9 Most Scenic Drives in Texas

You really don't know Texas until you jump behind the wheel to explore its beautiful rolling hills, wide open spaces, and fields of wildflowers. Although Texas Hill Country often hogs the limelight, it deserves it. The region’s lush landscapes and verdant valleys can be quiet and restful, yet dramatic and showy, and the stark desert beauty that defines other parts of the state can be overwhelming and even a bit harsh. Ready for a life-changing adventure? Keep reading to discover the 9 most scenic drives in Texas.

Pinto Canyon Road (FM 2810)

It can be rough, with an unpaved section best suited to a vehicle with high clearance and all-wheel drive, but Pinto Canyon Road is an experience every intrepid road tripper needs to taste at least once in their lifetime. It winds through vast, empty stretches, with no remnant of civilization, just the hum of the engine against a breathtaking backdrop. Begin your adventure in Marfa, a stunning, artsy town made famous by celebrated artist Donald Judd, who reshaped how artists think about sculpture and space. Explore the Chinati Foundation and admire Judd's large-scale works of art.

After this, rev up the engine and target Pinto Canyon, where expansive views of volcanic landforms stage a gasp-inducing drama that is as wild as it is whimsical. From here, you will pass the ruins of adobe houses, including Jose Prieto's ranch, once the home of an enterprising Mexican immigrant, who beat the odds and forged a living for himself and his family during the difficult days of the Great Depression. Remember to stop to snap pictures of the Chinati Mountains as you keep tabs on Chinati Hot Springs, which has served as a refreshing oasis for travelers to the Chihuahuan Desert for years. At Ruidoso, jump out for a stretch, then continue to Presidio for a tasty meal at El Buen Gusto.

The Twisted Sisters

Although motorcyclists consider it a legendary ride, the Twisted Sisters also offers drivers some of the best four-wheel experiences in the world. It features three farm-to-market roads - FM 335, 336, and 337E - creating a 100-mile loop that snakes through the heart of the Texas Hill Country. You will bend along the edges of sharp cliffs, meaning steady hands and a steady mind are crucial prerequisites. For perspective, one 15-mile section of the road boasts more than 65 curves. There are also long stretches without any services, so be sure to fill up on gas and water in Leaky and Camp Wood when you roll through.

The drive typically starts in Medina, where you can stock up on snacks for the ride at Love Creek Orchard's Apple Store. Proceed along FM 337 to Leakey, and stop for a bit at Bent Rim Grill while you're at it. From here, the road turns north onto FM 336, a stretch with a heart-churning succession of twists and turns, before hooking up with FM 335 for the last leg of the trip. Keep tabs on the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool and Garner State Park near Concan, where you can take a plunge in the Frio River and cool off a bit before getting back on the road.

Devil’s Backbone

With its high limestone ridges, sweeping views of rolling Hill Country, rugged canyons, and oak-juniper woodlands, the Devil’s Backbone is among the most haunted drives in Texas. Local lore includes tales of ghost ranchers herding cattle and phantom Confederate soldiers on horseback high up in the hills. All along this scenic route, rugged Texas Hill Country opens up to sweeping vistas.

Begin the trip in Blanco and head to US Highway 281, before turning onto Farm Road (FM) 32. Stop for a stretch and a photo at The Devil's Backbone Overlook. From here, keep an eye out for Jacob's Well Natural Area, a phenomenal place with awesome trails and a beautiful artisan spring to explore. You will also pass through Wimberley, where you can refuel and grab a bite, then drive back to Blanco via Farm Road 2325 and Farm Road 165.

Farm to Market Road 170 (FM 170)

Known locally as the River Road, Farm to Market Road 170, which runs from Candelaria through Presidio to State Highway 118 in Study Butte near Big Bend National Park, is one of Texas’s most unforgettable drives. It winds closely along the Rio Grande River and the Mexican border, offering dramatic canyon vistas and stark desert beauty. Because it spans about 115 miles, you will find lots of cool spots to pull over and enjoy fantastic views and experiences, especially considering the route defines the southern boundary of Big Bend Ranch State Park. Fandango Dom Rock offers breathtaking views of the Rio Grande from the location where Kevin Costner delivered his iconic soliloquy in the cult classic film for which it is named. Another unmissable highlight is The Fort Leaton State Historic Site in Presidio, the largest adobe building in Texas.

Park Road 4

Abbreviated PR 4, Park Road 4 is a 15.5-mile, two-lane parkway that provides access to Longhorn Cavern State Park and the eastern shore of Inks Lake State Park, which sits on the banks of Inks Lake, beloved for its sparkling blue waters. If you come in spring, you will find hills and curves all covered in a rainbow of wildflower colors. The limestone, the bluebonnets, the oaks; the scenery almost looks contrived. The drive runs east-west across Burnet County, starting from near the town of Burnet to just before Kingsland. Lakeland Hills Memorial Park is a beautiful cemetery on high ground with a wonderful view of the Colorado River Valley, while Longhorn Cavern State Park is a mind-bending underground gem steeped in myth and legend. Meanwhile, Burnet County Picnic Area is quiet and rustic, and a cool place for a peaceful pit stop.

River Road from New Braunfels to Canyon Lake

Not to be confused with the other River Road mentioned above, this one is short and sweet, and proves that some of the best things in life are bite-sized. This 10-mile ride is a winding, two-lane scenic road that runs from New Braunfels to Sattler. For most of its length, it closely hugs the Guadalupe River, and that is the secret to its beauty and fame. It crosses the Guadalupe River several times over beautiful low-water bridges and features towering cypress trees and limestone bluffs. The river is mostly gentle, making it a perfect place to stop for a paddle or float and take in the cool, peaceful vistas. Highlights to check out include Camp Huaco Springs, 30 acres of paradise on the outskirts of New Braunfels, and Canyon Lake itself, a water wonderland with tons of recreational opportunities.

Highway 207 from Silverton to Claude

It often does not get the praise it deserves, but the 50-mile stretch of Highway 207 from Silverton to Claude is emphatically one of the most scenic drives in Texas, especially because it cuts right through the Palo Duro Canyon system. Palo Duro is the second-largest canyon in the United States and is affectionately called “the Grand Canyon of Texas.” Aside from the park’s rugged beauty and red rock cliffs, it's worth a slight detour to experience the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, which runs Tuesdays through Sundays in the summer at the Pioneer Amphitheater in the park. There is also the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River and Lake Mackenzie, with a marina and campground, for a bit of sightseeing and recreation along the way.

Highway 16 - Kerrville to Bandera

Highway 16 between Kerrville to Bandera is enticingly mellow, peaceful, and packed with Hill Country soul. It follows the Guadalupe River, the centerpiece of Texas Hill Country recreation, for a delightful stretch, and then wanders through quiet towns like Medina, the Apple Capital of Texas, before ending in Bandera, the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World. Along the way, Quiet Valley Ranch hosts the Kerrville Folk Festival for three weeks between May and June, and tubing is a popular activity in the warmer months, with outfitters like the Medina River Company offering rentals and shuttle service to various put-in locations upriver.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

There are few rides in the United States that are short but pack a punch in the variety of habitats, interesting geology, and raw beauty like the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Texas. This drive spans just 30 miles and is named for Big Bend National Park’s first superintendent and geologist. Many consider it the most interesting of the paved sightseeing routes in the world-famous park, which features the largest protected portion of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States.

Head to the Panther Junction Visitor Center, then follow signs for Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which starts a short distance to the west. The road begins near the center of the park and leads southwest toward the Rio Grande. Watch for the Sam Nail Ranch, a cool, historic spot with an easy walk to see the stretched-out wilderness. Up ahead is the panoramic Sotol Vista Overlook, particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, the unmissable Mule Ears Viewpoint, and Tuff Canyon Overlook, whose viewing platforms are a short walk from the side street parking area. The drive ends at Santa Elena Canyon, a truly incredible spot with photo ops galore.

The Takeaway

If you only look at your bills, you may think life is an endless circle of drudgery. But if you pause to notice the small joys around you, life begins to reveal its hidden colors and quiet blessings. One way to do that is to explore the hidden nooks in your state, and discover sites and sounds that make life cheerful, epic, and filled with meaning. So next time you get the chance, try out the most scenic drives in Texas.