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Scenic Mountain Drive, Big Spring, Big Spring, Texas
Photo: Leaflet · CC BY-SA 3.0

Drives Texas Big Bend and West Texas

Scenic Mountain Drive, Big Spring

Scenic Drive, Park Road 8 · Loop from Park Road 8 at FM 700

Intense2.3 mi5 min100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,800 ftLoop
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The drive

Big Spring State Park sits on Scenic Mountain, a 200-foot bluff on the edge of the town of Big Spring, and its loop road is the park's main event. The drive starts where Park Road 8 leaves FM 700, then winds up and around the mountain to the top and back down, with views out across the town and the flat West Texas plains.

The road and the pavilion on the hilltop were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and 1935, when crews turned about 300 acres of rough land into the park. The road is one-way, narrow and steep in places, and it's shared with walkers, joggers and cyclists, who use the loop for exercise.

It's only a couple of miles, so it's a short stop rather than a day out. The drive ends just short of where it began, near the park entrance.

Along the way

  1. Park Road 8 at FM 700
  2. Park Road 8
  3. Park Road 8 near the entrance
Elevation
100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,800 ft
Park Road 8 at FM 700Park Road 8 near the entrance
Curves
Twisty most of the way
Park Road 8 at FM 700Park Road 8 near the entrance
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Entry to Big Spring State Park is free, and the park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
  • Park Road 8 is one-way around the mountain; follow the signs.
  • Expect walkers and cyclists on the road at any time of day, and take the bends slowly.
  • The park has posted a burn ban and a water notice; check the park's alerts if you plan to picnic.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Texas Parks and Wildlife: Big Spring State Park alerts.

Questions about this drive

How long is the Scenic Mountain loop at Big Spring State Park?

The paved loop road around Scenic Mountain in Big Spring State Park is 2.3 miles on this route and takes about 5 minutes; the park describes the full loop as about three miles.

Is there a fee at Big Spring State Park?

No. Big Spring State Park is free to enter and is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Who built the road on Scenic Mountain?

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the Scenic Mountain loop road and the hilltop pavilion at Big Spring State Park in 1934 and 1935.

Can you walk or bike the Big Spring State Park loop?

Yes. The Scenic Mountain loop is popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists, who share the road with cars.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Scenic Mountain Drive, Big Spring, from Park Road 8 at FM 700 to Park Road 8 near the entrance