Scenic Drives in Texas Hill Country

Willow City Loop, just north of Fredericksburg, Texas, is a great way to view Texas Hill Country's bluebonnets and a variety of other wildflowers, including sunflowers and Indian paintbrushes. The wildflowers are typically blooming in the spring, but the loop is worth driving any time of year.

Willow City Loop starts just off Highway 16 and Ranch Road 1323 in Willow City. It then winds through the countryside for 13 miles, and exits back out on Highway 16. Along the way, you'll pass through rolling hills, across creeks and riverbeds, and beside beautiful groves of mesquite, pecan, and oak trees. Willow City Loop also has a few iconic sites, including historic Willow City School, beautiful ranches, and the TK Ranch Cowboy Boot Fence.

Note that all property bordering the road is privately owned. It's best to simply enjoy the drive, rather than stop and park along the way. While most folks do the loop by car or motorcycle, the route is also very popular with bicyclists, runners, and hikers. If you don't travel the loop by car, the Willow City School parking lot is a convenient place to park it.

The Swiss Alps comparison might be a bit over the top, but this trip is definitely different from other Texas scenic routes. Start the Swiss Alps of Texas scenic drive in Bandera. From there, follow Highways 470 and 83 into Concan. When you pass through Leakey, get on FM 337, and head to Medina.

This scenic drive crosses the Medina River and Sabinal River a number of times. Along the way, you travel through deep valleys created by the Frio River and Nueces River, and see lots of greenery (by Texas standards). The highest points of the drive--and the best views--are in Leakey, the official home of the Swiss Alps of Texas. Here, elevations can be up to 2,400 feet. Give yourself time to explore Leakey, especially Garner State Park and areas around the Frio River.

Twisted Sisters is a biker's dream. This fully-paved 131-mile route winds through some of Texas Hill Country's most scenic areas. Along the way, you'll have to navigate through tight hairpin turns, numerous steep hills and sheer drop-offs, occasional livestock, and turns...lots of turns.

Even though this drive is difficult and somewhat dangerous, it is definitely worth the effort. Among other things, it passes by Lost Maples State Park and Garner State Park, and Lone Star Motorcycle Museum. You can also stop and get a bite to eat at the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop.

Twisted Sisters starts in Medina, Texas and combines three Farm to Market (FM) roads. Travel FM 337 west from Medina to Leakey. Then, take FM 336 north to FM 335, and head back south to FM 337. Note that FM 337 has the best driving conditions you'll find on Twisted Sisters. In contrast, FM 336 is the most difficult section of the route. It has lots of twists and turns and is where most accidents occur. Give yourself plenty of time to travel Twisted Sisters. Four hours or more is typical.

Devil's Backbone runs from Wimberley and Blanco, winding through U.S. Highway 281 and a number of Ranch to Market roads in the Texas Hill Country. Starting in Wimberly, the various backroads lead you through beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The terrain is filled with rock and desert plants. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a number of iconic Texas attractions, including Jacob's Well, Blanco State Park, and Canyon Lake. Blanco State Park, in particular, is a great place for a cool swim or relaxing picnic. Also, make a point of stopping by Devil's Backbone Overlook, where you can get panoramic views of miles and miles of Texas Hill Country.