A Weekend Escape to Fort Davis and the Davis Mountains

If you’re craving wide-open skies, rugged mountains, and a blend of history and astronomy, Fort Davis in West Texas is a perfect weekend escape. 

The Davis Mountains region combines scenic drives, hiking trails, and starry night skies that seem close enough to touch. Here’s how we explored the best of this hidden gem — from the Davis Mountain Scenic Drive to the McDonald Observatory.

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Getting There

Fort Davis is tucked away in far West Texas, about a 6-hour drive from Austin or San Antonio. The journey itself feels like part of the adventure — long stretches of desert road, occasional sightings of pronghorns, and the mountains slowly rising on the horizon. Cell service fades, but the scenery makes up for it.

We started from Austin around 9 am and reached our Airbnb near Davis Mountain State Park by evening. This place is very remote. We traveled in March. We don't recommend driving there during the summer. Cooler months are better. 

Be aware when planning with kids. Fortunately, our Airbnb is located in a very scenic area with a great Sunset view overlooking the mountain and is well-stocked with food and other supplies. 

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Davis Mountain Scenic Drive – A Road Through the Clouds

Start your trip with the Davis Mountain Scenic Loop, a 75-mile drive that winds through some of the most stunning high-country landscapes in Texas. The road climbs above 6,000 feet, with sweeping views of desert plains and distant peaks.

There are few cars and even fewer distractions — just the hum of your tires and the wind through the pines.  Don’t rush; this drive is about soaking in the solitude and beauty of the mountains. I won't compare this with scenic drives in Utah / Colorado, but this gives a different feeling, as if you are not in the Texas desert but in a mountain region.

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Davis Mountains State Park – Hike, Camp, and Unwind

Just a few minutes from town lies Davis Mountains State Park, a haven for outdoor lovers. We spent the morning hiking the Skyline Drive Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the valley and the nearby town of Fort Davis.

If you love photography, visit around sunset — the light turns the mountains into a warm palette of gold and orange. The park’s historic Indian Lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, is a great place to stay if you want a rustic retreat surrounded by nature.

Sunset is the best time to be there on Skyline Drive. That drive is amazing. 

Things to Do:

• Hike or bike the scenic trails

• Watch for birds and wildlife (javelinas and deer are common)

• Picnic at the overlook

• Stay overnight at Indian Lodge or the campgrounds

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McDonald Observatory – Stargazing Heaven

No trip to the Davis Mountains is complete without visiting the McDonald Observatory. Located atop Mount Locke, it’s one of the top observatories in the U.S., run by the University of Texas at Austin.

During the daytime tours, you can see the massive telescopes up close and learn how scientists study distant galaxies. But the real highlight is the Star Party — a nighttime event where experts guide you through the constellations using giant telescopes.

Under the inky black sky, we saw Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and the soft glow of distant nebulae. It’s a humbling experience that reminds you just how vast the universe is.

This was the highlight of our whole trip. It is a unique and educational place with the second-largest telescope in the world(The Hobby Eberly Telescope). This is being used for the research of dark energy (learning about how fast galaxies are expanding) by the University of Texas, Austin.

The star party starts after 9.30 pm. They explain and show all the constellations, including the Big Dipper, nebulae, the nearest galaxy, and planets. Then, they show each object with telescopes. We loved watching Jupiter. 

Tip: Book your Star Party tickets in advance — they often sell out weeks ahead! We went around spring break, so they arranged special shows for kids, and timings were different.

Since this place is a designated dark sky area, we could see stars very clearly from our Airbnb as well.

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Fort Davis National Historic Site – A Step Back in Time

Back in town, the Fort Davis National Historic Site offers a glimpse into frontier life in the 1800s. The fort was once a key military post protecting travelers on the San Antonio–El Paso route.

Walking through the restored officers’ quarters and barracks, we could almost hear the echoes of cavalry boots and bugle calls. The museum exhibits tell fascinating stories about Buffalo Soldiers and life in this remote outpost.

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Best Time to Visit

The Davis Mountains are cooler than most of West Texas thanks to their elevation.

• Spring and Fall: Ideal temperatures and clear skies

• Winter: Chilly but peaceful, with fewer crowds

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Travel Tips

• Fill up your gas tank before starting the scenic drive — stations are scarce.

• Bring layers; the temperature can drop quickly after sunset.

• Keep your camera handy — the landscape changes with every turn.

• Watch for wildlife, especially deer and pronghorn, near dusk.

Pin it for later!

A few side trips :

Big Bend National Park

Marfa - Marfa lights are an interesting phenomenon, and the Prada store in the nowhere. 

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Final Thoughts

Fort Davis and the Davis Mountains blend the best of Texas — open roads, timeless landscapes, and skies filled with stars. Whether you’re here to hike, drive, or simply disconnect, this region offers an experience that’s both peaceful and profound.

It’s a place where history meets the cosmos — and where every visitor leaves with a sense of wonder.

Have you been to Fort Davis or the McDonald Observatory? Share your favorite moments below!

Until next time,

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025