Davis Mountains: forts, stars and a desert spring
A cool sky-island loop above the West Texas desert, from Marfa to a frontier fort, a world-class observatory and the spring pool at Balmorhea.
- Distance
- 148 km (92 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 39 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- States
- TX
- Updated
- May 22, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 148 km (92 mi) with 7 stops, from Marfa to Balmorhea State Park. About 1 h 39 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Texas
Route description
Start with a morning in Marfa, then take US-90 east to Alpine for supplies; it is the last larger town on this loop. TX-118 climbs north from Alpine into grassland and volcanic hills to Fort Davis, one of the highest towns in Texas.
Fort Davis National Historic Site sits right at the edge of town below a rock wall; its adobe and stone barracks tell the story of the frontier army and the Buffalo Soldiers. Just west, Davis Mountains State Park has a campground, a lookout on Skyline Drive and trails through oak canyons.
TX-118 continues to McDonald Observatory, passing close to the highest point on any public highway in Texas. Book the evening star party well ahead and bring warm clothes; the drive back down after dark is slow, with deer on the road.
For a longer day, complete the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop on TX-166 back to Fort Davis, then take TX-17 north through Wild Rose Pass to Balmorhea State Park. Its spring-fed pool is clear and cool year-round; reserve a day pass online, especially on summer weekends.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Marfa
TX - 242 km
Alpine
TX - 341 km
Fort Davis
TX - 42 km
Fort Davis National Historic Site
HistoryFort Davis, TXOne of the best-preserved frontier forts in the Southwest, set in a box canyon below volcanic cliffs. Buffalo Soldiers served here; restored barracks and officers’ row are open to walk.
- 54 km
Davis Mountains State Park
NatureFort Davis, TXGrassland and oak canyons in a sky-island range, with a Skyline Drive to a lookout over the plains. The campground is a good base for the observatory’s night programs.
- 614 km
McDonald Observatory
ViewsFort Davis, TXResearch telescopes on Mount Locke under some of the darkest skies in the continental US. Book the evening star party well ahead and bring warm layers, even in summer.
- 745 km
Balmorhea State Park
NatureToyahvale, TXA huge spring-fed pool in the desert, clear and cool all year, with small fish swimming around the divers. Day passes are limited, so reserve online before you drive out.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Marfa → Alpine · 26 mi · 0 h 28 minOvernight nearby, for example: Paisano Baptist Encampment (9 mi); Lost Alaskan RV Park (2 mi).
- Day 2: Alpine → McDonald Observatory · 38 mi · 0 h 41 minOn the way: Fort Davis, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Davis Mountains State Park (7 mi); Prude Ranch (6 mi).
- Day 3: McDonald Observatory → Balmorhea State Park · 28 mi · 0 h 30 minOvernight nearby, for example: Balmorhea State Park (< 1 km); Park Headquarters (< 1 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Themes
FAQs
How long is Davis Mountains: forts, stars and a desert spring?
3-day road trip of about 148 km (92 mi) with 7 stops, from Marfa to Balmorhea State Park. About 1 h 39 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Davis Mountains: forts, stars and a desert spring?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 39 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Davis Mountains: forts, stars and a desert spring start and end?
It starts in Marfa and ends in Balmorhea State Park.
Which states does Davis Mountains: forts, stars and a desert spring pass through?
Texas.
Where can you camp along Davis Mountains: forts, stars and a desert spring?
OpenStreetMap lists 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Balmorhea State Park, Davis Mountains State Park and El Cosmico.
When is the best time for Davis Mountains: forts, stars and a desert spring?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
More like this
© Carol M. Highsmith · Public domainThe River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena
© Chris M Morris · CC BY 2.0Spanish missions and the Frio River canyonlands
© Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 4.0