Overall Route Rating
speedo-meter speedo-arrow
speedo-meter-grey
4.6 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.6
6 Reviews

Davis Mountains near Fort Davis State Park

Motorcycle Route Author

profile Image
By Jerry (34 McR Points) on Oct 30, 2014

Rider Reviews

See All Rider Reviews
FJRFreak
43 McR Points
March 16, 2015
This ride as listed has two different…
Read More
Thumbsup
No Image Found
Jknight
4 McR Points
November 1, 2020
Amazing ride. I recommend 118 from Alpine, to Ft…
Read More
Thumbsup

Written Directions

From the historic town of Fort Davis, Texas, take hwy 118 to the McDonald Observatory, about ten miles. That section is the prettiest scenery on this road. Turn around and head back to Fort Davis. Head North on Hwy 17 for about 20 miles. Breathtaking scenery is along this road.

Scenery

These roads are in the middle of the beautiful Davis Mountains about 35 miles off Interstate 10 in West Central Texas. This is a Horseshoe route to allow for viewing the mountains coming and going and avoiding the flat prairies to the North. The town of Fort Davis has nice accommodations, motels, restaurants and gas, along with a Snake and Reptile museum. The colors of the Mountain cliffs range from orange to maroon to rainbow. Words really can't describe the ride through these Mountains. And it offers some of the coolest weather in Texas during the Summer.

Drive Enjoyment

The roads have a few twisties but mainly nice curves to enjoy the changing landscaape. Pavement is very smooth for back country roads. There are some steep grades but its mostly through the Canyons.

Tourism Opportunities

The number one attraction on this route is the McDonald Observatory. Lots of Campsites in the Fort Davis State Park along with Bar-B-Q pits for a day visit. The town of Fort Davis has many Historic sites along with historic buildings turned into restaurants. My favorite place was a small Snakes and Reptiles museum on the outskirts of town.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

 

Top Images

View All Add Photo Add Video
Share Your Comments ( 6 )
  Earn McR Points
Write a review
FJRFreak
March 16, 2015
43 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
This ride as listed has two different personalities as the author suggests. 118 from Fort Davis takes you up into the Davis Mountains and into some fun twisty roads and you should plan to make a stop at McDonald Observatory. They have a nice snack bar with real food if needed although we had lunch in Fort Davis at the Drug Store which is an old soda fountain type of restaurant. HWY 17 is a more tame road but definitely has some fun sweeping turns and great scenery. Good road conditions the entire route.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
1 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
Jknight
November 1, 2020
4 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
Amazing ride. I recommend 118 from Alpine, to Ft Davis, 118 loops around past the McDonald Observatory, then to 166. 166 loops back to 17 / 118. It’s the No Country for Old Men bike ride loop. Scenery is like no other.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
1 riders found this road review useful
Motohead71
January 25, 2021
188 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
The first time I did this I was 5 on the back of Dad’s Goldwing. It’s still an awesome run.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
0 riders found this road review useful