Balmorhea

In the middle of the West Texas desert lies Balmorhea State Park, a literal oasis among the scrubland. The river here has been routed into the swimming pool of your dreams, with clear fresh water, a rocky bottom, dozens of fish and marine life, AND a diving board. From the surface, Balmorhea looks like an enormous swimming pool. Under the water (which is deep enough to provide for deep sea divi...

Texas has a wonderful state park system, and Balmorhea State Park in West Texas is no exception. Located a few hours southeast of El Paso, Balmorhea boasts a large natural spring with views of the Davis Mountains. Stay in the cabins or camp on location. This is a great place for year round scuba diving and swimming (if you're really motivated!) where the water is consistently 72 degrees. Divers...

Drove from the intersection of I-10 and Texas 118 to Fort Davis . Stopped at the Davis mountains State Park. Visited the Fort Davis National Historic site, the Chihuahua Desert Nature Center and had a good dinner in Fort Davis. Continued on Texas 166 to Kent passing by some very impressive mountain peaks.  Very beautiful scenery in the spring when many wildflowers line both sides of the road

So, you’re in West Texas (or driving in from out of state) and maybe you’re bound for Big Bend National Park--because why wouldn’t you be? If you’ve budgeted your time wisely, you may have already planned for stops, but whether you have or not, consider revising your itinerary to include a short stay in Ft. Davis and/or a visit to the McDonald Observatory.  A quick drive from I-10 (37 miles) gr...

Madera Canyon is a 2.8 mile loop hike that takes you by a river located near Fort Davis, TX.

First took some time to visit the historic buildings and exhibits. After that I toured the grounds and enjoyed the sights surrounding the fort.  I also took the time to hike 3 of the trails located within the fort boundaries. Very beautiful views of the mountains and of the wildflowers.

North Ridge and Hospital Canyon Loop Trail is a 2.2 mile loop hike that is accessible year round located near Fort Davis, TX.

The majority of the Davis Mountains are privately owned, but the state park is one of the few ways to access it. These mountains are surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert and is one of three sky islands in Texas. There are many rare plants and species in the Davis Mountains that exist nowhere else. The closest town is Fort Davis, TX, which is home to the Fort Davis National Historic Site. The Da...

Old CCC Trail is a 5.8 mile loop hike where you may see beautiful wild flowers located near Fort Davis, TX.