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Scenic Byways, Texas (View Photos):
El Camino del Rio : Length - 50 miles
This drive connects the towns of Lajitas and Presidio as it straddles the north bank of the Rio Grande River via Texas
route 170. Big Bend Ranch State Park, the largest state park in Texas, encompasses much of the scenery along the way.
The highlight of the drive occurs when it reaches the top of Santana Mesa after ascending a very steep grade. Overlooks
and short hikes lead to grand views of the Chihuahuan Desert wilderness. From here, the sheer walls of Madera canyon
are breathtaking.
Further off in the distance, the Rio Grande River snakes through a wide valley, leaving a ribbon of
green vegetation behind. This epic western landscape is dominated by mesas, eroded rock formations, towering
volcanic cliffs, and of course, the river. After descending Santana Mesa and dropping to the valley below, the
drive enters into a series of undulations along the bank of the Rio Grande River before flattening out across a
stretch of open range. The journey concludes at the small adobe border town of Presidio.
Davis Mountains Loop : Length - 74 miles
Some of the tallest mountains in Texas are visible from this loop drive which combines portions of Texas 118, 166, and
17. Volcanic rock accumulations, undulating grasslands, rolling desert hills, and a cottonwood lined creek are also part of the experience. One of the prominent landmarks along the loop drive is Sawtooth Mountain, a jagged volcanic cone eroded over time by the forces of nature. Volcanic outcroppings are a common feature of the Davis Mountains. Visitors seeking silence will not be disappointed when exploring this stark landscape. A quick detour into Davis Mountains State Park leads to a short scenic drive and several hiking trails.
The scenery takes a refreshing turn when the drive enters Limpia Canyon and skirts past the flowing waters of Limpia
Creek and the numerous cottonwoods that thrive along its banks. For those interested in astronomy, a side trip to McDonald Observatory atop 6,809 foot Mount Locke is highly recommended. The observatory operates four powerful research
telescopes to help scientists decipher the heavens. Tours of the observatory and stargazing opportunities are available at the visitor center.
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Rio Grande River and prickly pear cactus from Santana Mesa, Big Bend Ranch State Park, El Camino del Rio, (November 2006)
Rio Grande River from Santana Mesa, Big Bend Ranch State Park, El Camino del Rio, (November 2006)
Rio Grande River and prickly pear cactus, Big Bend Ranch State Park, El Camino del Rio, (November 2006)
Striated cliff formation, Big Bend Ranch State Park, El Camino del Rio, (November 2006)
Striated cliff formation, Big Bend Ranch State Park, El Camino del Rio, (November 2006)
Tepees picnic area in Madera Canyon, Big Bend Ranch State Park, El Camino del Rio, (November 2006)
Rio Grande River floodplain, Big Bend Ranch State Park, El Camino del Rio, (November 2006)
Volcanic outcroppings, Davis Mountains State Park, (November 2006)
Scrubby plain with Davis Mountains in the background, near McDonald Observatory, (November 2006)
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