On the far western edge of Texas, in the heart of Jeff Davis County, is the small town of Fort Davis. The town was established in 1854 with the building of a military fort named after Jefferson Davis, the Secretary of War at the time. We chose it as the launching point for a 71-mile ride that also includes the towns of Alpine and Marfa.
If you are into mountain scenery with plenty of gradual hills and canyon-like valleys, this is a great ride. It is also one you can take any time of year, pending severe storms in the forecast, obviously. You'll see different colors in the mountain soil and foliage depending on what season you ride in.
Riding the Route
Start your trip in the historic city of Fort Davis, Texas. You might even want to pay a visit a day early, so that you have time to visit the numerous historic sites in the area. When you are ready to depart, make your way to State Rt. 118 heading south out of town.
Approximately 23 miles down the road, you'll reach the outskirts of Alpine, TX. Drive right through the center of town until you pick up Rt. 67/90. Make a right-hand turn, heading west. Rt. 67/90 gradually heads west and south as you make your way toward Marfa. Along the way, you'll pass the Marfa Lights viewing center (more on this later). You will travel a total of about 26 miles before you reach Marfa.
At Marfa, you'll pick up Rt. 17 heading north. You will pass the Marfa Municipal Airport as you ride the straight shot back up to Fort Davis. It is a fairly simple ride involving just three state routes.
Scenery and Road Conditions
The scenery along this route varies depending on where you are. Your first leg will be mostly mountain passes and single lane road. Making the turn out of Alpine, things gradually level out as you get closer to Marfa. From Marfa back up to Fort Davis is a fairly straight road, but the mountain terrain gradually begins to return.
Some of the rock formations in this part of Texas are pretty amazing. You'll also enjoy quite a few twists and turns that keep the ride interesting. Along the flat lands outside of Marfa, you will see some unique vegetation typical to West Central Texas. As for the Marfa Lights, they are an institution in the Lone Star State.
The mysterious lights can be seen at different times of the year from a municipally-built platform you'll drive right by on Rt. 67/90. However, you'd have to stop at night to actually see them. Those who prefer a paranormal explanation believe the lights are UFOs coming to investigate our planet every now and again. Others who prefer a more rational explanation say they are either car lights seen from a distance or reflections of other surface lights in airborne water vapor. We'll let you decide for yourself.
As for the road conditions, they are very good along the entire loop. There may be a few minor spots in some of the mountain passes where you will have to look out for loose rocks and gravel; otherwise, this is a smooth ride from start to finish. Experienced and new riders alike should find the Fort Davis Loop an enjoyable change of pace.
