The 8 Best Backroads In Texas For A Long Scenic Drive
Considering the fact that our state is nearly 900 miles across, we have plenty of open road to explore. There’s no feeling quite like that of hopping in your car and setting off down a Texas country road. Many highways in our state run through uncharted territory with towering mountains, lush greenery, and flowing rivers. These eight drives are especially breathtaking and definitely belong on your Texas bucket list. They’re our picks for the best backroads in Texas!
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This breathtaking drive takes you through the red rocks of the second largest canyon in the country, Palo Duro. It's breathtakingly beautiful, so be prepared to stop a few times to get good photos!
This segment of Highway 207 is also called FM 284, which can be found by following the signs towards Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Prepare also to see wildlife like bison and deer as well as wild turkeys. Palo Duro Canyon is teeming with life and is easily one of the most beautiful backroads in Texas.
Also known as the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop, this drive lets you marvel at the over 8000-foot tall monoliths and lush greenery lining the roadside. Head west on the highway until you see Spur 78, and then follow the loop for as long as you'd like. It's 155.3 miles long, so there's plenty of room to roam.
This short Hill Country drive near San Marcos and Wimberley is absolutely stunning, complete with rolling hills and evergreen trees galore. The trail starts on R.M. 32 in Wimberley.
Known as "River Road," this gorgeous drive parallels the Rio Grande.
The stretch pictured below, starting in Lajitas and ending in Presidio, is full of twists and turns, majestic mountains, and the guiding waters of the stream if you should ever lose your way.
Also in Big Bend, this 30-mile drive leads to the famous Santa Elena Canyon. Along the way, you'll pass a ranch, several scenic overlooks, and a historic district.
Willow City Loop is especially gorgeous during the spring, when vibrant wildflowers line the roadway as far as the eye can see. To reach it from Fredericksburg, take State Route 16 north until coming upon Willow City, and then head east on Ranch Road 1323 before turning left on Willow City Loop. This one is worth slowing down and really relishing.
Marathon is known as the "gateway to Big Bend" because it's where the looming Chisos Mountains start to come into view in the distance. To see this spectacular view, follow Highway 90 until it merges with 385 and enjoy the view. There's nothing quite like it!
The road leading to the Guadalupe Mountains is known as the "Lonesome Highway," most likely because, like on many remote Texas roads, you'll rarely cross paths with other vehicles or see any signs of civilization. If you want to see this hauntingly beautiful scene firsthand, travel west on Highway 285 until it meets Highway 180, then turn left and continue into the mountains. It'll be just you and the road after a little while. It won't take long for you to realize why this is one of our picks for best backroads in Texas.
For more of our picks for the very best backroads of Texas, check out this article!
Have you taken any of these drives? What’s your favorite scenic drive in Texas?
Address: Canyon, TX 79015, USA
Address: Fort Davis, TX 79734, USA
Address: San Marcos, TX, USA
Address: Big Bend, Texas 75835, USA
Address: Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Address: Marathon, TX 79842, USA
Address: Guadalupe Peak, Texas 79847, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Best Backroads In Texas
February 12, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some scenic drives in Texas?
There are literally hundreds! Some of our very favorites include the Willow City Loop, which is famous for its incredible wildflowers in the spring, and the El Camino Real Highway, otherwise known as Texas 21.
What are the best road trips in Texas?
There’s so many that it’s hard to narrow it down right here! Some of the most amazing Texas road trips are filled with natural wonders, and others are peppered with mystery, as they’re all about abandoned buildings and ghost towns. Check out this article for our master list of the best road trips in Texas!
What are some other exciting things to do in Texas?
Texas is a huge state full of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes! No matter where you go, you’re going to find tons of engaging activities, including museums, historic tours, libraries, state parks, and all the good eating your heart could ever desire! Everything really is bigger in Texas!
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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