Davis Mountains - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

campermom · 06-05-2007, 08:01 AM

What should we go see, or do while there for 2 days?

Fort Davis NPS and Mc Donald Observatory are on the list

ploddinTod · 06-05-2007, 02:12 PM

Because of the low humidity and generally clear skies, you're going to have a unique opportunity for stargazing. Of course, the folks at the observatory will give a bunch of good information and point you in the right direction. But I'd do at little homework before you go www.stardate.org to see what the night sky holds for you at the particular time that you're there. Maybe sit down with your youngster and see what major stars and constellations and planets will be visible at the time of your trip.

I remember a nice little hike behind the fort that traverses the hills and looks down on the parade grounds and outbuildings.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

lphilpot · 06-06-2007, 08:32 PM

First of all, go to www.fortdavis.com - There, you'll be able to read all about these --

As mentioned, don't miss McDonald Observatory and the Fort itself.
Check out the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop (TX 166), which is a nice drive. If you like scenic drives, TX 118 southeast of Fort Davis has some nice scenes and definitely make the drive up TX 17 north to Toyahvale. You'll go through the Wild Rose pass and on past 6300' Star Mountain.
If you're into flora, take a look at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute and associated Nature Center/Botanical Gardens.
The Davis Mountains State Park is nice as well, and from the top of Skyline Drive, you can see parts of Fort Davis, the domes at McDonald Observatory, the Fort and even Mitre Peak, which is more than halfway to Alpine.
Get a shake/malt at the Fort Davis Drug Store (but be aware they generally close about 3-4pm); You can also get good ice cream treats at The Caboose.
Check out Rattlers & Reptiles if you're into snakes.
Go horseback riding at Prude Ranch.
There are some nice shops, the historic Paisano Hotel and a pretty courthouse in Marfa (about 23 miles to the SW on TX 17); if you're in Marfa after dark, go look for the Marfa Lights.
Sul Ross State University has a pretty campus in Alpine (about 22 miles to the SE on TX 118), and Alpine is a nice little town.

Looks like you're gonna need more than two days!!

Aspen5 · 06-09-2007, 11:49 AM

Only 2 days? Ain't enough time if you want to cover it all. The previous two posts offered excellent ideas. I would like to add one more, unless they covered it and I missed it, go to Balmorhea SP. You don't have to stay there, just take a side trip if possible. The park itself is not as nice as others we have stayed at, but you're there for the POOL. AWESOME! If you haven't been there, just take a few hours out of your trip to stop and swim. Then you can head back I-10 towards SA. If you don't want to make the whole drive in one day, stay the night in South Llano SP in Junction, then you're only two hours from home.

campermom · 07-21-2007, 11:40 PM

The drive from South Llano wasn't that bad. We stopped at Fort Lancaster SP in Sheffield. Upon arrival mid-day on a Saturday, we found the place locked up tight with no one in sight. I was looking forward to an air conditioned restroom, as were 3 other car loads of people who arrived after we did. The fort is located about 14 miles off the interstate and quite easy to find since there is little else out there. The fort is all ruins. We did make use of one of the 3 shaded picnic tables in front of the visitors center, (and a bush around the side.)

We knew we were getting close when we turned left at Balmorhea SP and the terrain began to change immediately. The road winded slowly up through foothills which seemed to come up out of nowhere. I found myself driving on the bumpies, distracted by the scenery. I made sure the windshield was kept clean so I could snap pictures while driving. We arrived just after the office had closed. On a bulletin board were several maps with last names of folks who had reservations and site assignments were made already. We made camp and then needed to decide if we were going to the Star Party or not. A large dark cloud was rumbling nearby so we put it off for another time. Instead, we drove the scenic loop to the top of a mountain for an hour hike. The kids just took off, ( what kid wouldn't after being in the car all day). When we returned to camp, what had been a vacant camping loop became BSA headquarters. A troop from Austin, who had been on the road since 7am, had arrived ( they stopped at the Caverns Of Sonora). They were very well behaved and silent. They were gearing up for a long hike in the morning to earn their backpacking badge. We let the kids watch a DVD on the laptop before going to sleep.

In the morning, I drove up to the office to check-in. That's when we found out that TexDOT was paving the park Monday morning and all campers needed to vacate by 8am. Ewwww. I asked if they could call Balmorhea for me to hold a site and they did. They were very helpful and seemed happy they could help.

We drove into town and let the kids explore Fort Davis NHS. They completed the Junior Ranger program. Upon completion, they were given a choice between a badge or a patch. The boys got the opposite from each other but wanted the other which they hadn't earned. The ranger said we could go back another day and do the older kid version for another badge or patch. Good to know ( we did end up going back another day).

We returned to Davis SP to break camp. Although we were there a short time, I know I would enjoy camping there again sometime. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, the interpretive center had nice exhibits, restrooms very well kept, including a hand held shower head in the handicapped which is a great place to shower your kid, clear skies, cool nights, and a wonderful view in every direction. We didn't even get up to see the hotel. I won't worry about that, I know there will be another trip someday.

lphilpot · 07-21-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

The drive from South Llano wasn't that bad. We stopped at Fort Lancaster SP in Sheffield.

Did you use the picnic area located at the top of the canyon? It has three or four covered tables and it generally breezy. It also has a nice view (http://tinyurl.com/39zduh).

Quote:

We knew we were getting close when we turned left at Balmorhea SP and the terrain began to change immediately. The road winded slowly up through foothills which seemed to come up out of nowhere.

Isn't that a spectacular drive? Star Mountain is particularly impressive - It's the large flat-topped mountain you wind around to the right just before you go through the Wild Rose Pass. There are interesting stories about Army patrols and Apache raiding parties when those trails were blazed, in William MacLeod's book Davis Mountain Vistas.

Quote:

I know there will be another trip someday.

That's a given with me - I love the whole Davis Mountains area!

campermom · 07-22-2007, 12:36 AM

We used the picnic area in front of the VC. I didn't know about more at the top of the hill.

lphilpot · 07-22-2007, 06:42 AM

It's on the scenic loop 290, just east of the park. In the photo at the link above, I think you're basically looking south and the park is off to the right.

I've never been in the park, actually, so I can't compare.

Motorman355 · 07-22-2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campermom

We stopped at Fort Lancaster SP in Sheffield. Upon arrival mid-day on a Saturday, we found the place locked up tight with no one in sight. I was looking forward to an air conditioned restroom, as were 3 other car loads of people who arrived after we did.

I too was bummed when we made an expedition to the Davis Mountains and Big Bend. I was promising a clean restroom once we get to the fort. My biggest complaint was I still carry a TX State Park Passport around to get stamped at the parks I visit. No stamp for me at Fort Lancaster.

Still I was amazed at the descent drive into the canyon