It was traversed for centuries by Native Americans, European soldiers, and early settlers, even witnessing a few major clashes between groups. This pass through the mountains dividing the Medina and Guadalupe river valleys is used to have visitors. Then, as you cut through Big Bend Ranch State Park, there are dozens of opportunities to stop, hike, and enjoy the landscapes from outside the car. Kick off your trip with dinner at Starlight Theatre in Terlingua, once the town’s 1930s-era movie theater and now converted into a restaurant, live music venue, and probably the only place around that draws a crowd. River Road traces through striking West Texas landscapes from the “ghost town” of Terlingua to Presidio. Now, this is the epitome of a Texas scenic drive. The 16-mile road takes you down to the canyon floor, then around a scenic loop that features views of the iconic Lighthouse rock formation and lots of historical markers with more information about the area. Whether you don’t want to hike or just need to save some time, this route will take you through the highlights of the park from the comfort of your own car. So you’ve gotten to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, but did you know you can actually drive through the canyon itself? Read next: Best Road Trips in Texas Texas Lighthouse Trail Scenic Drive Once you make it to Silverton, both Turkey and Caprock Canyons are just a short hop away, and both are well worth a visit, offering even more rugged vistas, miles and miles of trails, and even herds of wild roaming bison. While in Claude, you can mountain bike or take a Jeep offroading at the rugged Merus Adventure Park (which you’ll likely have all to yourself). Highway 207 is a quiet 48-mile stretch of road that leads you deeper into the rocky red landscapes of the Texas panhandle, passing from Claude to Silverton.įor the most dramatic views, keep an eye out for the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and Tule Creek. Read next: Fun Facts About Texas Highway 207Īccording to locals, the best views of Palo Duro Canyon aren’t actually in the eponymous state park but along this very route! Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro is the second-largest canyon in the United States, clocking in at 120 miles long and as many as 20 miles wide at some points.īut before you get there, stop at the Ghost Horse Gallery in Silverton for local art and drool-worthy personal pecan pies, as well as the Mackenzie Reservoir for hiking and picnicking. This 119-mile route winds through the striking landscapes of northern Texas, starting in the tiny town of Quitaque and ending up among the impressive cliffs and red rock formations of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. When you search for the most scenic drives in Texas, Canyon Sweep scores a spot on pretty much any list worth its salt. Canyon Sweep See the impressive cliffs and red rock formations of Palo Duro Canyon State Park at the end of Canyon Sweep, one of the scenic drives in Texas. You can also cross the Regency Suspension Bridge (one of the last of its kind open to cars), take a stunning detour through Hill Country on the Willow City Loop, and climb the mystical Enchanted Rock, one of the best state parks in Texas. Highway 16 crosses through a number of “Capitals of the World” for cowboys (Bandera), apples (Medina), and pecans (San Sabo). It starts just 46 miles from the Rio Grande, meanders northward for a whopping 550 miles, and concludes at a Texas small town called Windthorst, just short of the Oklahoma border.Īlong the way, there’s something to be found for any kind of traveler. On a map, Highway 16 looks like a dividing line that cuts the state nearly in half, running straight through the heart of Texas. Make sure you’ve got gas in the tank and a great playlist because we’re ready to hit the road! Highway 16 Highway 16 is one of the best scenic drives in Texas and it crosses through Bandera, the cowboy capital of the world. Keep reading to snag all our tips on the best drives in Texas, including the length of each route, where to start, and highlights to see along the way. With so much ground to cover, Texas really is best seen by car. On this list, we’ll venture through major cities, tiny roadside stops, tranquil lakes and sprawling farms, dramatic desert landscapes, and lush rolling hills, finding something for every kind of road tripper. Want to see the Lone Star State in a whole new light? These scenic drives in Texas get you up close and personal with everything the area has to offer.
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