Top 5 Scenic Texas Drives with Car Care Tips
Texas offers breathtaking scenic drives from the twisting Hill Country roads of the Twisted Sisters to the coastal beauty of Highway 35. You'll experience desert majesty on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend, lush forest adventures through East Texas national forests, and mountain vistas on the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop.
Before hitting these routes, check your cooling system, tires, and brakes, and plan for regular undercarriage washes to help prevent coastal salt corrosion. Each journey combines natural wonder with specific vehicle care needs.
Twisted Sisters: The Ultimate Hill Country Loop Experience
Nestled in the rugged terrain of Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, the Twisted Sisters create one of the most exhilarating driving experiences in the Lone Star State. This challenging loop links Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337, featuring heart-racing turns and breathtaking vistas across river valleys. Watch for wildlife crossings, as drivers should be aware of potential animal hazards including deer and cattle along the route.
You'll need to prioritize safety precautions when traversing the 65 curves packed into just 15 miles, many with steep drop-offs and limited guardrails. Plan to refuel in Medina or Leakey before tackling this four-hour adventure.
For local amenities exploration, stop at the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop in Leakey, where you can purchase Twisted Sisters merchandise while resting. The small town also offers food and lodging—welcome comforts after enjoying what many consider Texas's most technically demanding roads.
Coastal Splendor Along Texas State Highway 35
Stretching about 206 miles along the Gulf Coast between Corpus Christi and Houston, Texas State Highway 35 offers a serene alternative to Interstate travel. You'll wind through Texas Lowcountry where Gulf breezes sculpt oak groves and hardwood thickets alongside marshy plains and estuaries perfect for waterfowl watching. The route includes stops at Palacios where you can enjoy waterside views and visit the City by the Sea Museum.
Unlike the Pacific Coast Highway, this route combines natural beauty with small town charm where local seafood and coastal hospitality await.
Remember that coastal conditions demand special vehicle attention:
- Wash your undercarriage regularly to help prevent salt air corrosion
- Monitor tire pressure for optimal performance on varied surfaces
- Check your brakes before and after traveling through towns and wildlife areas
- Maintain your cooling system for the humid coastal climate
Desert Majesty on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend
When you venture into the heart of Big Bend National Park, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive rewards travelers with about 30 miles of the Southwest's most dramatic desert landscapes. You'll wind past Sotol Vista and Mule Ears overlooks, showcasing dramatic geological formations like Cerro Castellan's multi-layered volcanic peak rising about 3,294 feet skyward.
Don't miss Tuff Canyon's ash-carved walls or Santa Elena Canyon where the Rio Grande cuts through limestone cliffs. For glimpses of vibrant desert wildlife, stop at Sam Nail Ranch where birds and javelinas may appear near the historic windmill. The drive follows a fully paved road accessible to most vehicles, making it ideal for many types of cars.
Keep your cooling system in top condition and carry ample water. Drive cautiously around curves, watching for wildlife crossings. With pullouts at every turn, you'll want 1-2 hours to fully appreciate this desert showcase.
Forest Adventures Through East Texas National Forests
Four majestic forest havens beckon travelers in East Texas, offering a verdant contrast to the state's sunbaked deserts. As you wind through these lush landscapes, you'll discover the national forests of Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine, and Sam Houston, along with the Piney Woods region's cultural richness.
When exploring these emerald treasures, consider:
- Historic trail traversals - Drive sections of El Camino Real and follow historic corridors while experiencing scenic backroads
- Birding highlights - Pull off at designated spots along scenic routes between towns and lakes
- Water recreation - Visit Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend Reservoirs for fishing and paddling
- Seasonal beauty - Time your visit during autumn for spectacular foliage along the winding Piney Woods roads
Don't miss Sabine National Forest's roughly 160,656 acres of Pineywoods terrain near the Texas-Louisiana border, offering spectacular views of Toledo Bend Reservoir.
Mountain Vistas on the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop
Tucked away in West Texas's high desert terrain, the 75-mile Davis Mountains Scenic Loop offers travelers an unparalleled journey through some of the state's most dramatic elevations. As you navigate the fully paved route, you'll climb from around 5,000 feet to expansive viewpoints above 6,000 feet, witnessing the progression between varied ecological zones of the Chihuahuan Desert.
While driving, keep your eyes peeled for hawks soaring above and lizards darting among desert scrub and mountain junipers. Fort Davis provides your base camp with multiple lodging options before exploring the historic fort, McDonald Observatory, or nearby state park. The loop follows TX-118 and TX-166, showcasing the magnificent landscapes of West Texas.
Before tackling the loop's ascents and descents, check your brakes and tire pressure. With minimal traffic and services, you'll enjoy uninterrupted scenic beauty, but fill your tank in Fort Davis first.
