It’s hard to explain the beauty of the desert to someone who hasn’t been, but this place is so incredible!
Located about 150 miles north of Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountains State Park is a great places to visit West Texas for the first time! It’s located just above the town of Fort Davis, so you can fell like you haven’t completely left civilization behind, but you still have those amazing star filled nights, and when you’re in the back trails, it’s awe inspiring how much land sits around you!
Entrance to the state park is $6/person, age 13 and older. 12 and under are FREE. Save money with a Texas State Parks pass!
The look when you have planned a hiking trip and the kids want to ride their bikes! This is our first time to visit the park in March, and we definitely enjoyed the cooler temperatures for hiking and riding bikes!
The Davis Mountains were formed by volcanic activities, and 3 separate eruptions formed what is known as Frazier Canyon, Sleeping Lion and Barrel Springs.
We hiked the Skyline Trail, a CCC built 5 mile trail.
We love the beauty and serenity!
Of course, be sure to take plenty of water with you. The higher elevation makes you more prone to dehydration. The top of the trail provides you with incredible views!
Javalina, mule deer and even mountain lions can be seen in the park. You might also spot some barbery sheep, or Aoudads, in the mountains. They are not native, but exotics from Africa, introduced in the 1950’s.
The Chihuahua Desert is the largest desert in the United States, and while it’s relatively dry in mid-March, the monsoon season runs from June – September. Cool afternoon rains create a treat for the eyes and nose, as many plants only bloom during the rain in the desert, and there is nothing like the smell of the desert after a rain!
The Old CCC Trail connects the state park to the National Park below, and is a beautiful hike down into the Fort. A separate entrance fee to visit, the National Park tells the story of the frontier days of Fort Davis! Click HERE for more information.
The night sky in Fort Davis is amazing! During summer evenings the Milky Way is the most visible. The higher elevation of the Davis Mountains makes summers a little cooler than other parts of Texas, and the park is very popular during the summer months. Likewise, it’s also a little warmer during the winter, making it an ideal destination year round.
Each Fourth of July, the town has a huge fireworks show!
A nice interpretive center tells you about the flora and fauna and history of the park!
Indian Lodge offers overnight accomodations for guest. Make your reservations in advance, because it is quite popular! While the pool is for guest only, day visitors can enjoy dining at the Black Bear restaurant.
Another hiking trail, the Indian Lodge Trail is a nice morning hike.
Things to do in Fort Davis
Play
The Fort Davis National Historic Site lets you see many of the old buildings of the fort, and explore it’s history. Click HERE to read more.
Visit the McDonald Observatory! Click HERE for more information.
The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Garden. Click HERE to visit their website.
Eat
The Fort Davis Drug Store is just one of many cute little restaurants in Fort Davis, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a cute soda fountain. Closed on Saturday. Click HERE to visit their website.
Stay
In addition to staying in the park, and Indian Lodge, there are several boutique hotels in Fort Davis.
Davis Mountains State Park
TX-118, Fort Davis
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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