Davis Mountains State Park
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Follow trails through the high desert to scenic overlooks of the Davis Mountains. -
The CCC built this overlook, framing spectacular scenery. -
You'll enjoy dramatic night skies from your campsite. -
The views are expansive in the high desert mountains of West Texas. -
Stay in the historic Indian Lodge, which the CCC built inside the park. -
Stop along the trail to revel in the views and the quiet of the Davis Mountains.
Trails and Tranquility
High in the mountains of West Texas you will find a beautiful and historic park. Explore Davis Mountains State Park’s miles of trails, stay up late to marvel at the night sky, learn about the history of the park and nearby frontier fort. It’s worth the drive!
Things to Do
Davis Mountains State Park offers a unique and remote destination for all sorts of adventures. Here you can hike, backpack, mountain bike or ride your own horse, take a scenic drive through the mountains, go camping, stargaze, geocache and study nature.
Stay at one of our campsites or at Indian Lodge, a historic 39-room motel in the park, which has a restaurant, swimming pool (for Lodge guests only) and meeting rooms. Rent our group picnic area for your next gathering.
Watch birds at the “best little bird blind in Texas.” The blind offers an enclosed viewing station, a shielded outside patio, and watering and feeding stations. Or stop by the interpretive center to see what is visiting the bird feeding and watering station there.
Hike or mountain bike our trails. The 4.5-mile Skyline Drive Trail meanders up and down mountain ridges and valleys. The 1.75-mile CCC trail connects with a trail to the Fort Davis National Historic Site. Check out our interactive trails map and the Trails Information page for more information.
Bring your horse for the day or for an overnight stay at Limpia Canyon Primitive Area. The 11 miles of trails take riders from 4,900 feet high at Limpia Creek to over 5,700 feet high at a scenic overlook. Cross rugged terrain and enjoy views of the Davis Mountains. To camp, choose from one of six equestrian or six primitive campsites in this area. Non-potable water is available at the staging area and at the high point in the trail.
Volunteer! We welcome volunteers. Check our Volunteer page or visit park headquarters and ask how you can help.
Donate: Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
Ranger Programs
We offer walks and programs on stargazing, birding, local history, geocaching and more. Check our Events page for upcoming programs.
Visit our Interpretive Center, with exhibits and an indoor bird blind overlooking a wildlife watering station. You can also check out a GPS unit here.
Junior Ranger Program: Borrow an Explorer Pack, with tools for looking at nature up close and personal. Pick up a free Activity Journal; complete a certain number of activities to earn a badge. Ask at the Interpretive Center about becoming a Junior Ranger!
Teachers: This is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.
Civilian Conservation Corps: Davis Mountains State Park was one of the earliest CCC projects in Texas. CCC men built the five-mile scenic Skyline Drive within the park. Be sure to stop at the rock overlook building and admire the stunning views. CCC also built two adobe buildings, stone picnic tables, fireplaces and steps. Learn more about the CCC’s work:
Area Attractions
The park may feel remote, but there’s plenty to do out here!
In or near the town of Fort Davis, check out:
- Fort Davis National Historic Site
- McDonald Observatory
- Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
- Scenic Loop Drive, a 75-mile loop drive through the Davis Mountains, beginning and ending in Fort Davis
- Davis Mountains Preserve
Visit the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine.
Marfa offers art galleries, shopping, Marfa lights and more.
More ideas:
- Davis Mountains Loop of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails
- Texas Mountain Trail Region
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