Hiking/Walking

The majority of land in the Davis Mountains is privately owned, which limits opportunities for hiking. However, there are still great trails that should satisfy all but the most demanding hiker.

Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch

The mission of the Buffalo Trail Council is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Established in 1947, the Buffalo Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves, on average, more than 3,000 youth annually across 18 West Texas counties.

Our camping programs are nationally recognized and located among the best scenery found in West Texas.  Pay a visit to Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch and you’re likely to be impressed by its rugged beauty. Mountains that spire toward a deep blue sky, fresh air scented by desert flowers, and quiet star-filled nights – it’s Boy Scout heaven!

Website: buffalotrailbsa.org
Phone: 432-570-7601
Email: gabriela.pilonieta@scouting.org
Address: 1101 W. Texas Ave, Midland, Texas, 79701

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens

Located 4 miles SE from Fort Davis on Hwy 118, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens is comprised of 507 acres of semi-desert grasslands and igneous rock outcrops with a riparian canyon and spectacular views from all
directions. Visitors may explore the nearly 5 miles of hiking trails which range
from the more strenuous Modesta Canyon Trail that leads into a hidden canyon
with its year-round spring, to the moderate Clayton’s Overlook Trail which
provides a 360-degree hilltop view plus a Geology Exhibit, to a combination of
other adventurous trails.
Inside the fenced Botanical Gardens enjoy the stroll along the ½-mile Trans-Pecos
Natives Path, as well as take in the sights at the Pollinator Garden and Overlook,
the Scenic Vista Trail, the Native Grasses exhibit, and over 200 species and
subspecies of Chihuahuan Desert cacti at the Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum
Collection.
Discover grassland birds at the Bird Blind with its 30-ft. long water feature, learn
about the mining of the Big Bend Region at the Mining Heritage Exhibit, and enjoy the
Powell Visitor Center and Gift Shop.
Open Mon-Sat. 9-5; Sundays 12:30-5:00.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years Day.
Adults: $6.50 each; Children 12 and under: Free
432-364-2499
www.cdri.org

Website: www.cdri.org
Phone: (432) 364-2499
Email: programs@cdri.org

Davis Mountains State Park

Developed facilities south of State Highway 118 include restrooms with and without showers; campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity; campsites with water, electricity, sewer, and cable TV connection. The northern half of the park, north of State Highway 118, has been designated, the Limpia Canyon Primitive Area, a special use area (fee required). Currently, it includes 11 miles of back country hiking and equestrian trails with primitive campsites, a secured parking area, a host campsite.
For Reservations, call (512) 389-8900.

Visit our Facebook page.

Website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains
Phone: (432) 426-3337

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Fort Davis was an active military post from 1854 to 1891. It is one of the best surviving examples of a frontier military post in the Southwest. An entrance fee is charged at the Visitors’ Center.

The Fort Davis National Historic Site has four miles of hiking trails, including the section of trail that links to the Davis Mountains State Park. A map is available at the visitor’s center. The trails mostly climb through the striking rock formations of Sleeping Lion Mountain, with splendid vistas as the trail climbs. Interpretive signs along some trails identify vegetation and other natural features.

Hours: 8am to 5pm

Closed on the following days:
Christmas Day – December 25
New Years Day – January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observed – Third Monday in January
Thanksgiving Day – Last Thursday in November

Website: www.nps.gov/foda
Phone: (432) 426-3224
Physical Address: 101 Lt. Flipper Dr. , Fort Davis
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1379 , Fort Davis , TX 79734

Historic Walking/Driving Tour

Venture out among the community and view 23 historic sites. At just 1 ½ miles long this is a journey that starts and ends in the town square. The tour encompasses the longest section of the unpaved Overland-Butterfield mail route.

As you follow the walking tour, you travel parts of this historic Overland Trail as it winds from the southeast edge of town, along Fort Street, and into Fort Davis National Historic Site. Fort Davis boasts the longest unpaved section of the San Antonio-El Paso Road still in existence.

Click here for a printable version.
Click here for a map of the entire Scenic Loop.

Jeff Davis County Park

The park offers an excellent opportunity to picnic, walk, jog, fly a kite, and more. There is a children’s play area, ballpark, soccer field and restrooms. All pets must be kept on a leash & cleaned up after.
Open daily from dawn to dusk.

Prude Guest Ranch

Located 6 miles north on Hwy. 118 on the historic Prude Ranch. Indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, hiking trails, Ropes Challenge Course and scheduled horseback rides for guests and other visitors, upon reservation. Dining room with buffet meal service. Conference facilities. Children’s Summer Camp.

Office Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8am – 5pm

Website: prude-ranch.com
Phone: (432) 426-3201
Email: info@prude-ranch.com
Address: 201 Prude Guest Ranch Rd, Fort Davis, TX 79734

Rocking W Ranch

Primitive cabin and campsites, with guide services available.

One site for electrical hook-up with water for travel trailers and fifth wheels.

Contact: Tom Lee Waterston

Phone: 432-426-2522 (please call after 5pm)

The Nature Conservancy of Texas

About 10 miles north of the McDonald Observatory on Hwy 118 North (Davis Mountains Preserve). A non-profit wildlife conservation organization, using science-based research and a non-confrontational approach to protect the unique diversity of animals and plants native to our state. The Madera Canyon Trail adjacent to the Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area is open from dawn to dusk year-round.

Visit our Facebook page.

Website: www.nature.org
Phone: (432) 426-2390