Want to explore the beauty of Texas Hill Country? Try one of the unique scenic drives in our part of Texas. In this article, we've listed a few of the most enjoyable drives you'll find in our area. If you have questions, feel free to give us a call at your convenience. We look forward to meeting you!
Willow City Loop
Length: 13 miles east
Main attraction: Wildflowers
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.
Our part of Texas has some of the most interesting small towns in the country. Check out our article on some of our favorites Texas Hill Country small towns.
Enjoy the real Cowboy way. Learn to handle a Horse, throw a rope on a cow. Trail rides throw the Texas Hill Country, ride a real Texas Longhorn. If you want to learn to handle a horse rope a cow and have a cowboy experience call Valerie @ 210-438-2484
Outlaw Outfitters
For horseback riding Hill Country Natural area or Medina River area, Outlaw Outfitters can give you the real experience.
The Texas Hill Country has the best paved roads for Motorcycle riding that include breath taking views, elevation changes with sweeping curves and twisting roads.
Al's Hideaway is not only Biker Friendly but we also ride, our park was built for Bikers by Bikers.
If you would like to include a guided Motorcycle Tour as part of your stay please contact us at alshideawayrentals@gmail.com
Groups Welcomed
BANDERA CITY PARK
Bandera City Park is located in beautiful downtown Bandera. Which offers fishing, swimming and picnic areas with BBQ pits.
Check out the Medina County Park at Medina Lake. Known for fishing, boating, swimming, and scuba diving. You will find your whole day filled with activities at this beautiful park.
Lost Maples State Park is so vibrant in the fall but it is spectacular year-round. You will see wildflowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. Bring your whole family to enjoy the beautiful vistas.
Cool off in the heat of the summer and float the Medina River. You can get your tube or kayak rentals and they will even shuttle you to different locations depending on how long you want to stay on the river.
Enjoy the San Antonio River Walk as you stroll the riverside paths bordered with beautiful trees, restaurants, hotels, shops and museums. Experience the rich history as you enjoy everything along the way.
At SeaWorld San Antonio you can experience so much more than you would think. You can enjoy the amazingly trained whales and dolphins and then you can go enjoy rides in the park or to to the water park to cool off. This is the perfect place to spend your day.
Enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and general wildlife viewing on the half-mile nature trail at The Tunnel State Park. The trail opens daily at sunrise and closes at 5 p.m. Bring drinking water, as no water is available in the park. Picnic tables are available. Restrooms are only open in the evenings during bat season (May to October).
No matter where you visit in Bandera County you will find clear skies, bright stars, stunning scenery and, most of all, friendly folks just waiting to swap stories and tall tales with you.
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the Motorcycle Museum displays machines from the 1910's to now and from all around the world. Come and check it out.
Cascade Caverns is host to the albino Cascade Caverns Salamander (Eurycea latitans), unique solution domes, "chubby" stalactites, Eastern Pipistrelle bats, cliff and leopard frogs, as well as an underground waterfall and lake. So don’t forget your camera.
The Cave Without a Name is filled with spectacular formations of Stalactites, Stalagmites, delicate Soda Straws, Cave Drapery, magnificent Flowstones, Rimstone Dams, and more. Enjoy a tour of the six major rooms in comfort; 66 degrees year-round, easy walkways, brilliant lighting.
Bandera brewery has a tasty selection of locally brewed and carefully crafted beers. Each of their flavors is hand-picked including familiar tastes, new creations and seasonal favorites.
Fiesta Winery has some of the best tasting Texas Wine around. Uncork and expect a fiesta. You can go to a physical location and test six wines for only $20 so you know which bottles you want to take with you.
Sister Creek Vineyards use Bordeaux and Burgundy wine making techniques to produce their wonderful Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.
Open Tuesday-Sunday 7 to 3, Out of the way Cafe provides a delicious breakfast lunch or dinner while serving the best coffee around. This is a very kid friendly place so come as a family.
The Old Forge serves only the choicest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables and their salad bar has only the freshest field greens and vegetables, made-from-scratch soups and baked potatoes. And don’t forget to try one of their fresh desserts
The Old Spanish Trail was used by the Conquistadors, who often followed routes established long ago by Native Americans.
The O.S.T. Restaurant has been serving the dining needs of Bandera since 1921, making it the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Bandera County.
The Bandera General Store building is 108 years old – built in 1907. It has the original wood floors and the original tin tile ceiling. It has been a saddle shop, a feed store, an appliance store (word has it caskets were sold in the basement and during prohibition the cowboys drank beer and played cards on the empty caskets
