The drive
Highway 17 north of Fort Davis is one of the easiest and prettiest ways out of the Davis Mountains. It leaves town along Limpia Creek and follows it into Limpia Canyon, with rocky hillsides close on both sides and picnic tables tucked along the creek.
About 12 miles out, the road climbs through Wild Rose Pass. Early trails followed the canyon below, but travelers on the San Antonio to El Paso Road, along with emigrants, troops, supply trains and the mail, took this higher pass to stay clear of the canyon's floods. A 1936 state marker at an overlook pullout tells the story, and the name comes from the wild roses that grew here.
Past the pass the hills fall away and the road runs out onto open plains to Toyahvale, where Balmorhea State Park's pool is fed by San Solomon Springs, and on to the farm town of Balmorhea.
Along the way
- Fort Davis
- Toyahvale (Balmorhea State Park)
- Balmorhea
Good to know
- Balmorhea State Park often fills up: there's a daily entry fee, and the park strongly recommends reserving a day pass, with entry at 8 a.m. or 3 p.m.
- The canyon stretch has curves with lower advisory speeds before the road straightens out north of the pass.
- The Wild Rose Pass marker is at an overlook pullout above Limpia Canyon, the natural place to stop.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check DriveTexas.
Questions about this drive
How long is the drive from Fort Davis to Balmorhea on Highway 17?
Highway 17 from Fort Davis to Balmorhea, through Limpia Canyon and Wild Rose Pass, is 34.9 miles and takes about 40 minutes.
Where is Wild Rose Pass?
Wild Rose Pass is on Highway 17 about 12 miles north of Fort Davis, where the road climbs out of Limpia Canyon through a gap in the Davis Mountains. A state historical marker stands at a pullout there.
Do you need a reservation for Balmorhea State Park?
Balmorhea State Park, on Highway 17 at Toyahvale, strongly recommends reserving a day pass because it often reaches capacity. There's also a daily entry fee.
Is Highway 17 through the Davis Mountains a twisty road?
Not very. Highway 17 from Fort Davis to Balmorhea has gentle curves through Limpia Canyon and Wild Rose Pass and only about 500 feet of climbing; it's more about the canyon scenery than the corners.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.