How to Hike Fort Davis in Texas

See a piece of the historic old west with a visit to Fort Davis in west Texas. Fort Davis is an actual frontier fort that has been preserved, with half of its original structures saved. The trail is an easy 4-mile day hike into the Davis Mountains State Park from Fort Davis, with scenic views at the trail’s end.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Comfortable hiking boots
• Snacks and water
• Loose, layered seasonal clothing
• Sunscreen
• Trash bags for carrying out waste
• First aid kit
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Camera

1. From the town of Fort Davis, drive to the north side of town to find the entrance to Fort Davis National Historic Site and park at the main visitor center parking lot.
2. Walk across the parade ground to the officers’ quarters and spend time exploring the old fort.
3. Follow the marked trail up the hill from behind the buildings, and take the longer right fork.
4. View the fort from an overlook on top of the ridge.
5. Follow the trail west along the ridge top to the state park
6. Continue to the end of the 2-mile trail at a viewpoint.
7. Return along the same trail, taking a right at a fork that leads down from the ridge to the Fort.

Tips & Warnings

• Take photos of the old historic fort, one of the best restored frontier forts in the US.
• Wear protective sunscreen and a hat to avoid sunburn.
• Summer is hot at Fort Davis, so get an early start to avoid the afternoon sun.