Posted in Texas Nature March 17, 2022 by

7 Scenic Drives That Showcase The Mountains Of Texas Like You’ve Never Seen Before

Texas truly has it all in terms of scenery: rolling hills, green pastures, pristine beaches, and towering mountains. If you’re a big fan of the latter, these seven scenic drives, some of the best scenic drives in Texas, showcase the mountains of the Lone Star State like you’ve never seen before. Something about ancient rock monoliths looming ahead in the sparse West Texas desert is truly awe-inspiring to witness.

1. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive (Big Bend National Park)
Flickr/daveynin
Spanning 30 miles, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive showcases the historic and geologic aspects of Big Bend National Park like you've never seen before. It features the remnants of a homestead, several scenic overlooks, hiking trails, the Castolon Historic District, and many more incredible sights. At the end of the drive is Santa Elena Canyon, an iconic vertical chasm with towering, 1500-foot limestone walls.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Ross Maxwell Scenic Dr, Texas 79834, USA
2. Rim Road (El Paso)
TripAdvisor/stan_39440
You won't find a better view of El Paso than what Rim Road has to offer. This winding, cliffside drive skirts up the Franklin Mountains and culminates with striking panoramic vistas that stretch all the way into Juarez. Pro-tip: visit at sunset to give your eyes a real treat. Learn more on Visit El Paso.
Rim Road, Rim Rd, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
3. Highway 80 (Sierra Blanca)
Flickr/Jay Phagan
Just outside the tiny town of Sierra Blanca, Highway 80 is a wide-open West Texas desert road. With sparse vegetation and no cities for miles, you don't have much of a choice but to look at the breathtaking mountains looming ahead. Stop off at this charming teepee park to stretch your legs and perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch!
U.S. 80, US-80, Longview, TX, USA
4. U.S. 62/180 (Guadalupe Mountains National Park)
Flickr/faungg's photos
Approaching the iconic Guadalupe Mountains National Park, you'll bear witness to the highest point in all of Texas: El Capitan. At nearly 9,000 feet tall, its rocky peak dares to touch the clouds in a spectacular display. Several picnic areas allow drivers to pull over and admire the views from outside a moving vehicle. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
62 TX-114, Ralls, TX 79357, USA
5. Davis Mountains Scenic Loop (Fort Davis)
TripAdvisor/crusadercc
A 75-mile stretch of Texas 118 and 166, the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop is Texas' tallest public highway. It's also easily among the most scenic drives in the state, meandering through ancient canyons, evergreen forest groves, and the McDonald Observatory. The loop takes about 1.5 hours to complete, and it's worth every minute.
Davis Mountains, Texas 79734, USA
6. River Road (Big Bend Ranch State Park)
Flickr/Colin J. McMechan
FM 170, known by locals as River Road, is a waterfront drive that cuts through Big Bend Ranch State Park. It parallels the pristine Rio Grande, showcasing incomparable vistas of the rustic desert landscape. If ever you pass through the area, this little-known route definitely belongs on your bucket list. Learn more about this little-known state park in this article.
River Road East, River Rd E, Texas, USA
7. U.S. 90/385 (Marathon)
Wikimedia Commons/Idawriter
Marathon is known as the "Gateway to Big Bend," and you'll see the first glimpses of the Chisos Mountains on U.S. 90/385, which runs through town. It's a quiet and lonesome highway, but that's exactly what makes it so hauntingly beautiful. And be sure to check out this roadside oddity while you're there.
Marathon, TX 79842, USA

How many of these scenic mountain drives in Texas have you checked off your bucket list? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know, and check out our previous article to learn more about Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive: This Texas Backroad Will Take You On An Amazing Adventure.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Scenic Drives in Texas

March 21, 2022
Tori Jane

Where are some of the prettiest places in Texas?  

Texas is an enormous state with so many miles to cover that it might seem impossible to decide on something fun to do, or somewhere scenic to go. Sometimes the Lone Star State gets a bad rap; people don’t give it the credit it deserves for just how scenic some parts of it are. If we had to choose, we’d say the prettiest places in Texas are gems like Big Bend National Park, which is so outrageously photogenic that we’re often taken aback each time we visit, and Gorman Falls, which is home to an enchanting 70-foot-tall waterfall and some of the best hiking in Texas. Other breathtaking places in Texas you ought to add to your bucket list include Lost Maple State Park, which feels like a prehistoric paradise, and Caddo Lake, which will make you feel like you’re in the bayou while having never left the Lone Star State. Rockport Beach is also awe-inspiring; be sure to pack a camera if you plan on visiting.  

Where can I find the best views in Texas?  

With thousands of miles of land comes seemingly endless opportunities for scenic views, and there are certainly no shortages of those around here. Some of the best views in Texas include the summit of Guadalupe Peak, in Pine Springs; elevation at the summit is 8,751 feet above sea level and it’s one of Texas’s best – if not rather challenging – hikes. Head to Big Bend and hike any one of the many trails that call it home; a lot of them lead to some of the most scenic views in Texas. If you should find yourself in or near the town of Claude and you’ve caught yourself wondering something to the effect of “Are there any scenic drives near me,” the answer is yes; wander about 10 miles south to TX-207 and drive it through Palo Duro Canyon. It provides some of the best views in Texas, and you don’t even need to get out of the car! For more ideas on finding the best views in the Lone Star State, check this article out.