Location: Fort Davis
Top Things to do in Fort Davis
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What to do and see in Fort Davis, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Fort Davis is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jeff Davis County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,201 at the 2010 US Census. It is the county seat of Jeff Davis County. It was the site of Fort Davis established in 1854 on the San Antonio-El Paso Road through west Texas and named after Jefferson Davis, who was then the Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce.
Restaurants in Fort Davis
1. McDonald Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The McDonald Observatory Visitors Center staff appreciate all of the positive reviews (and even some of the negative ones, too!) that well-meaning and well-intentioned visitors have left over the years. However, we feel that TripAdvisor does not provide anywhere close to the level of management tools needed to combat the misinformation that routinely is provided by, again, well-intentioned visitors to others visiting its pages. With no way other than the "management response" feature to cull and corral the sometimes wildly misleading information posted on these pages, we feel that using TripAdvisor for anything beyond getting the general feel of the establishment is pointless.
Reviewed By Five_Aces_Tx - Dallas, TX
Stopped in here as a part of our Spring Break and we were not disappointed. We took the day tour and saw the Harlan J. Smith telescope and observatory. The whole tour was very informative. If you want to go at night you might need to buy tickets in advance but it probably isn't as busy as it was for spring break.
You start out in the main building for a briefing on the history of the area and what you're about to see. You then either get in your vehicle and drive up the hill or catch a limited seat shuttle (mostly for the elderly). You then go to the observatory (a little bit of a walk) and from there (at least in the one we were in) you climb 70 steps (a good workout!) or take the elevator. Either way, pretty much anyone can make this trip. One thing you should know is you don't actually get to look through a telescope. These telescopes gather data and it is interpreted through computers. Still, they are *colossal* to see up close. Even the drive to get there is very scenic.
2. Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Located 4 miles SE of Fort Davis on Hwy 118, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center is comprised of semi-desert grasslands and igneous rock outcrops with a riparian canyon and spectacular views from all directions. Visitors may explore more than 3 miles of hiking trails from the moderate to strenuous 1.75 Mile Modesta Canyon Trail that leads into a hidden canyon featuring a series of permanent springs and pools, to the moderate 1.0 Mile Clayton's Overlook Trail which provides miles of breathtaking scenery from the overlook along with a Geology Exhibit to several additional trails, as well. The 0.5 Mile winding path through the Botanical Gardens offers a variety of trees and shrubs native to the Chihuahuan Desert region. Halfway through the gardens, is the Cactus and Succulent Greenhouse featuring one of the finest collections of cacti and succulents from the Chihuahuan Desert region. Many of the 165 species and subspecies bloom in early spring, providing a profusion of color and texture.
Reviewed By RedPondRanch - Seguin, Texas
One of those "off the beaten path" places that you really need to make time to visit. The Center is the hub of several hikes and multiple exhibits, including a silver mine display, a cactus greenhouse (who knew there were so many varieties?) and a bird-watching blind. If you have any questions, the staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Stop and enjoy!
3. Davis Mountains State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 423 reviews
The scenic landscape is great for bird watching, biking and more.
Reviewed By uphill69 - Pensacola, Florida
We stayed in the RV campground for a week and enjoed the beauty all around. Hiking was a disappointment - VERY rocky and dry. Also, it wasn't fun having no internet or phone service andhaving to drive to the top of the mountain daily to retreive emails. The variety of birds and bird songs was soothing. The pull-thru site was adequate.
4. Fort Davis National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 631 reviews
A restored cavalry post that is open to the public.
Reviewed By K M - Topeka, Kansas
Having visited numerous military forts throughout the states Fort Davis is one of the best as far as restoration is concerned. Even the background film was well done! The location is straight out of a western movie. It was a cold, windy morning which helped us realize how tough an experience this would have been for soldiers and civilians alike.
5. Davis Mountain Scenic Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By RedPondRanch - Seguin, Texas
This drive shows you pretty much a comprehensive sampling of West Texas, from grasslands to mountains to rock formations. And it's all beautiful. Take your time and take this road less traveled, you'll be glad you did!
6. Davis Mt. Broom Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By DallasNewTraveler - Dallas, Texas
My husband and I visited in the fall of 2015 and we feel this to be a "must do" for anyone who wants to enhance their visit with a true West Texas experience. After having a demonstration showing the difference in how effective the straw broom is in cleaning vs the brooms we find in stores today, we bought one and have used it ever since. Not only was the demonstration educational but we learned about the different kinds of woods that are used for the handles and the different designs on the brooms and how those items affect the cost.
7. Wild Rose Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
A proper art gallery, not a cluttered up gift shop. The gallery is home to fine art photography by Robert Haspel. A wide variety of subject matter and style is displayed. Robert is a long time (old) photographer that enjoys sharing his work. Sales are secondary, so feel free to visit.
Reviewed By fbglove - Fredericksburg, Texas
Very nice gallery building with wonderful photography for sale... with a variety of subject matter and prices. Something for everyone! Very nice proprietor. Easy parking.
8. Jeff Davis County Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By JustJamesus
I needed to book a room, do some work and plan our next move for the evening, but a connection out this far is hard to come by. We stopped at the library and I was able to connect to their wifi (with provided password) and get it all done. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There were a lot of kids here as it seems to be a place for them to gather after school to await parents. So while it was a bit more noisy, it was still very helpful to have a place to connect.
9. Rattlers & Reptiles
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By BobHouston_Texas - Houston, Texas
Usually we skip snake and gator places, but we usually encounter them in high-traffic tourist areas. Think of South Florida. This placed looked authentic. It's not large, it's not at all showy. It looked like the place I would want to live if I were a snake. The snakes all looked well cared for, and we saw many more rattlesnake varieties than we would ever have guessed even existed.
10. Mount Livermore
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Climb_Big_Bend - Dallas, TX
Note: I realize this is near Ft. Davis, TX and not Fort Davis, Alabama. I notified Trip Adviser a week ago so hopefully they will move this to its rightful place.
Mount Livermore at 8378 ft. is the highest peak in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, the highest peak in Texas outside of the Guadalupe Mountains, and the 5th highest peak in the state. The peak and the surrounding land is owned by the Nature Conservancy and access to the peak is open to the public (free and no reservation required) ONLY on certain days and weekends. In 2017 for instance there are 4 open weekends and 3 open days. You can google "Davis Mountains Preserve Open Weekends" to get the schedule. You MUST register at the front office before hiking the trails so don't plan on arriving until 8 a.m. (office probably opens a little early though on open weekends). There are a limited number of camping spaces near the visitors center. Call ahead of time to ensure availability and as with hiking, you must register to camp.
The Davis Mountains are located between the Guadalupe Mountains to the North and the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park to the South. The Nature Conservancy calls the Davis Mountains a "sky island" as this range rises up from and is completely surrounded by lowland desert. What makes this range different than other Texas ranges is the flora and fauna you might see here is similar at the higher altitudes to those you might find further north into New Mexico such as the Gila or White Mountain wilderness. Mt. Livermore caps off this range in spectacular fashion with a 300 foot rocky dome called "Baldy Peak" where the views of the surrounding region are spectacular. Best of all it only takes a little bit of scrambling to get up that dome to the summit and the rest is just an easy hike (although steep in places).
To get there drive 23 miles north of Fort Davis on Highway 118 North. The Nature Conservancy gate is 10 miles north of the cutoff to McDonald Observatory on the left side of the road. It is 1/4 mile north of the Lawrence E. Wood picnic area as the road starts a sharp right hand turn. The visitor center is approximate 1/4 of a mile from the turnoff on dirt.
After registering, you will drive to the gated trailhead. The distance is about 4 or 5 miles and you will need some clearance (pickup, Subaru, Jeep Cherokee, etc...). 2 wheel drive (with clearance like a pickup or some small SUVs) should be fine as long as there hasn't been any recent rain. There isn't much parking but usually isn't a problem. You can park alongside the road as long as you don't block it.
The first 1.8 miles is on a Jeep trail and you will gain about 1200 ft. The gate is locked so you cannot drive this portion as was apparently allowed in the past. The road is steep in places and can be slippery on the way down (loose granite and sand). The next 1.8 miles is on a nice trail and will gain another 1000 ft. Like the road, it is steep in places. The last 50 yards is a scramble up very steep rock. Most people will not have any trouble with this as it is easy but those scared of heights might not like it.
The views from the summit are spectacular in all directions. Round trip times will vary of course but I'd say an average of 2.5 hours up and 1.5 hours back but of course you will want to spend some time on the summit. Although this is an "easy" hike, you must be in good shape and a semi-serious hiker to do this. There is no cell coverage so if you get in trouble you will not be able to call for help. Take a buddy with you.
Winter is the best time to hike Livermore but bring warm clothes and wind protection. Summer would be doable but hot. Bring a lot of water in the summer.
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