Davis: A Town, a Fort, & a State Park

During my time in Texas one of the best surprises was the state parks. The quality of their campsites as well as their beauty enhanced my time in the state. So it was apropos that my final stay in the great state was Davis Mountain State Park. As with many of my other state park stays, this one happened because I needed a place to stop along my way. So, I played State Park Camping Roulette and let the website suggest where I’d head after Big Bend.

Without a clue about the park or area, I found myself pulling into another small state park (small being relative because this is Texas, so even small is rather large).

My original plan was to stay a week: Monday-Thursday working using the nearby town of Fort Davis’ library’s Wi-Fi, then exploring on Friday and Saturday, before heading out to my next destination on Sunday. Instead, I ended up staying for 9 nights.

During the week I took some time to explore the cute little “one horse town” of Fort Davis. The main street was exactly as everyone images a small old west main street should look, including a general store that was a restaurant and hotel.

The bank looked like Billy the Kid could appear to hold it up at any moment, and the county courthouse was imposing enough with its neoclassical architecture to remind everyone to behave themselves.

Situated between the town and the park was the fort for which the town was named. Partially restored, this National Historic Site provided me with a fascinating view into the history of the southwest in the mid-19th century.

Three areas within the fort were restored, giving a well-rounded glimpse into life when it was a stop for those heading west.

My favorite building was the hospital. Before you entered the building, they presented medical cases of several people who had actually been patients. As you explored the different areas within the hospital itself you learned about each person’s treatment and what happened to them in the end. While most of the people either died or were discharged from the army because they were “partially disabled,” the personal touch made it more engaging for me.

Staying in one place for over a week was a great break (I even did a deep clean of the RV, though no matter how much I sweep, vacuum, or swiffer, the floor always feels sandy), so when I finally got to explore the park itself, I actually felt relaxed. I didn’t, however, want to do any crazy-hard hikes. I’ve discovered that hiking trail degrees of difficulties are much like ski slope ratings, you might be able to handle a black diamond in Wisconsin, but in Colorado . . . Anyway, I’ve learned a few things in my vast hiking experiences over the last month. Switch backs on an “moderate” hike? Don’t make me laugh. That’s definitely the kind of trail you hike down, not up! (see, I’ve mastered this hiking thing!). Instead I chose the Old CCC Trail that seemed more reasonable but got me to the same point. It was definitely the right choice. Amazing what climbing a different side of the mountain can do for level of effort.

The view from the top was amazing.

I discovered that the trail, the road, and many of the structures had been build by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) during the depression. I’d only really known about them from the book The Boys in the Boat (you haven’t read it, OMG, so good. You gotta read it). But not only had they provided a way up the mountain but they also built beautiful stone picnic tables and a building that was simply there to provide a place to sit so people could sit and enjoy the view through the “picture window” looking over that valley towards the Glass Mountains nearby.

When possible I avoid using the same trail on my return hike. I was confident that the taking the “moderate” Skyline Drive Trail, switch backs and all, would be a cinch. It was downhill, right? Lord, I am so glad no one was there to witness some of my more bedraggled moments. Why do trails have to go down, just to go back up again!?! I did not enjoy the scenery nearly as much on this trail as I spent a lot of time looking down at my feet (I’d prefer to hike down a mountain rather than tumble). Though, I did take in the sights more.

Halfway up an incline always has the best views, wouldn’t you agree?

I’m glad I didn’t attempt going up the switchbacks. I probably would have given up about halfway up, and that would have been a shame.

Davis Mountain State Park was like the cherry on the top of a double chocolate peanut butter malt. I couldn’t have asked for a better final stop for my time in Texas. However, knowing all the amazing things waiting for me in New Mexico, I departed from the park with anticipation and a slightly heavy foot.