To a lot of people, the fact that mountains exist in Texas is a huge shocker in and of itself. Tell them we have multiple ranges with towering peaks and cascading valleys, and you’ll see the wide-eyed expression of a fascinated child staring back at you. Amid the West Texas desert that stretches for hundreds and hundreds of miles, these monoliths remain an unwavering force in the billowy winds. There’s something truly magical about the isolation of the desert, and the Davis Mountains are the perfect place to experience this phenomenon.
The Davis Mountains often get overlooked in favor of nearby Big Bend, but they’re beautiful and deserve much more recognition.
Flickr/roberthensley
The only town within hundreds of miles is Fort Davis - aside from that, there’s nothing but desert as far as the eye can see.
Flickr/Claire Gillman
You’ll be hard-pressed to find any people here or pass another car on the road…
Flickr/davehensley
…but what you will find is the overwhelming sense of tranquility that goes along with being utterly alone in the presence of such majestic nature.
Flickr/cherieb
Davis Mountains State Park is riddled with desolate, peaceful trails that will reward you with a panoramic view of the breathtaking West Texas desert.
Flickr/polymerchemist
And even if hiking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the unforgettable view from the comfort of your car.
Flickr/evonneleif
The best part? There are no streetlights or neon signs anywhere near close enough to interfere with the night sky, so the Milky Way band as well as millions of stars become visible.
Flickr/fornobject
The McDonald Observatory even hosts “Star Parties” where you can gather with fellow enthusiasts and look through powerful telescopes to see the sky in ways you never have before.
Flickr/agrilifetoday
So if ever you’re lost and need to find yourself, look no further than the Davis Mountains…
Flickr/shangrilaista
…because it’s often in complete stillness and silence that we come to the most difficult realizations.
Flickr/roberthensley
Have you ever been to the Davis Mountains area? How did being in such a desolate place make you feel?
Flickr/roberthensley
Flickr/Claire Gillman
Flickr/davehensley
Flickr/cherieb
Flickr/polymerchemist
Flickr/evonneleif
Flickr/fornobject
Flickr/agrilifetoday
Flickr/shangrilaista
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
