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Written by Shirley T
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Monday, 04 January 2010 08:28 |
On last Thanksgiving Day, we arrived at Fort Davis about half past three in the afternoon. Then, we continued driving on State Highway 118 north heading to Davis Mountains State Park. In fact, this stretch of 4 miles from Davis Mountains State Park entrance to Fort Davis is part of Texas Mountain Trail.
Located in the heart of Davis Mountains, the state park is the coolest spot in a hot state as the mountain is about one mile high. Occupying a land of 2700 acres in size, the original area of the park was deeded to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by a local family. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1935, the park was opened to public in late 1930s. Named after Jefferson Davis - U.S. Secretary of War and later President of the Confederacy, Davis Mountains is the most extensive mountain range in Texas formed by volcano activity around 25 million years ago which is evidence from the exposed igneous rock of canyon walls.
Since time was our constraint, we asked for advice from the park ranger. He suggested we should not leave without the drive of a few miles along Park Road 3A or fondly called as 'Skyline Drive'. There are a couple of scenic overlook spots as stated on the state park map. However, I bet you would find more if you take a walk along this paved road.
As we drove passing by the camp site and picnic area towards the eastern side of the park, the soothing breeze greeted us. One side of the road is hugging the mountain and another overlooking the steep cliff. At some part, we were as if driving into the sky and this must be the reason, it is called 'Skyline Drive'!
Our first stop at the scenic overlook is near a telecommunication station which I saw a handful of antennas and satellite dishes. There are a few nature trails along the bare mountain top leading to other peaks. Sharp contrast of the flora is the sight here; being the habitat of oaks, junipers and abundant grasses compares to the surrounding lower altitude of Chihuahuan Desert.
Sun was almost down so we quickly proceeded to the second scenic overlook spot which is much higher than the former spot. At this point, you would see a limestone gazebo next to parking bay. From this spot, one also can walk to Fort Davis Historic Site which is 2 miles away.
For us, we took a few moments to appreciate the beautiful nature and this place which was human's habitat of 3000-year old. It was truly wonderful standing on top of the world as if we were flying high like birds!
Getting there?
P O Box 1707
Fort Davis TX 79734
Phone: (432) 426-3337
Direction: Travel 1 mile north of Fort Davis on State Highway 17 to State Highway 118N, then west on State Highway 118N for 3 miles to Park Road 3 entrance
Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/davis_mountains/
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Texas Big Bend Country | Davis Mountains State Park
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