Drives Texas Big Bend and West Texas
Davis Mountains Scenic Loop
TX 118, TX 166, TX 17 · Loop from Fort Davis
The drive
The Davis Mountains Scenic Loop is the classic West Texas mountain drive, a 75-mile circle out of Fort Davis, the highest town in Texas. This route runs it clockwise, starting north on Highway 118. The road heads up Limpia Canyon past Davis Mountains State Park, home of the CCC-built Indian Lodge, then climbs on steep grades and tight curves past Mount Locke and the turn for McDonald Observatory.
Beyond the observatory, Highway 118 narrows and runs through high, forested country, often unfenced, past the Lawrence E. Woods picnic area in Madera Canyon, where ponderosa pines shade a trailhead into the Nature Conservancy's Davis Mountains Preserve. At the junction with Highway 166 the loop swings south and east across open grassland, with the jagged ridge of Sawtooth Mountain ahead and Point of Rocks, a picnic stop among boulders, along the way.
Highway 166 ends on Highway 17 a couple of miles south of Fort Davis, and the loop finishes back in town. Pronghorn, javelina and aoudad are often seen on the grasslands.
Along the way
- Fort Davis (TX-118 north)
- McDonald Observatory
- TX 166
- Fort Davis (TX-17)
Good to know
- Much of the loop is open range: expect cattle guards and loose livestock on the road.
- The stretch past the observatory has steep grades and tight curves, and narrow, grassy shoulders.
- McDonald Observatory's visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday afternoons; star parties often sell out, so book ahead.
- Fort Davis is the place for fuel and food; the loop itself runs through empty ranch and mountain country.
- Davis Mountains State Park charges a daily entry fee if you stop or drive Skyline Drive.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check TxDOT DriveTexas.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop take?
The Davis Mountains Scenic Loop from Fort Davis on Highways 118, 166 and 17 is 73.2 miles on this route and takes about 2 hours 5 minutes without stops; with the observatory and picnic stops, it fills a day.
Which way should you drive the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop?
Either way works. Going clockwise, north on Highway 118 first, puts McDonald Observatory and the steepest mountain section early in the drive.
Can you visit McDonald Observatory on the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop?
Yes. The observatory sits just off Highway 118 on the loop. Its visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday afternoons, and evening star parties need tickets.
Is the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop open range?
Large parts of it are. Highway 118 beyond the observatory is often unfenced, with cattle guards and livestock on the road, so drive it in daylight if you can.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.