Davis Mountains Scenic Loop

This is a 75-mile loop around the Davis Mountains, starting and ending in Fort Davis. There are multiple rest areas, pullouts and other photo opportunities. There are no rest rooms, so go easy on the sodas or iced tea before starting the route. 

I think just driving it without stopping for photos would be interesting but you always have at least a phone camera, so you’re going to stop. So, it’s an easy half-day trip. It’s worth it. You will see the mountains, valleys, cattle ranches, and wildlife (we saw hawks and deer, and that was mid-afternoon.) 

Leave Fort Davis on TX-118, heading towards the Davis Mountains State park and the McDonald Observatory. If you have time, stop for lunch at the Black Bear restaurant inside Davis Mountains State Park. You could also visit the observatory, but it might be better to visit for one of their programs. 

Continue all the way up 118 until it meets TX-166, and turn onto 166. It will lead you all the way to TX-17 which takes you back to Fort Davis.