Experience a 3-day adventure along Route 67 Southwest Texas, where the wild desert landscapes of Big Bend Ranch State Park lead to the captivating allure of the Davis Mountains.
US 67 in Southwest Texas is an exhilarating route that dares you to venture from the barren desert to the majestic mountains, slicing through the state’s hidden gems that few dare to explore. The Rio Grande River offers a haunting beauty, while the Dark Sky Territory of Fort Davis that beckons an outdoor adventure that promises to ignite your spirit.
We spent three days around the 67 corridor which included,
- Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Marfa, Texas
- Davis Mountains State Park
- Mcdonald Observatory
Getting there can be a commitment though with the closest airport being El Paso and about an 8 hour drive from Dallas/Fort Worth.
- Be sure to check out other Texas State Parks here
Logistics
- Winter ( we went in December)- Cool daytime temps great for hiking in Big Bend Ranch along the Rio Grande and the Desert. Though quite chilly at night, especially in the Davis Mountains and the McDonald Observatory; if you are going to a star party (more on that later) due to the elevation 6000-7000 ft.
- Summer – Can be brutally hot so have your desert hikes done by mid morning. The higher elevations can be a retreat for the heat though. Also, Balmoherra State Park is near by with its famous natural spring at a brisk 72 f year round.
- Spring and Fall – Their is no foliage to see here but, the desert really doesn’t have these seasons. So, I would put Fall and Spring in the Summer category.
- Pack Layers – The temps in the desert and high desert can fluctuate 40-50 degrees between highs and lows.
- Electric cars are not recommended due to the distances and lack of charging in the area. Fuel up every morning before you set off.
Davis Mountain State Park and McDonald Observatory –
Nestled within the enchanting Dark Sky Territory lies the Town of Fort Davis, lying just beneath the majestic Davis Mountain State Park. Ascend the mountain past the state park and you’ll find the impressive McDonald Observatory, proudly operated by the University of Texas at Austin. The Davis Mountains beckon with their trails that demand exploration and mesmerizing vistas of the high desert. The skyline trail reigns as the crown jewel of the park, serving breathtaking views of Fort Davis and the most stunning West Texas sunsets that paint the sky. In December, the park was eerily quiet, leaving the trails tantalizingly to ourselves.
Across the main road the park offers more challenging hikes and can take a full day. Lunch in the park was pleasant under some live oak trees still providing some reprieve from the desert sun. The Skyline trail vistas are also accessible by car for everyone to enjoy. We caught the sunset which set the stage for our evenings adventure at the McDonald Observatory for their famous star parties.
Star Party at the McDonald Observatory
The observatory isn’t just any run-of-the-mill attraction; it’s one of the rare gems in the country that boldly offers the public a glimpse through its formidable telescopes and grounds. Make sure you snag your tickets early for the Star Parties, as they sell out fast! If you’re brave enough to venture out in winter, don’t forget your blankets or a sleeping bag to wrap up tight because you’ll be outside—that’s part of the thrill. The event kicks off at the outdoor amphitheater with a captivating lecture about the cosmos and constellations, illuminated by a powerful laser that makes it feel like you’re invited to a celestial showdown. Then you get the freedom to explore an array of telescopes set up for the night. Out of the five, two are positioned in their domed high-powered stronghold, while the others are portable powerhouses. Brace yourself as you gaze upon nebulae, planets, galaxies, and even a technically termed “Blob” that will spark your imagination. Luckily, a new moon provided a backdrop that makes the stars shimmer even brighter. Once you’ve quenched your thirst for star-gazing and grappled with the mysteries of the universe, storm into the visitor center gift shop for some space books that will fuel your curiosity even further.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
US 67 ushers you straight into the wild heart of Big Bend Ranch at the park’s northern edge, skirting the stunning Rio Grande and the Mexican border. As you reach Presidio, TX, and veer south onto TX 170, the famous “river road.” This is no ordinary drive—TX 170 is rightfully hailed as one of the most breathtaking journeys in America.
Most of the park is not accessible unless you’re in a high clearance 4×4, but trust me, there’s still a ton to experience along TX 170. Once you finally enter this rugged paradise, you’ll find countless roadside spots just begging for your camera, with the Rio Grande and those dramatic desert mountains as your backdrop. Our adventure kicked off with a trek on the hoodoo trail—a brief loop featuring two jaw-dropping hoodoos and a pathway to the Rio Grande. We lounged by the river while our dog gleefully splashed through the water, embracing the wild spirit of the place.
The Closed Canyon Trail beckoned next, a name that playfully misleads — who wouldn’t think it was shut down? But this rugged slot canyon was ours to explore. The mile-long trek through its twisting walls was a tantalizing tease that almost leads to the mighty Rio Grande, yet safety pulls the rug out before we lay eyes on the water. And let’s not downplay the cool breeze and shade; they were a delightful escape from the relentless desert sun, almost like nature’s way of reminding us that even in harshness, there’s pleasure to be found. A must do hike.
There are a multitude of trails beckoning you into the unforgiving desert mountains from TX170, but we weren’t foolish enough to venture into that wild without the right supplies. Let’s be real—this barren land has zero cell service, so don’t expect any help if you get into a bind. Once you get yourself to Lajitas, Tx, the first thing you should do is hit up the park visitor center for some semblance of guidance and stickers. And don’t miss out on Terlingua, Tx—the ghost town that claims to be haunted but feels anything but spooky—perfect for a drink or snack. For those brave enough to push deeper, you can jump right into Big Bend National Park, there are ample rentals for an overnight stay to recharge before your next reckless adventure.
Marfa, Tx
The funky town where we crashed for all three nights is the ultimate sweet spot between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend Ranch. With plenty of lodging and food options, it’s an effortless pick. The hipster desert vibes hit just right, featuring killer coffee and art shops that demand your attention. Strolling around here is a delight, leading you to unexpected treasures and bold shopping adventures that will awaken your senses.
We spent the day unwinding and provocatively wandering through the shops, indulging in coffee like it was our personal elixir. The dog park in town was a prime spot for our pup to strut his stuff and burn off some energy. Trust me when I say, the bagels and coffee at Mutual Friends reign supreme in this town! For lunch, we made a scandalous stop at Bordo for their house-made sandwiches slathered in wood-fired bread goodness. The quirky plant and liquor, Cactus Liquors Liquor store was a blast, especially with those native Texas plants flaunting their colors out front. I couldn’t resist grabbing an afternoon snack at Larry’s, where their smash burger was pure bliss—simple yet mind-blowingly delicious. And the cherry on top? The eclectic collection of cassette tapes on display and playing on the stereo, making the whole experience delightfully retro.
Our nights were ignited around the fire pit at our Airbnb, engaging in fierce battles over board games, and our mornings were a chaotic whirlwind of pickleball on the courts at our Airbnb. And trust me, you’ll want to bring earplugs wherever you crash; those trains barreling through town at night love to blast their horns at every crossing, shattering any semblance of peace, but worth it.
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