| 1. TX Hwy 118 from Kent to Study Butte. Over 150 miles of riding ecstasy. This road has it all: phenomenal curves, beautiful desert scenery, and historic significance. The northern portion runs through the scenic, alpine Davis Mountains and is filled with tight twisties and smooth sweepers. The world renowned McDonald Observatory, in Fort Davis sits at 6800 ft and is most famous for its large multi-mirror telescopes and laser reflective measurements from mirrors left on the moon by the Apollo program. Ft. Davis was originally a military outpost to protect settlers from area Indians. The fort still exists and has become a popular place to visit. Just outside Alpine, largest town in the area and community seat, are the semi-desert Del Norte Mountains, and contains another series of incredible curves to savor. Moving further south you drop into the open, desert plains of the Chihuahua Desert, where it would seem one can see forever. The distant mountain scenery of the Christmas and Chisos Mountains is much more rustic, but colorful as you approach Study Butte and Big Bend National Park, an out-of-the-way desert mountain region filled with unusual lava landscapes, rustic mountain scenery, smooth, fast sweepers, and strict Park Rangers. You can truly appreciate God's handy work while riding a road such as this one. There are many wonderful vistas and around each curve lays another spectacular panorama. |
| 2. El Camino Del Rio (TX 170) from Lajitas to Presidio. Leaving Study Butte west you will travel through the once boisterous mining town of Terlingue, now a ghost town with a population 25. Once a year "chiliheads" converge on the small town for the International Championship Chili Cookoff. Lajitas (Spanish for flagstones) is your gateway to "one of the prettiest roads in America." A spectacular 50 miles through lush, twisting river valleys, carved red and purple rock rising 1000 feet from the churning river. The road is excellent; it twists and drops to the canyon floors along the roaring river. Threading through the Bofecillos Mountains formed by two ancient lava flows you will approach the "Big Hill." At a 15% grade it is the maximum of any regularly traveled Texas highway. In Presidio, take time to visit Fort Leaton State Historic Site & Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area to see one of Texas' most unusual historic sites, a massive adobe fortress built in 1848 immediately after the Mexican War. 3. TX Hwy 16 between Llano & Bandera. There is very little traffic on this 100 mile slice of asphalt Heaven, adding to the already pleasant terrain; scenic, elevation changes, sweepers, tight & kinky switchbacks, beautiful vistas, wonderful tree covered tunnels and gorgeous, clear rivers that invite the occasional wading party. The trip requires a stop in Fredericksburg, settled in 1846 by German immigrants. The birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, there are museums and quaint shops up and down main street. One of the real treats of this ride, if done first thing in the morning, is the wonderful Huevos Rancheros breakfast waiting for you at the Old Spanish Trail restaurant in Bandera. Take a side trip on TX 965 to Enchanted Rock for some real thrills. |
| 4. TX FM 337 From Medina to Camp Wood, then TX Hwy 55 north to Rocksprings. OK, we slipped in two, but it is hard not to fill the top 10 with all Hill Country jewels. You really can not go wrong picking any of the FM (farm to market) roads in this area. FM 337 is unquestionably among the most spectacular roads in the area. Massive wooded steeps enfolding tiny, secluded valleys. Elevations range from 1,500 to 2,400 feet with deep dramatic canyons cut by Frio and Nueces Rivers. A roller coaster ride with rips up and over huge limestone karsts with numerous places to pull off, and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Take your camera! At the time of first Spanish explorers, the area was inhabited by Comanche, Apache and Lipan-Apache Indians. Constantly bringing to mind John Wayne movies, the area is truly desolate, no signs of civilization for miles. You will want to visit Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool. Especially in November when foliage is in full color. The bigtooth maples thrive only in small, protected pockets in mountainous regions. Before you backtrack (we know you will) take a break in Rockspring at the Angora Goat Breeders' Assoc. Museum. 5. FM 1431 from Marble Falls to Cedar Park - Named for Colorado River waterfalls over marble outcroppings, Lake Marble Falls is in the northern portion of the Hill Country. Pink and red granite has been quarried here since 1880 from Granite Mountain. FM 1431 offers breathtaking scenery both northwest and southeast over winding curves and hills, with frequent glimpses of Highland Lakes. A side excursion is Lime Creek Road running south from 1431 west of Cedar Park connecting with 2769 at Volente. This loop around the Northeast side of Lake Travis is the tightest, gnarliest, kinkiest, nastiest, hilliest piece of 2 lane blacktop ever. On top of that it has grand views of the lake. For the non-believers, this road has found more converts than a Billy Graham revival. |
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Dave Long
Dave Long