Davis Mountains Scenic Loop
Texas high desert mountain loop through volcanic peaks
The Davis Mountains rise like an island from the Chihuahuan Desert, offering Texas’s most dramatic high desert terrain. This loop connects paved highways with maintained gravel roads through the heart of these volcanic peaks, passing the historic Fort Davis National Historic Site and climbing toward Mount Livermore at 8,378 feet. The route includes sections of Highway 118 and county roads that wind through oak and pine forests unusual for West Texas, with sweeping views across the desert basin toward Mexico.
This is an easy scenic drive suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though some gravel sections can be washboarded after storms. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, with summer temperatures reaching over 100°F in the desert below while staying cooler in the mountains. The McDonald Observatory provides a perfect overnight stop, and several primitive camping areas exist along the route. Fuel up in Fort Davis before starting—this is remote country with long stretches between services, but the payoff is some of Texas’s most unexpected mountain scenery.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 74 mi / 119.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6791 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Fort Davis, Texas |
| Land manager | Texas State Parks, National Park Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 or high clearance to run the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop?
No. Any vehicle can handle this route — it's a paved and mixed-surface scenic drive, not a technical trail. A sedan, van, or stock SUV all work fine.
What's the best time of year to drive this loop?
October through April. Summers in the Davis Mountains are hot and prone to afternoon monsoon thunderstorms. Fall and spring give you the clearest skies and most comfortable temps — important at nearly 7,000 feet.
Are there any permits or fees required?
Fort Davis National Historic Site charges a small entry fee per person. The scenic loop itself doesn't require a permit, but if you're camping in Texas State Park land nearby, you'll need a reservation through the Texas Parks & Wildlife booking system.
This is rated easy — is there anything on the route that could catch someone off guard?
The elevation gain to nearly 6,800 feet is gradual but real — underpowered or overloaded rigs may notice it. The bigger issue is the remoteness: cell service is spotty, the nearest fuel is in Fort Davis, and there's not much traffic if something goes wrong.
How far is the nearest gas station, and should I top off before starting the loop?
Fort Davis is your last reliable fuel stop before heading out — don't count on finding gas once you're on the loop. The full route is 74 miles, so a normal tank is fine, but top off anyway since the next options are Alpine or Marfa, both a solid drive away.
Trail track
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