For information on the wildflowers blooming in Big Bend National Park there is a recording at 432-477-2251, press 5.

Biking
On a clear day in far West Texas, you can see forever and most of our days are clear. If you're on a bicycle,
you can ride forever. The mountains and plains around Fort Davis are a road rider's paradise, with especially nice rides for those who can ride 50 to 100 miles daily. The classic ride is around the Scenic Loop . The Scenic Loop mileage is about 75 miles. It is the most beautiful ride in Texas, bar none. The elevation change is dramatic -- from about 5,000 feet in town to a
max of 6,270 with lots of ups and downs of several hundred feet in-between. No, you're not in Houston anymore. Other scenic rides take you from Fort Davis to Alpine and back, or to Marfa and back. A shorter ride with less challenging but still gorgeous terrain is a ride north from Fort Davis on Texas 118 to the base of Mt. Locke (with the twin observatories on top) and back again. Make sure you ride through the state park, too. The Permian Basin Bicycle Association sponsors the annual Fort Davis Cyclefest  For details, call (432) 699-1718.

Most privately owned land, and  Fort Davis National Historical Site do not allow riding off the pavement, mountain biking opportunities are limited. However, the Prude Guest Ranch has about five miles of trails open to mountain biking. Guests at the ranch may use the trails at no charge. For details, call 1-800-458-6232. Davis Mountains State Park has a 3.5 mile mountain biking trail for experienced bikers. check out www.bigbendcyclists.org

Camping 
Camping is extremely popular among visitors (take a look up at the stars here and you'll understand why). Tent and RV campsites are available at several locations in the area.

Glider Rides
Take a scenic glider ride or schedule flying lessons with our FAA Flight Instructors. The enclosed glider cockpit has two seats - one for you and one for your pilot.   Soaring is safe and fun for the entire family.  Since 1967 the Big Bend has hosted several US National Soaring contests and the 1970 World Soaring Competition that established  Texas  as a premier area for exceptional flying conditions.    Marfa Gliders is located on the Marfa Airport on Highway 17, just 18 miles south of Fort Davis, and 3 miles north of Marfa.  We fly year-round by appointment.  Call 800-667-9464,  www.flygliders.com

Hiking
The majority of land in the Davis Mountains is privately owned, which limits opportunities for hiking. However, there are still great trails that should satisfy all but the most demanding hiker.

The area's most popular hiking trail runs across a mountain ridge from the interpretive center at Davis Mountains State Park  to the grounds of the Fort Davis National Historic Site. Distance is four miles. The trail is well-marked and footing is generally sound, though hillsides in the state park may have some loose rock. Steep trail sections have switchbacks. Views from the lookout points on top, where the foot trail crosses the state park's Skyline Drive, are stunning. Hikers can start at either end, in the Davis Mountains State Park or Fort Davis National Historic Site.

Another major trail -- a 4-mile loop -- is in the state park's Limpia Canyon Primitive Area, which is roughly across the highway and just south of the park's main gate. Hikers must check in at the park office.

Several marked trails in the park head out from the main park road and Keesey Canyon into the adjoining hills. The trails are typically steep and short, but reward the effort with superb vistas.

The Fort Davis National Historic Site has four miles of hiking trails, including the section of trail that links to the state park trail. A map is available at the visitor’s center. The trails mostly climb through the striking rock formations of Sleeping Lion Mountain, with splendid vistas as the trail climbs. Interpretive signs along some trails identify vegetation and other natural features. Although the climbs can be steep, trails in the fort are well marked, footing is good and steps are provided in especially tricky sections.

For information call State Park (432) 426-3337; National Historic Site (432) 426-3224.

Horseback Riding  
With working ranches that still use cowboys on horseback, Fort Davis is surely Texas' premier horse country. Visitors who want to ride have four choices; all offer excellent saddle horses and guides.

Riding Instruction
Sunrise Stables -  PO Box 1338, Fort Davis, TX 79734.     Dressage instruction and training for all disciplines and all abilities through FEI levels by  A. Whit Watkins, USDF gold medallist and international competitor. Focus is on the collaborative partnership between horse and rider. Indoor Olympic arena, outdoor arenas, and indoor and outdoor stalls. Located on 4,000 scenic acres in the Davis Mountains below Mount Locke's Observatory. (432) 426-2402 (barn) (432) 426-2378 (house).  e-mail beav@overland.net.

Yoga
High Desert Yoga - PO Box 175/ 200 State Highway 17, 432-426-2497 highdesertyoga@hotmail.com.
Beginning and intermediate yoga classes offered Tuesday-Friday in our beautifully remodeled studio. Certified instructor with training in Iyengar style yoga. Classes are 1 & ½ hrs and include breathing, asana and relaxation. Hours are Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-11:00 Wednesday & Friday 11:00-12:30.

Jeep Tours
Davis Mountain Jeep Tours – Take a tour of the historic H.E. Sproul Ranch in a customized 4x4 touring jeep! Each regularly scheduled tour is 2 ½ hours and includes spectacular mountain scenery and a chance to view abundant native wildlife. Custom tours including fishing or a picnic can also be arranged. Reservations may be made at the Harvard Hotel, 109 State Street, 432-426-2500. www.harvardhotelandlodge.com

Hunting
Davis Mountains State Park and Fort Davis National Historical Site -- do not allow hunting. All hunting occurs on the private ranches in the area, there is great bird hunting as well as exotic and native game hunting.

CF Ranch - P.O. Box 689 , Alpine, TX 79831 (432) 364-2251 offers  hunting and lodging. e-mail paco@jmkint.com

H.E. SPROUL RANCH – Located in the heart of the Davis Mountains, we offer numerous free-range hunting opportunities for West Texas game, including elk, mule deer, mountain lion, aoudad, antelope, javelina, wild hog, turkey and quail. All hunts are fully guided and include hunting vehicles and horses. Home cooked meals and first class accommodations are also included in the hunt and are provided at the Ranch. Prices are available upon request. Please visit www.sproulranch.com or call 432-426-2500 for more information.

JDC Ranch Partners (Rancho del Cielo) - P O Box 3076, Kent, TX 79855, (915) 828-3542, FAX (915) 828-3556 e-mail jdcranch@rionet.coop Located 30 miles North of McDonald Observatory on Hwy 118; 7 miles south of Kent. Guided Hunts - Trophy Aoudad, Javelina. Management deer hunts.  

Kokernot 06 Ranch - P O Box 918, Fort Davis, TX 79734 (432) 426-3380 Fax (432) 426-3000. Guided hunts: Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Antelope, Aoudad, Javelina, Feral Hogs, Birds. e-mail mail@dianelacy.com

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