Photo: Yinan Chen, public domainWest Texas Desert — 10 Days
Ancient pictographs → spring-fed desert pool → mile-high observatory
Route Map
● Austin (start/end) · numbered stops in order · dashed line shows approximate route
Estimated Trip Cost
Gas estimate assumes 2WD pickup + travel trailer at 10 mpg, 65 mph max, $3.25/gal regular unleaded (approx. national avg). Includes 560 mi of stops + 350 mi return to Austin.
Trip Highlights
- ▶ Rock art → spring-fed pool → dark-sky observatory — three iconic West Texas experiences in one loop
- ▶ Balmorhea: world's largest spring-fed swimming pool at 72–76°F year-round; turtles and fish visible while snorkeling
- ▶ Shortest inter-stop drive of any itinerary: Balmorhea → Davis Mountains is only 65 miles, 65 minutes
- ▶ Marfa day trip (65 mi from Balmorhea or Davis Mountains): Prada Marfa, mystery lights, Presidio County culture
Stop-by-Stop
Comstock, TX • TX State Parks • $14/nt + $4/person entry
Day 1: depart Austin 10 AM — 280 miles via I-35 S → San Antonio → US-90 W → Del Rio → Comstock; arrive ~2:54 PM. Roadrunner Flat primitive sites, no hookups. Guided pictograph tour Day 2. Pecos River canyon sunset Day 3.
Day 4: depart 10 AM — 215 miles via US-277 N → Sonora → I-10 W → Fort Stockton → SH-17 N → Toyahvale; arrive ~1:46 PM. Arrive in time for pool (opens 8 AM–8 PM summer). Book well in advance — fills weeks out. Marfa is 65 mi south — excellent day trip on Day 5. Snorkeling among turtles in the spring-fed pool.
Day 7: depart 10 AM — 65 miles via SH-17 S → Fort Davis; arrive ~11 AM. Short drive — afternoon McDonald Observatory visit on Day 7 itself. Star Party Tue/Fri ($25/person). Scenic Skyline Drive on Day 9 morning. Day 10: depart 10 AM — 350 miles via TX-118 S → I-10 E → Austin; arrive ~4:09 PM.