northwest. In about 9 miles, search for the Madera Canyon Path parking space. With good birding and wildlife viewing alternatives and “no canine allowed,” this 2.4-mile loop path is widespread with hikers and photographers.
From Madera Canyon, comply with Freeway 118 about six miles to Freeway 166 and switch left. Because the loop route heads southwest, you may’t miss Sawtooth Mountain within the distance, the scenic drive’s most distinctive landform. About eight miles alongside Freeway 166, search for one other camera-friendly stone formation, Stability Rock. Look ahead to wildlife together with pronghorn, deer and snakes sunning on the pavement. In late summer season you’ll prone to see male tarantulas crossing the highway seeking love. Different animals you may observe all through the Davis Mountains embody javelinas, black bears, bobcats, elk, mountain lions and all types of birds and lizards.
From Stability Rock, Freeway 166 passes via grassland, ranchland and desert for about 35 miles because it curves south after which east towards Fort Davis. On the intersection with Freeway 17, it’s 18 miles south to Marfa. Or go left and in two miles you’re in Fort Davis once more the place Freeway 118 will get you again to Alpine. Another choice is heading 39 miles northeast of Fort Davis on Freeway 17 to I-10. It’s a reasonably drive because the highway passes via extra volcanic panorama and lava columns earlier than crossing the desert.
About 32 miles from Fort Davis on Freeway 17, the freeway reaches the small neighborhood of Toyahvale. In case you go left onto FM 3078, it’s two miles west to Mission Mary. Now referred to as Calera Chapel, it was constructed by Mexican American settlers within the early 1900s. The tiny, eye-catching church is value a fast peek earlier than persevering with west on I-10 towards El Paso. In case you go proper at Toyahvale and keep on Freeway 17, Balmorhea State Park will likely be on the best. There’s tenting and motel-style lodging on the retro San Solomon Springs Courts. The principle draw is swimming and scuba diving on the planet’s largest spring-fed swimming pool constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps within the Thirties. From the state park, it’s about seven miles to I-10 and factors east together with Fort Stockton and San Antonio.
Texas Hill Nation – 213 miles
Following the primary itinerary from the Girl Hen Johnson Wildflower Middle to Fredericksburg and Medina earlier than ending in New Braunfels. Add 88 miles for the Satan’s Spine and 104 miles for Misplaced Maples/Leakey detours
Map 1: Most important Itinerary
Map 3: Misplaced Maples and Leakey Detour
There are many causes to go to Austin and San Antonio, two excellent Texas cities identified for his or her historical past, meals and music. However simply west of Austin and north of San Antonio is Texas Hill Nation, a showcase of pure points of interest, orchards and wineries, Girl Hen and LBJ historical past and German American tradition. This C-shaped highway journey begins within the southwestern suburbs of Austin, heads west to Fredericksburg, curves south to Medina after which returns east, ending in New Braunfels, northeast of San Antonio.
To set the temper for having fun with the area’s distinctive topography, cease first on the 284-acre Girl Hen Johnson Wildflower Middle, 12 miles southwest of downtown Austin. Based by the previous first girl and actress Helen Hayes in 1982, it options cultivated gardens, managed pure areas and wildlands, an arboretum, Wildflower Café and Store & Gallery.
From the Wildflower Middle, make your method to US 290 and head 22.5 miles west the place you’ll flip proper onto FM 3232. Then, it’s six miles north to Pedernales Falls State Park. The drive west from Austin to the falls climbs the Edwards Plateau, an elevated area in central Texas. Tens of millions of years in the past, an ocean coated a lot of what grew to become the state. Marine deposits created rock that was pushed up by geological forces. Erosion then shaped ridges, hills and valleys. On the state park, the Pedernales River has worn large chunks of limestone into clean channels and swimming pools. There’s no swimming on the falls however you may solar on the rocks. Farther down the river, swimming, wading, tubing and fishing are allowed. Tenting, mountain climbing, mountain biking and horseback using are widespread, and the park additionally has a butterfly backyard and chook blind.
From Pedernales Falls, head 10 miles west to Johnson Metropolis. This itinerary consists of a few spectacular different routes. Satan’s Spine is the first main detour which is reached by driving 14 miles south of Johnson Metropolis on US 290 and US 281 to Blanco. The small city has a few attention-grabbing points of interest. The Buggy Barn Museum displays greater than 250 buggies, carriages and wagons from the 1840s to 1900s. There’s additionally an lively Outdated West-themed film studio behind the museum. Close by, Blanco State Park lies on the banks of the Blanco River. The little park has tenting, swimming, fishing, paddling and picnicking. Then, two miles south of city on US 281, take a left onto FM 32 and the beginning of Satan’s Spine. The curvy 23-mile route follows a limestone ridge, the “spine,” and is claimed to be haunted. However don’t let the ghosts of pioneers, Native People and automobile accident victims scare you from this very scenic drive which is particularly fairly in spring when Texas bluebonnets are blooming, from the top of March via late April. The Satan’s Spine arrives within the eclectic city of Wimberley with tin-roofed eating places, retailers and galleries together with Wimberley Glassworks with free glassblowing demonstrations. Wimberley Zipline presents a highflying overview of the world whereas Blue Gap Regional Park is a pure swimming space framed by cypress timber. From Wimberley, you may loop again to Blanco by following FM 2325 and FM 165.
Returning to the primary itinerary and Johnson Metropolis, the following a part of the journey is steeped in presidential historical past. Lyndon Johnson, the thirty sixth president, grew up on this city that bears his household’s title. The Lyndon B. Johnson Nationwide Historic Park has two sections. The primary, in Johnson Metropolis, options LBJ’s Boyhood Residence and Johnson Settlement, the place the president’s household initially lived. Then, drive 14 miles west on US 290 to the second and far bigger part with the LBJ Ranch, a one-room schoolhouse, the Johnson Household Cemetery the place LBJ and Girl Hen are buried and the “Texas White Home,” the household ranch home.
Beginning in Johnson Metropolis and following US 290 west to Stonewall and Fredericksburg, you’ll discover wineries, orchards and fruit stands. The area is a primary peach rising space and plums, strawberries, blackberries and all types of greens do nicely right here, too. Texas Hill Nation can also be the nation’s third largest American Viticultural Space with greater than 100 wineries providing tastings and, in some instances, lodging and RV parking.
From LBJ Ranch, it’s 18 miles to Fredericksburg, the hub of tourism in Hill Nation with a bustling downtown that feels each western and German. The city was based by German immigrants in 1846 which you’ll be able to study via shows on the Pioneer Museum and Vereins Kirche Museum. In case you’re staying in Fredericksburg for awhile, the 120-mile self-guided Gillespie County Nation Faculties Driving and Biking Trails options 17 historic nation colleges relationship from 1847 to 1936. One other widespread attraction is the Nationwide Museum of the Pacific Conflict which was in-built Fredericksburg as a result of native son Chester Nimitz commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet in World Conflict II. Seventeen miles north of city is Enchanted Rock State Pure Space the place the star attraction is a lone, enormous pink granite dome with mountain climbing, mountaineering, birding, picnicking, stargazing and tenting.
From Fredericksburg, wander 24 miles southwest on Freeway 16 via the Guadalupe River Valley to Kerrville the place the Museum of Western Artwork has displays on cowboys and ranching, Native People, settlers, ladies of the West and mountain males. Historical past lovers may also benefit from the Schreiner Mansion which was constructed by German masons out of native limestone in 1879. As we speak, it’s listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and open for excursions on Thursdays.
From Kerrville, the highway journey’s second main detour follows Freeway 27 west to Ingram and Freeway 39 via Hunt. Then, the highway twists and turns because it runs southwest alongside the South Fork Guadalupe River. Twenty miles from Hunt, flip left onto FM 187 and go 14.5 miles to Misplaced Maples State Pure Space the place the Sabinal River has carved sheer canyon partitions out of the rugged terrain. The park protects a stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples and is especially spectacular and widespread in autumn. Pictures, birding, wildlife watching, mountain climbing, backpacking, fishing, stargazing and tenting are typical actions. If motorbikes are extra your factor, take a look at the Lone Star Motorbike Museum, a mile from Misplaced Maples on FM 187. The gathering consists of some 60 bikes from around the globe, relationship from the 1910s to immediately. Persevering with south on FM 187, in three miles flip proper onto FM 337 the place extra beautiful landscapes unfold because the highway winds 15 miles via gorges and previous cliffs to tiny Leakey. The city has gasoline, a few eating places and Josh’s Frio River Outfitters with gear, shuttle service and plenty of souvenirs. From Leakey, return east 37 miles on FM 337 to Medina the place we decide up the primary itinerary.
Again in Kerrville, go 24 miles south on Freeway 16 to Medina, the “Apple Capital of Texas.” Open year-round, Love Creek Orchards and The Apple Retailer promote baked items, items and contemporary seasonal apples. Freeway 16 then strikes southeast via ranchland to Bandera. Established by Polish settlers within the 1850s, the city figured prominently within the nice Texas cattle drives of the late 1800s. Nicknamed the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” the ranch theme carries all through the western type downtown. There’s nightly music, Saturday afternoon “gunfights,” dude ranches and the Frontier Occasions Museum, with enjoyable and quirky displays on Texas historical past and cowboy tradition. The dioramas on the Bandera Pure Historical past and Artwork Museum spotlight Texas Hill Nation wildlife and their habitats whereas the New Spain Artwork Assortment shows work, pottery and sculptures from colonial Mexico.
Following Freeway 16 east to Freeway 46, it’s 24 miles from Bandera to Boerne, one other fascinating city with German heritage the place the Cibolo Nature Middle presents miles of trails via 5 distinct ecosystems alongside Cibolo Creek. On the opposite aspect of the water, there’s extra mountain climbing at Herff Farm together with neighborhood gardens and a year-round Saturday farmers market. And on scorching summer season days, cool off on a guided underground tour of Cascade Caverns’ 5 superb rooms.
Driving east out of Boerne on Freeway 46, it’s 16 miles to Guadelupe River State Park outlined by steep limestone bluffs, 4 pure rapids and bald cypress timber lining the riverbanks. Guests come to swim, tube, canoe and fish. There’s additionally tenting and 13 miles of mountain climbing and biking trails.
It’s 31 miles east on Freeway 46 to New Braunfels, one other charmer with BBQ, Tex-Mex, breweries, wineries, boutiques and vintage shops. For teenagers and the younger at coronary heart, Schlitterbahn Waterpark has slides, swimming pools and river rides. Germany’s Prince Carl of Solms based town in 1845 and simply north of city, German-Texas structure distinguishes the Gruene Historic District. Contained in the renovated 19th century buildings are eating places, bars, reward retailers, B&Bs and the oldest dance corridor in Texas. Exterior of New Braunfels are two extraordinary cave experiences. Fifteen miles west of city, Pure Bridge Caverns offers guided excursions of Texas’ greatest cavern. A few miles away is Bracken Cave, residence to the world’s largest bat colony and one of many biggest concentrations of mammals on Earth. Each summer season, greater than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost within the cave. It’s essential to make reservations to look at the twister of hunters spiraling out for his or her nightly insect feast.
Canyons of the Texas Panhandle – 148 miles
From Amarillo to Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyons
Within the class of “sudden,” this highway journey is high of thoughts. It doesn’t matter the place you’re driving from as a result of the terrain round Amarillo is basically flat for miles and miles in all instructions. However 30 miles southeast of town, the land components into a large crack, revealing America’s second largest canyon after the Grand Canyon: Palo Duro. From there, the scenic drive continues southeast to Caprock Canyons, one other colourful hole within the Earth. This route explores the higher a part of the Caprock Escarpment, a steep and rocky slope forming a pure boundary between the western Excessive Plains and japanese North Central Plains. The escarpment basically stretches down the center of the Texas Panhandle for about 200 miles and Amarillo makes a very good method from the north.
With motels, RV parks, western shops and steakhouses, Amarillo is a medium-sized metropolis with Lone Star aptitude. It’s the most important metropolis within the Texas Panhandle, about midway between Oklahoma Metropolis and Albuquerque. Amarillo can also be a cease on Historic Route 66. To succeed in the world’s most well-known pure attraction, head south of Amarillo 17 miles on I-27 to exit 106 the place you’ll then drive east on Freeway 216. After 11 miles of farmland, the plains abruptly give method to an 800-foot-deep canyon that’s 120 miles lengthy and 20 miles broad in locations.
Over hundreds of thousands of years, water from the Prairie Canine City Fork of the Purple River together with wind, rain and snow eroded the panorama into Palo Duro Canyon. Essentially the most spectacular part makes up Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the place a sixteen mile paved, looping highway descends to the ravine’s flooring, passing via multihued layers of sedimentary rocks from 4 geological intervals. Variations of pink, orange, yellow and white coloration the encompassing buttes and pinnacles. Mountaineering, biking, horseback using, birding and wildlife watching are the primary actions. Campsites and cabins replenish early so you should definitely reserve. The customer heart has archeological and nature displays and sells southwest artwork and handmade Native American gadgets corresponding to pottery, silver and turquoise jewellery and searching knives. In the summertime, the TEXAS Out of doors Musical is carried out within the outside amphitheater.
From the customer heart, exit the state park and return west on Freeway 217. However earlier than reaching the freeway, flip proper onto Washington Avenue and go north. Then take a proper onto FM 1151 and drive east to Claude. It’s 45 miles from the customer heart to the small city. Then, head south on Freeway 207 the place quickly the agricultural fields soften away for an additional perspective on Palo Duro Canyon. Whereas this view isn’t as dramatic because the state park’s, it’s nonetheless fairly colourful because the highway descends to the underside and crosses the Prairie Canine City Fork of the Purple River. Palo Duro means hardwood in Spanish which refers back to the junipers and mesquite rising within the space.
Freeway 207 then climbs out of the canyon and passes via ranchland earlier than reaching Lake Mackenzie, 41 miles south of Claude. The reservoir has tenting, a few cabins and a marina. Boating and fishing occur on the lake whereas land-based enjoyable consists of mountain climbing, birding and driving ATV trails.
Persevering with south, the freeway enters Tule Canyon, one other vibrant ravine with hanging rock formations and roadside wildflowers. Elements of Texas are particularly identified for his or her freeway blooms, and also you’ll see many various sorts of spring and summer season flowers all alongside this scenic drive.
Following Freeway 207 south after which Freeway 86 east, the drive reaches Silverton, 11 miles from Lake Mackenzie. The little city has gasoline, an RV park, a few eating places and retailers. From there, comply with Freeway 86 east 16 miles to Quitaque, one other city with related facilities. The Comanchero Canyons Museum has displays on historic expeditions of the world, the significance of bison, army battles and the Comancheros, native individuals of northern and central New Mexico who traded with nomadic plains tribes.
Then, it’s simply three miles north of Quitaque to Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway. Just like Palo Duro Canyon, water and wind have sculpted the Caprock Escarpment into this park’s vividly coloured canyons, bluffs and stone formations. Caprock Canyons’ scenic drive results in overlooks and trailheads. There’s tenting, mountain climbing, biking and horseback using in addition to swimming, fishing and no-wake boating on Lake Theo. Search for mule and white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats and pronghorn. Nevertheless, you’re more than likely to see members of the Texas State Bison Herd that roam freely – so hold your distance!
Southeast of the park lies the 64-mile Caprock Canyons Trailway, a rail-to-trail venture that passes via ranchland and Quitaque Canyon earlier than climbing over the Caprock Escarpment. A spotlight is mountain climbing or strolling a motorcycle or horse via Readability Tunnel, an previous railroad tunnel the place as many as 500,000 Mexican free-tailed bats stay from April to October earlier than migrating south for the winter. From Quitaque, it’s 100 miles to Amarillo or 90 miles to Lubbock.