things to do in the Davis Mountains
McDonald Observatory is a research unit of The University of Texas at Austin and one of the world's leading centers for astronomical research, teaching, and public education and outreach. Observatory facilities are located high in the Davis Mountains, which offer some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States.
Photo Credit: Ethan Tweedie Photography
Fort Davis is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars' frontier military post. From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis was strategically located to protect emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the Trans-Pecos portion of the San Antonio-El Paso Road and on the Chihuahua Trail. NPS photo.
High in the mountains of West Texas, explore Davis Mountains State Park’s miles of trails, stay up late to marvel at the night sky, learn about the history of the park and nearby frontier fort. It’s worth the drive!
The CCC built this scenic overlook at the top of Skyline Drive. TPWD photo.
No visit to Fort Davis is complete until you visit the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Explore miles of hiking trails, botanical gardens, cactus greenhouse, geology exhibit, and bird watching blinds!
Botanical gardens photo credit Andy Morgan Photography.
The Davis Mountains Preserve is a hidden gem in the Davis Mountains. The Davis Mountains in far West Texas harbor a high-elevation ecosystem that is home to an abundance of plant and wildlife species in this unique sky island. Hike Madera Canyon year-round, and hike the interior on select open weekends.
DESERT OASIS: The Davis Mountains rise like a mirage from the desert. © Jamie Wentz
Drive or ride the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop! Wind around and through the spectacular Davis Mountains, stopping at scenic overlooks, picnic areas, amd hiking spots, along TX 118 to TX 166 to TX 17.