Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ivatedin1867,thenewoutpostwasbuiltwiththickwallsofstoneandadobethatinsulated
against both the summer's heat and the winter's cold. The fort was closed in 1891, but its
buildings proved so durable that they survive to this day. Like troops in full dress uniform,
13 of the former officers' quarters—each adorned simply with a prim white-columned
porch—stand beside the parade ground in perfect symmetry. They are a poignant reminder
of the soldiers who once marched in formation there during their parade drills.
Star Route
DAVIS MOUNTAINS SCENIC LOOP
Fort Davis is not only the highest town in Texas but also the starting point for a
74-milescenicsidetripthroughtheDavisMountains.AfterheadingnorthwestonRte.
118, turn south on Rte. 166 to loop back to Fort Davis. Along the way you can stop at
2,100-acreDavisMountainsStateParkandattheW.J.McDonaldObservatory,where
visitorscanpeerthroughtheonlyworld-classtelescopeinAmericathat'savailablefor
publicviewing.Callatleastfourmonthsinadvanceforreservationstousethefacility.
3.
Alpine
As befits its high-sounding name, Alpine sits among lofty mountains, several of which
top 6,000 feet. Rising from the rocky land along Rtes. 118 and 90 are two of the range's
most prominent pinnacles—Paisano Peak and Mt. Ord—both remnants ofancient volcanic
activity. At Marathon the drive turns south on Rte. 385 and winds past the Santiago Moun-
tains into the vast northern Chihuahuan Desert, an expanse of harsh terrain that extends
southward from Texas into Mexico.
4.
Big Bend National Park
All but two percent of Big Bend National Park is covered by desert and desert grassland.
But what makes this place so extraordinary is the contrast between this vast, sere territory
(BigBendisaboutthesizeofRhodeIsland)andthetinyremainderofthepark.WithinBig
Bend the desert exists side by side with two dramatically different environments—those
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